dangercamera8

What Is 18 Wheeler Law? 18 wheeler law deals with 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 pressure their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can lead accidents involving trucks to be devastating. Weight Regulations It is essential to understand the weight limits for semi trucks. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are determined by most states. Weigh stations are common along interstates, and truckers are weighed to ensure that they don't exceed the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found breaking these limits and is found guilty, they may be fined and even sent to jail depending on their criminal history and the state. Axle groups have a greater limit on weight because the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread over more axles. This also allows for the transport of more cargo. For example, a single tire on an axle can only be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter but when there are two tires on that same axle it can be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire. There are also limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while other states allow twin or triple trailers. Additionally, a lot of states require fifth wheels on the trailer which is a rounded plate on top of the drive wheels which joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. 18 wheeler accident law firm jacksonville and night cab tractors and sleeper cabs can be found. They both come with a sleeping space in the tractor unit. Lane Restrictions Truck drivers must adhere to speed limits and traffic signals in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as cars and, even if they do, they could cause accidents. In a lot of cases the truck driver is the culprit in these accidents. This is due to the fact that truck drivers can be driving for longer than is permitted, break hours-of-service rules, or be distracted or sleepy behind the driving. Another important lane restriction is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left right lane. Trucks brake much slower than cars for passenger use. This could be a dangerous situation, especially for cars with smaller wheels that could be stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop. Certain states prohibit the use of lanes in specific circumstances, and some restrict the use of lanes for large trucks. These laws could be based either on the weight of the vehicle or axel limits. In other situations they could be based solely on vehicle description. Even if there's no statewide law that you can follow, you should be aware of local regulations regarding the lane restriction and adhere to them. You should also shift to the right when you see a truck blocking the passing lane. Ownership Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have a vast array of resources at their disposal to force victims of accidents to accept less than they should. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who advocate on their behalf before they even know whether the victim of an accident will take legal action. Because they carry huge loads and are larger than passenger automobiles, 18 wheelers typically cause massive injuries and property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is especially the case when they collide with motor vehicles. It is crucial to have an an experienced attorney fight for your rights and get you justice against these massive, powerful corporations. Accidents involving large trucks require a deep understanding of concepts from the fields of biology, chemistry, physics as well as federal trucking regulations medical regulations, and driving rules. Our lawyers are able to identify violations of these laws and demonstrate to the jury why it led to your accident. 18-wheeler truck crashes are typically caused by the negligence or reckless actions of several parties. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all responsible parties and ensure they pay their fair share of your current and expected costs. This includes owners of trucking businesses, trucking companies and maintenance contractors, and even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate the weather conditions that could have contributed to the accident. Insurance Trucking companies can send large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They begin this process before they know if you intend to seek legal recourse. That is why it is vital to immediately hire a capable attorney who can match their resources and bring them down to size. An experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer can help you deal with these large corporations off your hands and focus on getting you the compensation you're entitled to. This can be used to cover expenses like steep medical bills and vehicle damage, as well as the loss of earnings due to a lack of work, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. 18 wheelers are highly complex vehicles and require high-end, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Inability to keep detailed logs and perform the necessary maintenance can cause devastating accidents. Tractor-trailers are commonly used to transport hazardous materials, which require specialized training and a license. The material could be explosive, flammable or poisonous, all of which present significant dangers to other drivers on American roads. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could also result in a fatal accident. A reputable 18 wheeler crash lawyer can determine the precise cause of your crash and hold any responsible parties that are accountable. These could include the truck driver as well as the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is called vicarious liability.