What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law covers accidents with commercial truck drivers and their rigs. 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 that happen in trucks to be catastrophic.
Weight Regulations
Understanding the weight limits of semi trucks is essential. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by the majority of states. It is common to see weigh stations along interstates where truck drivers are weighed in order to verify that they do not exceed maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If a truck driver gets found to be in violation of these restrictions, they could be fined, or even jailed based on the location and criminal record.
Axle groups have a higher weight limit due to the fact that the vehicle is safer when the weight is distributed across more axles. This also allows for the transportation of more cargo. For example a single tire on an axle can be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter, but when there are two tires on the same axle it could be weighted at 1300 pounds for each tire.
There are limitations on the types of trailers which can be used with a tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while other states permit triple or twin trailers. Furthermore, many states require fifth wheels on the trailer, which is a round plate that is above the drive wheels that joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs that have an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit. They are designed for over-the-road hauling.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to lane restrictions Truck drivers must also follow speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks are not able to drive at the same speed as vehicles for passengers, and should they do, they might cause accidents. In most cases, it is the driver of the truck who is at fault. This is because truck drivers often drive for longer than allowed or break the rules of hours-of-service, or become tired or distracted behind the driving.
Truck drivers are also barred from driving in the left lane. This is due to the fact that it takes a lot longer for trucks to stop than passenger vehicles. This could result in a dangerous situation, especially for smaller cars that may be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop.
Some states specifically exempt large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane, and others limit the use of the lane under certain circumstances. In certain cases these laws are dependent on weight and axel limits, whereas in others they may be based on vehicle descriptions or directions.
Even if there isn't a statewide regulation on lane limits, you should still check the local rules and adhere to the rules. Also, you should move to the right when you spot trucks blocking the lane.
Ownership
The 18 wheeler and trucking companies have a wealth of resources to pressure accident victims into accepting less than they should. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who advocate on their behalf before they know if the victim of an accident will take legal action.
Because they carry huge loads and are so much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers can cause a lot of injuries and huge property damage in accidents. This is especially true when these trucks collide into other motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these large, powerful corporations.
Large truck accidents require an understanding of complicated concepts in the fields of biology, chemistry and physics and federal trucking regulations, medical standards, and driving. Our lawyers are able to discover violations of these laws and show the jury why it led to your accident.
There are many parties that can be responsible for the 18-wheeler truck crash. Our NY attorney for accidents involving 18 wheels will investigate all of the liable parties and make sure they are paid their fair portion of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners of maintenance contractors, even the drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate the weather conditions that could have played a part in your accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies have a wealth of options available and can quickly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers, engineers, and experts to build a defense against the victims of accidents. They start this process even before they know if you'll be seeking legal recourse. It is crucial to hire an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and helping them decrease in size.
An experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer will help you deal with these large corporations off your hands and concentrate on securing the compensation you're due. This money can be used to pay medical expenses, vehicle damages and lost income due to missed work and other damages that are not economic such as suffering and pain.
18 wheelers are highly complex vehicles and require high-end, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and maintain detailed records can result in devastating accidents.
Tractor-trailers can be used to transport hazardous materials that require specialized training and a license. These materials can be explosive or flammable, radiological or poisonous. 18 wheeler accident attorney syracuse pose a serious danger to other drivers on American highways. A fatal accident could occur if the load was not properly labeled and secured.
A competent 18-wheeler accident attorney can determine the exact cause of the accident and pinpoint any individuals responsible. These could include the driver of the truck and the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is called vicarious responsibility.