What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law covers accidents involving commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These huge vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training.
Unfortunately, trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. 18 wheeler accident lawyer fishers can cause trucking accidents to be catastrophic.
Weight Regulations
It is crucial to know the weight limits for semi-trucks. The majority of states have single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be adhered to. It is common to see weigh stations along interstates where truck drivers are weighed in order to confirm that they are not exceeding the maximum limits of their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found in violation of these limits, they could be fined and even put in jail depending on their criminal record and the state.
Axle groups are granted an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight over more axles is safer for the vehicle and allows more cargo to be carried. A single tire on a wheel can only weigh up to 650 pounds per inch however, when two tires are mounted on the same axle, they can be weighed up to 1300 pounds.
There are limitations on the kinds of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states permit only one trailer while some states allow triple or twin trailers. In addition, some states require the fifth wheel to be installed on the trailer. It is a round plate that is above the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractor and sleeper cabs that have a sleeping area inside the tractor unit and are designed for over the road hauling.
Lane Restrictions
Truck drivers must observe traffic signals and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks are not allowed to drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles. If they do, accidents may occur. In many cases, it's the driver of the truck who is responsible. This is due to truck drivers being able to drive for longer than allowed or break the rules of hours-of-service, or be distracted or sleepy behind the steering wheel.
Another important lane restriction is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left lane. Trucks brake more slowly than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This can be a very risky situation, especially for smaller vehicles that could get stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.
Certain states specifically exclude large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane, and others limit the use of the lane only in specific situations. In certain cases these laws are built around axel and weight limits, whereas in other they could be based on vehicle descriptions or direction signs.
Even if there's no statewide law on lane restrictions, you should still be aware of local rules and adhere to them. You should also move over to the right when you spot a truck in the pass lane in order to not hinder faster cars from overtaking you.
Ownership
Companies operating 18 wheelers and trucking have a wealth of resources available to pressure accident victims into accepting far less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers who work for their clients even before they know whether an accident victim will pursue legal action.
In the event of an accident 18-wheelers can be blamed for a number of serious injuries and property damage due to the fact that they carry such large loads and are huge compared to passenger vehicles. This is particularly relevant when these trucks collide with motor vehicles. It is crucial to have an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations.
Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics and biology, chemistry and trucking regulations from the federal government and medical practices, driving regulations and many other related areas. Our lawyers have the experience to discover violations of these laws and show the jury why it led to your accident.
18-wheeler truck accidents are usually caused by the negligence or reckless actions of a variety of parties. Our NY attorney for accidents involving 18 wheels will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure they are liable for their fair part of your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking companies, owners, maintenance contractors, and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate the weather conditions that could have played a part in the accident.
Insurance
The trucking industry has a wealth of options available and can quickly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers to help defend the victims of accidents. They start the process before they know whether you will to pursue legal recourse. It is crucial to hire an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and helping them decrease in size.
A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer can help you deal with these big corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on securing the compensation you deserve. This money can be used to cover medical expenses, vehicle damages loss of income due to missed work as well as other non-economic damages like suffering and pain.
18 wheelers are extremely complex vehicles that require high-end, consistent maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and maintain detailed records could lead to tragic accidents.
Tractor-trailers are often used to transport hazardous materials, that require specialized training and a license. The material is flammable, explosive, radiological or poisonous, all of which pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could result in a fatal accident.
A qualified 18-wheeler accident lawyer can pinpoint the exact cause of your crash and hold liable any parties who could be accountable. These could 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 called vicarious responsibility.