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18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Sooner
18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Every year truck, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in many accidents. They transport dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private cars.

The majority of truck accidents are caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts how long truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep precise records of their work hours.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional retail and toward online shopping the roads are becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these huge vehicles with their speed and maneuverability. It's a challenge for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger cars are finding it difficult to maneuver around these massive vehicles.

Fortunately, there are laws that define the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes both the truck itself and the cargo it carries. It is essential to know the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and put your life in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are weight limits that differ for axle groupings and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for instance, limits the weight of an individual axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles are however limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight restrictions, which apply to single axle vehicles and axle groups.

State-by-state the penalties for exceeding the weight limit may range from fines of up to $16,000. In certain cases, the driver's employer may be accountable for the fines. In the event of repeat offenders, they could be penalized more than first-time offenders.

Lane restrictions

Many states have laws that restrict where trucks can travel on highways. For example, some states exclude large trucks and restrict them from driving on the left side on multilane roads. This law is intended to stop vehicles from following trucks too closely and possibly causing an accident.

In such situations the truck driver is left with no choice but to change lane or risk a collision. In order for trucks to be capable of passing slower vehicles quickly, they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers must also be able observe other motor vehicles on the left side of the lane, looking for dangers or traffic devices that require them to take turns.

The consequences of not following these laws put them and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by a truck that has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled to compensation.

Trucks have the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they need plenty of space to maneuver. Some drivers cut off trucks when they change lanes. This could cause them to to jackknife. Other times drivers slow down to the point where the truck can't move past them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards


Bumper guards are a great option to shield your vehicle from damage but you should check with the laws of your state prior to installing them. 18 wheeler accident lawyer south carolina prohibit them and others allow them for vehicles parked. These devices are worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities that have lots of parallel parking. These devices prevent scratches and dents caused by taller drivers backing into your vehicle or SUV.

They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains, and are a common feature of off-road vehicles. They help clear brush and other debris and they can even help by providing headlight protection.

There are a variety of different ways to put up bumper guards, including stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The easiest to use is the stick-on style, which can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving any sticky residue. However, this style isn't very secure and doesn't provide all the angles of your truck.

Certain companies make mat-style protective covers that can be folded or folded for easy storage and transportation. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made from a soft cotton material that can be adapted to different vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also comes with shiny silver reflectors, which improve visibility under poor lighting conditions. It includes two straps that can be used to connect it to your vehicle's trunk and flip it up at any time.

Insurance

Truck accidents can be catastrophic and can cause serious injuries or the loss of a loved one. This is why federal and state regulations require trucking companies to have far more extensive insurance policies than regular passenger cars. These policies can cost up 40 times more than the standard insurance. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying compensation to victims of accidents. They often bribe injured people into signing an official statement or employ other strategies to minimize their liability. It is crucial to work with an experienced Denver truck crash lawyer when filing an 18-wheeler accident claim.

Trucking insurance requirements are complex and vary by jurisdiction. The most frequently used type of coverage is the primary liability. This covers property damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also recommended to consider cargo insurance and liability coverage for non-trucking purposes. The first protects the truck as it hauls loads and is typically included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. The latter, sometimes referred to "bobtail" coverage, shields both the driver and the truck during the time between loads.

If you're injured in a tractor trailer accident, the minimum insurance limits for trailers and tractors is much lower than those required for passenger automobiles. This means that you'll be fighting with the trucking company's insurance provider for a fair settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine the parties that could be liable including the driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shops that might have served the driver too much.

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