18 Wheeler Lawsuits

Large commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers can cause serious damage to cars of passengers. Federal and state laws have strict rules regarding hours of service and record-keeping to stop truckers from driving too much and causing fatal motor vehicle accidents.

A New York 18-wheeler accident lawyer who is experienced can assist the victim in establishing an argument for compensation. In this article, we'll discuss several important aspects of the law governing 18 wheelers.

Weight Regulations

When trucks are loaded beyond their weight capacity, they can become dangerous. Drivers of trucks must undergo extensive testing and receive specialized training before they can get behind the steering wheel. Trucks also require regular maintenance to ensure they are operating in a safe manner. If these vehicles are loaded this can cause unnecessary stress on the truck, leading to mechanical failures like a tire blowout or suspension problems.

Trucks are significantly larger than standard passenger cars and are often difficult to see due to their size. This creates blind spots that could be fatal for smaller vehicles when drivers aren't paying attention or don't look at their mirrors. Additionally, it takes longer for trucks to stop than a car, which is why it is crucial that truck drivers follow all weight regulations.

Aside from the weight restrictions Many states have rules regarding the length of commercial trucks. To ensure that they don't be too close to other vehicles on the road, a lot of states have regulations regarding the length of a commercial truck. Truck drivers may be liable to a fine if they violate these laws.

While the majority of truckers adhere to these rules, there are those who cut corners and break the law. An experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer can examine the details of your case to determine whether there were any violations and assist you in recovering compensation for your injuries.

Lane Restrictions

A lot of people may have witnessed an 18 wheeler accidents-wheeler driving in the left lane and wondered if it was legal. In fact, it is illegal for trucks to drive in the left lane unless they are passing by a vehicle or are preparing to turn left. State laws vary and a trucker who ignores the law could face severe fines or be sued by a injured victim of a car crash.

According to Connecticut General Statutes 14-230, it is against law for trucks (or any vehicle that has more than two axels) to drive in the far left lane of highways that have three or more lanes in both directions, unless when passing another vehicle, or preparing to turn left. This lane restriction was enacted to protect drivers, since large trucks may have difficulty seeing smaller cars in the blind spots to their rear. They will also require more space to pass vehicles that are on the right.

In addition to limitations on lane width In addition, there are regulations regarding the length of time truck drivers can drive and the times they are allowed to drive. This is because trucking companies need to ensure that their drivers are getting enough rest and not overdriving. Trucking companies must keep track of their drivers' hours of driving and shifts for officials from the state, weigh-station employees or our lawyers to examine following an accident with a dangerous trucker.

Underride Collisions

They are huge vehicles and they pose a significant risk to motorists who are not on the road. Even a minor collision with one of these trucks could cause catastrophic injuries and astronomical hospital bills. These accidents can result from a wide range of factors, ranging from negligence to malfunctioning equipment or the weather. A New York 18-wheeler crash lawyer will assist you in establishing your case and pursuing compensation for your loss.

One of the most dangerous kinds of accidents involving large trucks is an underride collision. When a smaller vehicle is pushed beneath the trailer of a larger one, the top of the car can be crushed or sheared off due to the weight of the cargo in the trailer. This can cause an unfathomable neck or head injury.

The lack of visibility for truckers is the leading cause of side-underride accidents. Truckers can make use of road flares and reflector triangles to make their trailers more visible, especially during low-light conditions. Furthermore, some drivers might think that a truck is illuminated due to bright lights nearby at gas stations or truck stops.

If you're involved in collisions involving an 18-wheeler truck, the trucking company, their insurance provider, and their engineers will dispatch teams consisting of investigators, lawyers, and experts to begin constructing their case. You should not contact any of them until you have discussed your situation with a qualified lawyer. An experienced attorney will handle all communication with responsible parties while you concentrate on healing from your injuries.

Liability

18-wheelers, also called semi trucks, also known as tractor trailer trucks, are huge commercial trucks that pose a danger to all road users. Their enormous size makes them difficult to maneuver and leads to many deadly multi-vehicle accidents. They are prone for rear-end collisions, as well as they often carry dangerous loads.

A truck accident lawyer who has expertise can assist victims who have been involved in accidents with large trucks to receive fair compensation for their losses. Victims may be entitled compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, property damage, and more. A lawyer can use the law and facts to determine who is at fault for an accident.

Trucking companies are subject to strict federal regulations regarding safety as well as training and maintenance of their vehicles and drivers. A skilled truck accident lawyer can examine your accident to see the extent to which these rules were violated. He or she can examine the driver's handbook or download vital information from the black-box of the truck, and inspect the wrecked vehicle to discover important evidence.

If the truck driver is found to be responsible for an accident, the law allows victim to pursue compensation from his employer under vicarious liability laws. However, the driver may be acting as an independent owner-operator in a personal injury lawsuit. In these instances, victims can make a claim and seek damages through their personal insurance policies.