10 Facts About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers That Will Instantly Put You In The Best Mood

What Is 18 Wheeler Law? 18 wheeler law protects against accidents that involve commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles must follow strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training. Companies that transport trucks often force their drivers to work for longer and alter logbooks. This can cause accidents that happen in trucks to be catastrophic. Weight Regulations It is essential to be aware of the weight restrictions for semi trucks. Most states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be observed. It is commonplace to see weigh stations along interstates where truckers are weighed to ensure that they aren't exceeding the maximum weight limits for their vehicle and load. If a truck driver is found to be in violation of these restrictions, they could be fined or even jailed depending on the location and criminal record. Axle groups have a higher weight limit due to the fact that the vehicle is more secure when the weight is spread across more axles. This also allows for the transportation of more cargo. A single tire on an wheel is only weighed up to 650 pounds per inch, however, if two tires are on the same axle, it can be weighed to 1300 pounds. There are limitations on the kinds of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while other states permit triple or twin trailers. Additionally, a lot of states require a fifth wheel on the trailer. It is a circular plate over the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs that incorporate a sleeping area inside the tractor unit. They are designed for over-the-road hauling. Lane Restrictions In addition to limitations on lane width truck drivers also must be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks are not able to drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles, and even if they do, they could cause accidents. In a lot of cases the truck driver is the primary culprit in these accidents. This is because truck drivers may drive longer than they are allowed to, break hours-of-service rules, or be distracted or sleepy behind the vehicle. Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers aren't permitted to drive in the left side of the lane. This is due to the fact that it takes a lot longer for trucks to brake than passenger vehicles. This can be a serious issue, especially for those with smaller cars who could be stuck behind a truck when it slows or stops suddenly. Certain states prohibit the use of lanes in specific circumstances, while others restrict the use of lanes for large trucks. These laws can be based either on weight or axel limits. In other instances, they could be based solely on vehicle's description. Even if there's no state-wide regulation on lane limits, you should still be aware of local rules and follow them. Also, you should move to the right if you spot a truck in the pass lane to ensure that it does not block faster cars from passing you. Ownership The 18-wheeler and trucking firms have a wealth of resources to make use of to force victims of accidents to accept less than what they're entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who act on their behalf before they even know whether the victim of the accident will take legal action. Due to their massive load and are larger than passenger automobiles, 18 wheelers typically cause severe injuries and massive property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is especially true when these trucks collide with other motor vehicles. It is vital to hire an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, large corporations. Large truck accidents require an understanding of complex concepts that are derived from biology, chemistry, physics and federal trucking regulations, medical and driving regulations. Our attorneys are able to identify any violations of these laws and show the jury what led to your accident. 18-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the negligence or reckless actions of several parties. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all liable parties and make sure they are paid their fair portion of your current and expected costs. This includes trucking companies as well as owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that may have contributed to the accident. Insurance The trucking industry has a wealth of resources available to them and are able to quickly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers to create a defense against the victims of accidents. They start this process even before they are aware of whether you'll need legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who can match their resources and helping them decrease in size. A lawyer with expertise in handling 18-wheeler accidents will ease your burden and help you receive the compensation you're entitled to. This money can be used to pay medical expenses, vehicle damages, lost income from missed work as well as other non-economic damages like suffering and pain. 18-wheelers are complex vehicles which require sophisticated, systematic maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Inability to keep detailed records and perform this maintenance can lead to disastrous accidents. Tractor-trailers are often carrying hazardous materials, which requires special training and specialized licenses to transport. These materials can be flammable or explosive or radiological or poisonous. 18 wheeler accident claim gulfport pose a major danger to other drivers on American highways. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could also result in a fatal accident. A qualified 18-wheeler accident lawyer will determine the exact causes of your accident and hold any responsible parties that are accountable. These may include the truck driver as well as the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is known as vicarious liability.