What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
Accidents caused by commercial truck drivers their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the 18 wheeler law. These huge vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety, and training.
Unfortunately, trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can lead accidents with trucks that are catastrophic.
Weight Regulations
Understanding the weight limits of semi-trucks is crucial. Many states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be observed. It is commonplace to see weigh stations along interstates, where truck drivers are weighed in order to confirm that they do not exceed maximum limits of their vehicle and load. If 18 wheeler accident lawyer new britain gets discovered to be violating these limits, they could be penalized or even jailed depending on the state and their criminal record.
Axle groups are able to have a higher limit because distributing the weight across more axles makes the vehicle safer and allows more cargo to be carried. For instance a single tire mounted on an axle can weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter, but when there are two tires on the same axle, it can be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire.
There are limitations on the kinds of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, while others allow triple or twin trailers. Furthermore, many states require the fifth wheel to be installed on the trailer. It is a circular plate over the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractors and sleeper cabs are available. They both have a sleeping space inside the tractor unit.
Lane Restrictions
Truck drivers must adhere to traffic rules and speed limits in addition to lane restrictions. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as vehicles for passengers, and should they do, they could cause accidents. In a lot of instances, it's the truck driver that is the one to blame. Truck drivers could be driving longer than they are entitled to, ignoring the hours-of-service regulations and/or being distracted or asleep behind the steering wheel.
Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left side of the road. This is due to the fact that it takes a lot longer for trucks to brake than passenger vehicles. This can be a dangerous issue, particularly for those in smaller cars who may be stuck behind a truck when it slows or stops suddenly.
Some states limit the use of lanes in specific circumstances, while some states limit it to large trucks. These laws may be based on axel or weight limits. In other instances they may be based solely on vehicle's description.
Although there's no statewide regulation on lane limits, you should still be aware of local rules and follow the rules. It is also recommended to move to the left when you see trucks blocking the lane.
Ownership
Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have massive resources to pressure accident victims into accepting far less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who act on their behalf before they know whether the accident victim will take legal action.
In accidents 18-wheelers can be blamed for a plethora of injuries and property damage due to the fact that they carry such heavy load and are so massive in comparison to passenger vehicles. This is particularly the case when they collide with motor vehicles. It is important to hire an an experienced attorney defend your rights and recover against these powerful, large corporations.
Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology as well as federal trucking regulations medical standards, and driving. Our lawyers have the knowledge to uncover violations of these laws and demonstrate to the jury the circumstances that led to your accident.
18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the negligent or reckless actions of several parties. Our NY attorney for accidents involving 18 wheels will investigate all responsible parties and ensure they are liable for their fair part of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking companies and owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate the weather conditions that could have contributed to the accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies are able to provide large teams of adjusters, lawyers, engineers and experts quickly. They begin this process before they know if you'll be seeking legal recourse. That's why it's crucial to hire an experienced attorney who can match their resources and bring them down to size.
An experienced 18-wheeler crash lawyer will help you deal with these corporations off your hands and concentrate on getting you the compensation you're due. This money can be used to pay medical costs, vehicle damage, lost income from missed work and other non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.
18-wheelers are extremely complex vehicles that require a high-level, structured maintenance to keep them on the road. Inability to keep detailed records and to perform maintenance can lead to devastating accidents.
Tractor-trailers often are used for transporting hazardous materials, which require special training and licenses. This material can be explosive, flammable or toxic, all of which present significant dangers to other drivers on American roads. A fatal accident could happen if the load is not properly labelled and secured.
A skilled 18-wheeler crash lawyer can pinpoint the exact cause of the accident and pinpoint any parties who are accountable. These could include the truck driver and the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is called vicarious responsibility.