AAT Discussion Board

What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents caused by commercial truck drivers their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the law governing 18 wheelers. These huge vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often force their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can cause trucking accidents to be catastrophic.

Weight Regulations

It is important to understand the weight limits for semi-trucks. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by most states. Weigh stations are commonplace on interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver is caught violating these limitations they could be fined or even imprisoned based on the state and their criminal record.

Axle groups have a greater limit on weight because the vehicle is more secure when the weight is distributed across more axles. This also allows for the transport of more cargo. For instance, a single tire on an axle can only be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel's diameter. However, when there are two tires on the same axle it can be weighted at 1300 lbs per tire.

There are also limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, while others allow triple or twin trailers. A majority of states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that sits over the drive wheels and connects (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractor models as well as sleeper cabs are available. They both include sleeping spaces in the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to lane restrictions Truck drivers must also be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks are not able to drive at the same speed as cars and if they do, they can cause accidents. In most instances, it's the driver of the truck that is the one to blame. This is due to the fact that truck drivers can drive longer than they are allowed to or break the rules of hours-of-service, or get sleepy or distracted behind the steering wheel.

Truck drivers are also banned from driving in the left lane. Trucks are slower to brake than passenger cars. This could be a risky issue, especially for those with smaller cars who could be stuck behind a truck when it stops abruptly or slows down.

There are some states that specifically target large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane, and others restrict the use of the lane only in specific situations. These laws can be based on weight or axel limit. In other instances, they could be based solely on vehicle description.

Even if there isn't a statewide law regarding lane restrictions you must still review the local rules and adhere to them. You should also shift to the right when you see trucks blocking the lane.

Ownership

The South Tucson 18 Wheeler Accident Law Firm-wheeler and trucking companies have an array of resources they can utilize to force accident victims into accepting less than they're entitled. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, engineers, and experts who advocate on their behalf, even before they know if an accident victim will pursue legal recourse.

Because they can carry massive loads and are so much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers often 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 important to have experienced lawyers fight for your rights and recover against these massive, powerful corporations.

Large-scale accidents require a thorough understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics and chemistry, biology and trucking regulations from the federal government as well as medical standards, driving and related fields. Our lawyers are able to discover violations of these laws and demonstrate to the jury how it led to your accident.

Multiple parties can be responsible for worthington 18 wheeler accident law firm-wheeler truck accidents. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties responsible and ensure that they are held accountable for your present and future costs. This includes trucking companies and owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also analyze weather conditions that could have contributed to the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies are able to put together large teams of lawyers, adjusters, engineers and experts quickly. They start this process before they even decide if you will to seek legal recourse. It is essential to find an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and bringing them down in size.

A lawyer who has experience handling 18-wheeler collisions can ease the burden and help you receive the compensation you deserve. The money could be used to pay for expenses such as high medical bills, vehicle damage, lost wages from missing work, and also non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

18-wheelers are highly complex vehicles that require a high-level, structured maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Inability to maintain this maintenance and maintain detailed records could result in catastrophic accidents.

Tractor-trailers are often carrying hazardous materials, which requires special training and special licensing for transport. The material may be explosive, flammable, or poisonous, all of which could pose a significant risk to other drivers on American roads. A serious accident can also occur if the load was not properly labeled and secured.

A reputable 18 wheeler accident lawyer will determine the exact reason for your accident and hold liable any parties who could be accountable. These may include the driver of the truck or the trucking company the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious obligation.