This Week's Top Stories About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Every year, trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers are involved in numerous accidents. They transport dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private vehicles.

Truck accidents are often caused by driver fatigue. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers can drive and also requires them to keep accurate records of their working hours.

Weight limit

As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person and towards online shopping, the road is becoming increasingly overrun by trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these huge vehicles in terms of speed and maneuverability. It's a challenge for all drivers, but smaller cars and passenger vehicles are finding it difficult to maneuver around these massive vehicles.

Fortunately there are laws that regulate the legal maximum weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck as well as the cargo it is carrying. It's essential to know the legal limits so that you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000lbs. There are weight limits that differ for axle groupings and single axles. For example the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches, but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight restrictions, for single-axle vehicles and axle groups.

The penalties for over-weight differ from state to state, but can include fines up to $16,000. In certain cases, the driver's employer may be accountable for these fines too. Repeat offenders could also face higher fines.

Lane restrictions

In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of most states regulate the manner in which trucks can drive on highways. For instance, certain states impose a ban on big trucks and block them from using the left lane on roads with multiple lanes.  18 wheeler accident lawyer birmingham  is intended to prevent cars from following trucks too closely, and could cause an accident.

In these instances the truck driver has no choice but to switch lanes or risk a collision. To be capable of passing slower cars quickly they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers should also be able monitor other motor vehicles on the left lane in order to look for hazards or traffic devices that require them to take turns.

Anyone who does not comply with these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by a truck which has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they may be entitled to compensation.

Trucks have the biggest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they need plenty of room to move. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This can lead to them the jackknife. Sometimes, drivers slow down so much that the truck cannot be able to pass them. This puts both drivers at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards are a fantastic option to shield your vehicle from damage, but you should be aware of the laws of your state before installing them. Certain states do not permit bumper guards while some only allow them on vehicles that are parked. These devices are also worth investing in for protection when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities that have plenty of parallel parking. They prevent scrapes and dents which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.

They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains, and are an essential feature of off-road vehicles. They clear away the debris and brush, and they may even help with headlight protection.

There are a variety of ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. These include mat-style protectors as well as sticky rubber strips. The stick-on type is the easiest to install because it is able to be removed in minutes without leaving sticky residue. However, this type isn't very secure and does not provide all the angles of your truck.

Certain companies make mat-style protective covers that fold or put into a roll for easy storage and transport. The LuvTap is a favored model, made of gentle padded cotton material and can be adjusted to fit various sizes of vehicles. It also has shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in poor lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps, which secure it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be removed when needed.

Insurance

The consequences of truck accidents can be catastrophic and cause serious injuries or even the loss of a loved one. This is why state and federal regulations require trucking companies carry much larger insurance policies than typical passenger vehicles. They can be worth up 40 times more than the standard insurance. However, trucking insurers will do everything they can to avoid paying the victims of accidents. They often attempt to trick injured people into giving a written statement or employ other techniques to reduce their liability. It is crucial to consult an experienced Denver truck crash attorney when filing an 18 wheeler crash claim.

The requirements for insurance for trucks are complex and differ by the jurisdiction. The most popular insurance is primary liability. It protects property from damage caused by the truck in an accident. You should also consider the liability and cargo insurance for non-trucking purposes. The first protects the truck when it transports an item and is often included in the contract between the driver and their carrier. The latter, sometimes called "bobtail" coverage, safeguards both the driver of the truck as well as the truck during the interval between loads.

If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer accident, the minimum insurance limits required for tractors and trailers are considerably lower than those for passenger automobiles. You'll have to fight the insurance company of the trucking firm to get an equitable settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify the parties that could be liable including the driver, the trucking company, and any dram shops who may have served the driver too much.