18 Wheeler Legal Requirements
Every year trucks, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in many accidents. They transport dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are more stringent than that of private vehicles.
Driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents. The law limits the length of time truck drivers can drive and also requires them to keep accurate records of their working hours.
Weight limit
As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional retail and towards online commerce, the road is becoming more crowded with trucks belonging to Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers are struggling to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these huge vehicles. It's a challenge for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger cars have a harder time maneuvering around these massive vehicles.
There are laws that define the legal maximum limit for 18-wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo it is carrying. You must be aware of the legal limits to avoid driving over and put your life in danger.
The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000lbs. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. 18 wheeler accident lawyer gilbert , for example, limits the weight of a single axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles are however limited to 34,000 lbs. In addition to these regulations, states also have their own weight restrictions for single-axles and axle groups.
The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state to state but could include fines of up to $16,000. In certain cases fines can also be imposed by the driver's employer. In the event of repeat offenders, they could be subject to higher fines than first-time offenders.
Lane restrictions
In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of the majority of states regulate the manner in which trucks can drive on highways. Some states, for example prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane on multilane highways. This law is intended to keep cars from following trucks too closely and the risk of causing an accident.
In these instances the truck driver would have no choice but to change lanes and risk a collision with cars that are driving behind them. To ensure that trucks can pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers must be able to observe other motor vehicles in the left lane to avoid dangers or traffic control devices that require the driver to turn.
People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by the truck that has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled compensation.
Trucks need a lot of space to move around. They have the largest blind spots on the road. In some instances, drivers in smaller cars block trucks when changing lanes, and this can cause them to jackknife. In other instances, drivers slow down to the point where the truck can't move past them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident.
Bumper guards
Before installing bumper guards, consult your state's laws. Some states don't allow bumper guards while some only permit them on vehicles that are parked. These devices are worth investing in for protection when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities with a lot of parallel parking. These devices protect your vehicle from scratches and dents caused by larger drivers backing up onto your truck or SUV.
They can also avoid collisions with branches of trees. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains and are an integral part of off-road vehicles. They help clear brush and other debris, and they can even assist by providing headlight protection.
There are a number of different ways to install a bumper guard, such as stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The stick-on design is the most convenient to use since it can be removed in just a few minutes without leaving a sticky residue. This kind of vehicle does not provide the most protection, and isn't able to cover all areas of your vehicle.
Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be rolled up or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a popular model made from soft cotton that can be adapted to different sizes of vehicles is a popular item. It also features reflective silver lights that enhance visibility in dim lighting. It comes with two straps, which secure it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be removed when necessary.
Insurance
Truck accidents can cause grave injuries and even death. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than those for passenger cars. These policies could be worth 40 times more than the standard insurance. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying victims of accidents. They often attempt to entice injured victims to give a recorded account or employ other strategies to limit their liability. It is important to work with an attorney from a Denver truck crash attorney in the event of filing an 18-wheeler accident claim.
The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction. The most popular coverage is primary liability. This protects property from damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. You should also think about liability insurance and cargo insurance for non-trucking purposes. The first covers the truck as it hauls a load and is often included in the contract between a driver and their carrier. The latter, sometimes referred to "bobtail" coverage, protects both the truck and its driver when it is between loads.
If you're injured in a tractor trailer accident the insurance limits for trailers and tractors are significantly lower than the limits for passenger cars. This means that you will likely have to fight with the insurance company of the trucking company for an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine who might be responsible, which includes the trucker, the trucking company, and any dram stores that may have served the driver excessive amounts of alcohol.