13 Things You Should Know About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers That You Might Not Have Known

What Is 18 Wheeler Law? Accidents that involve commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the law governing 18 wheelers. These huge vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety, and training. Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently force their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can lead accidents involving trucks to be devastating. Weight Regulations It is crucial to know the weight limitations of semi trucks. Most states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be adhered to. There are numerous weigh stations along interstates, and truckers are weighed to ensure that they do not exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found to be in violation of these restrictions, they may be fined or even jailed depending on the state of their residence and criminal record. Axle groups have a higher weight limit because the vehicle is more secure when the weight is spread over a wider range of axles. This also allows for the transportation of more cargo. A single tire on an wheel can only weigh up to 700 pounds per inch, but when two tires are on the same axle, they can be weighed as high as 1300 pounds. There are limitations on the kinds of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer while others only allow twin or triple trailers. Furthermore, many states require fifth wheels on the trailer, which is a round plate that is above the drive wheels, which connects (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractor models and sleeper cabs are readily available. They both come with a sleeping area in the tractor unit. Lane Restrictions In addition to restrictions on lane usage, truck drivers must also adhere to speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't permitted to drive at the same speeds as passenger vehicles. If they do, accidents are likely to occur. In most instances, it's the truck driver that is the one to blame. This is due to the fact that truck drivers can be driving for longer than is permitted and break hours-of service rules or become sleepy or distracted behind the wheel. Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers aren't permitted to drive in the left side of the lane. This is because it takes a lot longer for trucks to brake than cars. This can be a dangerous issue, especially for those with smaller cars who could be stranded behind a truck if it slows or stops suddenly. There are states that specifically target large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane. However, others limit the usage of the lane in certain circumstances. In some cases, these laws are built around axel and weight limits, while in other they could be based on the description of the vehicle or directions. Even if there's no statewide law that you can follow, you should be aware of local rules on lane restrictions and follow them. Also, you should move to the right when you see trucks passing in the lane, so that it does not block faster cars from approaching you. Ownership Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have massive resources at their disposal to force victims of accidents into accepting less than they deserve. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who work on their behalf before they even know if the victim of the accident will pursue legal action. Due to their massive load and are larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers often cause a lot of injuries and huge property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is particularly so when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is crucial to have an experienced lawyers fight for your rights and recoveries against these powerful, large corporations. Accidents involving large trucks require a deep understanding of concepts that are derived from biology, chemistry and physics and federal trucking regulations medical and driving regulations. Our lawyers have the knowledge to identify violations of these laws and demonstrate to the jury the circumstances that led to your accident. There are many parties that can be responsible for 18-wheeler truck crashes. Our NY attorney for accidents involving 18 wheels will investigate all liable parties and make sure they are liable for their fair part of your current and expected costs. This includes trucking firms owners, maintenance contractors, owners and even drivers themselves. Our team will also look into weather conditions that might be a factor in your accident. Insurance The trucking industry has a wealth of resources at their disposal and can quickly send teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts to develop a strategy for defense against accident victims. They start the process before they decide if you will to pursue legal recourse. It is essential to find an attorney who can match their resources and bringing them down in size. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit milpitas seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer can take the burden of dealing with these big corporations off your hands and concentrate on securing the compensation you are entitled to. The money will cover costs such as high medical bills or vehicle damage, lost wages from missing work, as well as non-economic injuries like suffering and pain. 18 wheelers are highly complex vehicles and require a high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and maintain accurate records could result in devastating accidents. Tractor-trailers are often used to transport hazardous materials, which require special training and licenses. The material may be explosive, flammable, radiological or poisonous, and all of these pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could result in a fatal accident. A reputable 18 wheeler accident lawyer can determine the exact causes of your accident and hold any responsible parties who could be accountable. These may include the driver of the truck or the trucking company the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is called vicarious responsibility.