18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Every year trucks, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in many accidents. They carry dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are more stringent than that of private vehicles.

Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by fatigued drivers. The law limits the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep accurate records.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to move away from traditional retail stores in person and shift towards online commerce the road is becoming more filled with trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these massive vehicles in terms of speed and maneuverability. It's a challenge for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger cars are having a difficult time maneuvering around these large vehicles.

There are laws that define the legal maximum for 18-wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo it is carrying. It is important to know the legal guidelines to avoid driving over and placing your life in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For example, the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches, but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight limits, both for single axle vehicles and axle groups.

The penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from state to state and can include fines as high as $16,000. In some cases, the driver's employer may be responsible for these fines too. In addition, repeat offenders could be subject to higher fines than first-time offenders.

Lane restrictions

Most states have laws which regulate the location of trucks on highways. For example, some states separate large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane on multilane highways. This law is designed to stop vehicles from following trucks too closely and the risk of causing an accident.

In these scenarios the truck driver will be forced to change lanes and risk a collision with vehicles that are behind them. To be able to pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers should also be able monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for dangers or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn.

People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by a vehicle that violated lane restriction laws, the driver could be entitled compensation.

Trucks require plenty of space to maneuver. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers cut off trucks when they change lanes. This can result in them to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down much that the truck cannot move past them. This puts both parties at risk of a crash.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, review the laws in your state. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, while others only allow them on cars parked. These devices are also worth investing in for protection when parking your vehicle in busy areas or cities with many parallel parking. They help prevent dents and scrapes that often result from taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.

They are also useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles are often equipped with cowcatchers, which resemble the ones on freight trains. They can be used to shove brush and other debris aside, and even protect headlights.

There are many ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. They include mat-style protectors as well as sticks-on rubber strips. The most simple to use is the stick-on design that can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving any sticky residue. However, this style does not provide much protection and does not cover all the corners of your truck.

Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors which can be folded or roll-up for storage and transport. The LuvTap, a familar model made from a soft cotton material that can be adapted to different sizes of vehicles, is a popular product. It also has bright silver reflectors that improve visibility in dim lighting. It comes with two included straps that attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be flipped out when it is required.

Insurance

The consequences of truck accidents can be catastrophic and can cause serious injuries or even the death of a loved ones. This is the reason federal and state regulations oblige trucking companies to carry more insurance policies than typical passenger vehicles. These policies can be worth up to 40 times the amount of a standard insurance policy. Trucking insurers, however, will do anything to prevent paying accident victim claims. They frequently try to entice injured victims to give a recorded account or use other tactics to minimize their liability. When claiming a claim for an 18 wheeler accident law firm-wheeler wreck it is crucial to speak with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer.

Insurance requirements for trucks are complex and vary based on the jurisdiction in which they are located. The most commonly used type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damage to property that the truck causes in the event of an accident. It is recommended to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The first covers the truck while it is hauling an item and is often included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. The latter, sometimes called "bobtail" coverage, safeguards both the driver and the truck during the interval between loads.

If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident Lawsuit wheeler accident, you need to know that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers are considerably lower than those that are required for passenger vehicles. This means that you will likely be fighting the insurance company of the trucking company for a fair settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney can identify all parties that could be responsible, including the trucker, the trucking company and any dram shops that served the driver with too much alcohol.