zebrahat19

What Is 18 Wheeler Law? Accidents caused by commercial truck drivers their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered by the 18 wheeler law. These huge vehicles must adhere to strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training. Unfortunately, trucking companies often press their drivers to complete longer hours and manipulate log books. This can lead to devastating trucking accidents. 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 commonplace on interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is caught in violation of these limits they could face fines or even imprisoned depending on their criminal history and the state. Axle groups have an increased limit because spreading the weight across multiple axles is safer for the vehicle and allows more cargo to be transported. For example one tire on an axle may be weighed at 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter but when there are 2 tires on the same axle it could be measured at 1300 pounds per tire. There are restrictions on the types of trailers which can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Some states permit only one trailer while some states allow twin or triple trailers. In addition, some states require five wheels on the trailer. It is a circular plate over the drive wheels, which connects (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab and night cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs are offered. They both include an area for sleeping in the tractor unit. 18 wheeler accident lawyer madison In addition to restrictions on lane usage, truck drivers must also be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles and when they do, they might cause accidents. In most cases, it is the driver of the truck that is the one to blame. This is because truck drivers may drive longer than they are allowed to or break the rules of hours-of-service, or become tired or distracted behind the driving. Truck drivers are also banned from driving in the left the lane. This is due to the fact that trucks take a lot longer trucks to brake than passenger vehicles. This could result in a dangerous situation, particularly for cars that are smaller and could be stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop. There are states that specifically exempt big trucks and block them from using the left lane. However, other states limit the use of the lane only in specific situations. These laws could be based on weight or axel limit. In other situations they could be solely based on the vehicle's description. Even if there isn't a statewide regulation on lane limits, you should still check the local rules and follow them. It is also recommended to move to the right when you see trucks in the passing lane so that it does not hinder faster vehicles from approaching you. Ownership The 18-wheeler and trucking companies have a wealth of resources to employ to pressure accident victims to accept less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who act on their behalf before they even know if the accident victim will take legal action. In the event of an accident 18-wheelers are usually responsible for severe injuries and property damage due to the fact that they carry such hefty load and are so massive in comparison to passenger vehicles. This is particularly relevant when they collide with motor vehicles. It is important to have experienced lawyers fight for your rights and get you justice against these powerful, large corporations. Large truck accidents require an understanding of complicated concepts from the fields of biology, chemistry and physics, federal trucking regulations, medical standards, and driving. Our lawyers are able discover any infringements of these laws and then show the jury the factors that caused your accident. 18-wheeler truck crashes are typically caused by the negligence or reckless actions of a variety of parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the responsible parties and ensure that they are responsible for your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking companies, owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that may have contributed to your accident. Insurance Trucking companies have a wealth of options available and can swiftly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers, engineers, and experts to build a defense against accident victims. They begin this process before they are aware of whether you'll need legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and reducing them in size. An experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer can alleviate the burden of dealing with these corporations off your hands and focus on getting you the compensation you are entitled to. This money can cover costs such as medical bills that are costly and vehicle damage, as well as the loss of earnings due to a lack of work, as well as non-economic damages such as suffering and pain. 18-wheelers are a complex vehicle that require a high-level, structured maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and keep accurate records could lead to tragic accidents. Tractor-trailers often carry hazardous material that requires specialized training and specialized licensing to transport. The material could be explosive, flammable, radiological, or toxic, all of which pose significant risks for other drivers on American roads. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could also result in a catastrophic accident. A competent 18-wheeler accident attorney will determine the exact cause and blame any parties that may be responsible. These may include the driver of the truck and the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious responsibility.