What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law covers accidents which involve commercial truck drivers as well as their rigs. These massive vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety, and training.
Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently require their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can lead accidents that happen in trucks to be catastrophic.
Weight Regulations
Knowing the weight limits for semi trucks is vital. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by the majority of states. Weigh stations are common along interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure that they don't exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found in violation of these limits and is fined, they could be penalized and even sentenced to jail depending on their criminal history and the state.
Axle groups are able to have a higher limit because distributing the weight over a wider range of axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows for more cargo to be carried. A single tire on an wheel is only weighed up to 700 pounds per inch, however, when two tires are mounted on the same axle, they can be weighed as high as 1300 pounds.
There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, and others only allow triple or twin trailers. Some states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer that is a plate which sits above the drive wheels and joins (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. There are day cab tractor and sleeper cabs, which incorporate a sleeping area inside the tractor unit and are specifically designed for over the road hauling.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to limitations on lane width Truck drivers must also be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as cars, and if they do, they could cause accidents. In many instances, it's the truck driver that is the one to blame. This is because truck drivers often drive for longer than allowed or break the rules of hours-of-service, or become sleepy or distracted behind the steering wheel.
Truck drivers are also banned from driving in the left the lane. Trucks brake more slowly than passenger cars. This can be a dangerous issue, especially for those with smaller cars who could be stuck behind trucks when it suddenly stops or slows down.
There are states that specifically exclude large trucks and prevent them from using the left lane, and other states limit the use of the lane in specific circumstances. These laws can be based on axel or weight limits. In 18 wheeler accident lawsuit miramar may be solely based on the vehicle description.
Although there's no statewide law governing lane restrictions, you must still review the local rules and follow them. Also, you should move to the right when you notice a truck blocking the passing lane.
Ownership
The 18-wheeler and trucking firms have many resources they can utilize to force accident victims into accepting less than what they're entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and even engineers who work on their behalf, even before they know if the victim of the accident will seek legal remedy.
In accidents, 18-wheelers are often responsible for severe injuries and property damage because they carry such large load and are so massive relative to passenger vehicles. This is particularly relevant when they collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to have an an experienced attorney defend your rights and recovery against these powerful, large corporations.
Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics and biology, chemistry and federal regulations for trucking as well as medical standards, driving and other related fields. Our lawyers have the experience to find violations of these laws and show the jury why it led to your accident.
Multiple parties can be responsible for 18-wheeler truck crashes. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties at fault and ensure that they are liable for your present and future expenses. This includes owners of trucking businesses, trucking companies of maintenance contractors, even drivers themselves. Our team will also analyze weather conditions that could have played a part in the accident.
Insurance
The trucking industry has a wealth of resources available and can quickly send teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, engineers, and experts to help defend the victims of accidents. They start the process before they know whether you will to pursue legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who can match their resources and reducing them in size.
An attorney who has expertise in handling 18-wheeler accidents can relieve you of the burden and assist you in getting the compensation you're entitled to. The money could be used to cover medical expenses, vehicle damage as well as lost income from missing work, and other non-economic damages like suffering and pain.
18 wheelers are complex vehicles that require high-end, consistent maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Inability to keep detailed records and to perform maintenance can lead to catastrophe-causing accidents.
Tractor-trailers often carry hazardous material that requires specialized training and special licensing for transport. These materials can be explosive or flammable, radiological or poisonous. They all pose a risk to other drivers on American highways. A catastrophic accident could also occur if the load was not properly labelled and secured.
A competent attorney for 18-wheelers can pinpoint the exact cause and blame any individuals accountable. These may include the driver of the truck as well as the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious obligation.