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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Every year, trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers are involved in a variety of accidents. They transport dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private vehicles.

Driver fatigue is a frequent cause of truck accidents. The law restricts how long truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their working hours.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person shopping and toward online shopping the roads are becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these large vehicles in terms of speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for all drivers but it's especially challenging for small and passenger car trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles.

Fortunately, there are laws in place to regulate the legal maximum weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo it transports. It is essential to know the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and risking your life.

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 example, limits the weight of one axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles are however limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these rules, states also have their own weight limits for single-axle and axle groups.

The penalties for over-weight differ from state to state, but can include fines of up to $16,000. In certain cases fines could also be issued by the driver's company. Repeat offenders could also be liable for greater fines.

Lane restrictions

Most states have laws that restrict where trucks can travel on highways. For example, some states single out big trucks and block them from driving in the left lane on multilane roads. This law is designed to prevent cars from following trucks close to the road and causing accidents.

In such a situation the truck driver has no choice but to switch lanes or risk a collision. To ensure that trucks are able to easily pass slower vehicles, they need to be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able to observe other motor vehicles on the left lane and look for any traffic devices or hazards that require them to take the turn.

Ignoring these laws puts themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by a vehicle that has not complied with the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled to compensation.

Trucks require plenty of space to move. They have the largest blind spots on the road. In some instances, motorists in smaller vehicles block trucks when changing lanes, and this could cause them to be jackknifed. Other times, drivers slow down to the level that allows the truck to pass through them, which puts both parties at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards are a great way to protect your vehicle from damage, but you should be aware of your state's laws prior to installing them. Some states ban them, while some allow them for vehicles that are parked. These devices are worth investing in for protection when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities with many parallel parking. They stop dents and scrapes which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.

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

There are a variety of different ways to install bumper guards, such as stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The stick-on type is the most convenient to use and can be removed within minutes without leaving the sticky residue. However, this type does not provide much protection and doesn't cover all the corners of your truck.


18 wheeler accident lawyer palm bay make mat-style protectors that can be rolled up and folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is one of the most popular model, which is constructed of soft cotton material that can be adjusted to suit various vehicle sizes. It also features shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in poor lighting conditions. It comes with two straps, which attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be flipped out when required.

Insurance

Truck accidents can be traumatic and result in serious injuries or even the death of a loved one. This is the reason federal and state regulations require trucking companies to carry higher insurance premiums than regular passenger cars. These policies could be worth up to 40 times that of the standard insurance policy. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do anything to avoid paying accident victim claims. They frequently try to trick injured people into giving a recorded statement or employ other strategies to minimize their liability. When filing a claim for an 18-wheeler wreck it is crucial to speak with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer.

The requirements for insurance on trucks are complicated and differ by state. The most frequent type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damages to property caused by the truck in an accident. It is recommended to carry cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck when it's transporting a load, and is usually included in a truck driver's contract with their carrier. The latter is often referred to as "bobtail" insurance and safeguards the driver and truck during the time between loads.

If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, it is important to understand that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers are considerably lower than those that are required for passenger vehicles. You will have to fight the insurance company of the trucking firm to negotiate a fair settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine all potentially liable parties including the driver as well as the trucking company and any dram shops who may have served the driver too much.

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