What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law protects against accidents that involve commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These huge vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety and training.
Trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer and manipulate logbooks. 18 wheeler accident lawyer provo can lead to catastrophic trucking crashes.
Weight Regulations
Understanding the weight limits of semi trucks is vital. Most states have single axle and group axle weight limits that must be observed. Weigh stations are common along interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure they don't exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver is found to be in violation of these restrictions, they may be fined or even imprisoned, based on the state of their residence and criminal record.
Axle groups are able to have an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight across multiple axles makes the vehicle more secure and allows for more cargo to be transported. A single tire on an wheel can only be weighed up to 650 pounds per inch however, when two tires are on the same axle, it could be weighed up to 1300 pounds.
There are limitations on the types of trailers which can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states allow only one trailer while some states allow twin or triple trailers. In addition, many states require the fifth wheel to be installed on the trailer. It is a rounded plate on top of the drive wheels which joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractors and sleeper cabs can be found. They both come with sleeping spaces in the tractor unit.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to lane restrictions truck drivers must follow speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't permitted to drive at the same speeds as cars for passengers. If they do, accidents may occur. In most cases the truck driver is at fault in these accidents. 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 tired or distracted behind the vehicle.
Truck drivers are also banned from driving in the left side of the road. This is due to the fact that it takes much longer for trucks to brake than cars. This could create a risky situation, especially for smaller vehicles that could be stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.
There are some states that specifically exclude big trucks and block them from using the left lane, and other states limit the use of the lane under certain circumstances. In some cases the laws are determined by weight and axel limits, whereas in others they could be based upon vehicle description or direction signs.
Even if there's no state-wide law governing lane restrictions, you should still be aware of local rules and abide by them. You should also shift to the right when you spot trucks blocking the lane.
Ownership
Companies operating 18 wheelers and trucking have a vast array of resources to pressure accident victims into accepting far less than they deserve. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and even engineers that work on their behalf before they know whether an accident victim will seek legal remedy.
In accidents, 18-wheelers are often responsible for catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage due to the fact that they are able to carry heavy loads and are incredibly large compared to passenger vehicles. This is particularly true when these trucks collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to find a lawyer who has experience fighting for your rights against these massive, powerful corporations.
Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complex concepts from the fields of biology, chemistry, physics as well as federal trucking regulations medical regulations, and driving rules. Our lawyers have the knowledge to uncover violations of these laws, and then show the jury how it led to your accident.
18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the negligent or reckless actions of a variety of parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties at fault and ensure that they are liable for your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms, owners and maintenance contractors, and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that may have contributed to your accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies can provide large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They start this process even before they know whether you'll be seeking legal recourse. It is essential to find an attorney who can match their resources and bringing them down in size.
A lawyer who has expertise in handling 18-wheeler accidents will relieve you of the burden and help you get the compensation you're due. The money could be used to pay for medical costs, vehicle damage as well as lost income from missing work, and other non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
18 wheelers are highly complex vehicles and require high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and maintain detailed records could lead to disastrous accidents.
Tractor-trailers can be used to transport hazardous materials which require specialized training and certification. This material can be explosive, flammable or toxic, all of which pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. A fatal accident could occur if the load is not properly labeled and secured.
A competent 18-wheeler accident attorney will determine the exact cause and blame the parties who are responsible. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking company and the owner of the trailer as well as the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is known as vicarious liability.