cutbasket4

What Is 18 Wheeler Law? Accidents with commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the law governing 18 wheelers. These huge vehicles must adhere to strict federal guidelines for maintenance, safety, and training. Unfortunately, trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can cause accidents that happen in trucks to be catastrophic. Weight Regulations It is essential to understand the weight limitations for semi trucks. The majority of states have single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be adhered to. It is not uncommon to find weigh stations along interstates where truckers are weighed to make sure they do not exceed maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found violating these limits, they could be fined or even imprisoned depending on their criminal record and the state. Axle groups are given an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight across more axles makes the vehicle safer and allows for more cargo to be transported. For example a single tire on an axle can only be weighed at 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter. However, when there are two tires on that same axle it can be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire. There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Some states permit only one trailer while others only allow triple or twin trailers. Furthermore, many states require fifth wheels on the trailer which is a round plate that is above the drive wheels that joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractor and sleeper cabs, which incorporate a sleeping area inside the tractor unit and are designed to haul over the road. Lane Restrictions In addition to limitations on lane width truck drivers also must comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as vehicles for passengers, and even if they do, they might cause accidents. In most cases, the truck driver is the culprit in these accidents. This is because truck drivers may drive for longer than allowed or violate the hours-of-service regulations, or get sleepy or distracted behind the wheel. Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers aren't allowed to drive in the left side of the lane. This is due to the fact that trucks take longer trucks to stop than passenger vehicles. 18 wheeler accident case philadelphia can be a serious issue, particularly for those with smaller cars who could be stuck behind a truck if it suddenly stops or slows down. Some states restrict the use of lanes under certain circumstances, and some restrict it to large trucks. In some cases, these laws are built around axel and weight limits, while in other they could be based on vehicle description or directions. Even if there isn't a statewide law governing lane restrictions, you should still look over the local rules and abide by the rules. You should also shift to the right when you spot trucks in the passing lane, so that it does not hinder faster vehicles from overtaking you. Ownership Companies that operate 18 wheelers and trucks have massive resources at their disposal to pressure accident victims into accepting less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who advocate on their behalf before they even know if the accident victim will pursue legal action. In the event of an accident 18-wheelers are usually responsible for a plethora of injuries and property damage due to the fact that they carry such large load and are so massive compared to passenger vehicles. This is particularly so when they collide with motor vehicles. It is important to hire an a seasoned attorney fight for your rights and recovery against these large, powerful corporations. Accidents involving large trucks require a deep understanding of concepts that are derived from physics, chemistry, biology and federal trucking regulations medical regulations, and driving rules. Our lawyers have the experience to uncover violations of these laws and demonstrate to the jury how it led to your accident. Many parties could be at fault for truck accidents involving 18-wheelers. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all accountable parties and ensure they are liable for their fair part of your current and expected expenses. This includes owners of trucking businesses, trucking companies as well as maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that may have played a part in the accident. Insurance Trucking companies are able to deploy large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and adjusters quickly. They start this process before they know if you intend to seek legal recourse. It is essential to find an attorney who can match their resources and reducing them in size. An experienced 18 wheeler crash lawyer can alleviate the burden of dealing with these large corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on securing the compensation you're entitled to. The money will cover costs such as high medical bills or vehicle damage, lost wages due to missing work, and non-economic damages like suffering and pain. 18-wheelers are complex vehicles which require sophisticated, systematic maintenance to keep them on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and maintain detailed records could result in disastrous accidents. Tractor-trailers frequently carry hazardous materials, which requires special training and specialized licenses to transport. The material is flammable, explosive, radiological, or poisonous, all of which can pose serious dangers to other drivers on American roads. A serious accident can also happen if the load is not properly labeled and secured. A competent attorney for 18-wheelers will determine the exact causes and blame any other parties who are accountable. These may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious liability.