What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler accident law firm wheeler law deals with accidents which involve commercial truck drivers as well as their rigs. These massive vehicles must follow strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate 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 as well as group axles are determined by most states. Weigh stations are common along interstates, and truckers are weighed to ensure they don't over the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker gets found to be in violation of these restrictions, they could be penalized or even jailed depending on the state they reside in and their criminal record.

Axle groups have a greater limit of weight since the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread across multiple axles. This also permits the carriage of more cargo. For example a single tire on an axle can be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter. However, when there are two tires on the same axle it could be measured at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are also limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Some states will only allow one trailer, while other states only permit triple or twin trailers. Some states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that sits over the drive wheels and couples (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. Day cab and night cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs can be found. They both come with a sleeping area inside the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to limitations on lane width Truck drivers must also be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks aren't permitted to drive at the same speed as cars used by passengers. If they do, accidents may occur. In a lot of cases the driver of the truck is the culprit in these accidents. This is because truck drivers often drive longer than the limit and break hours-of service rules or become sleepy or distracted behind the driving.

Another important limitation on lane is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left lane. This is due to the fact that trucks take longer trucks to stop than passenger vehicles. This can pose a danger issue, particularly for those in cars that are smaller and could be stranded behind a truck when it slows or stops abruptly.

Some states limit the use of lanes in specific circumstances, while others restrict it for big trucks. In some cases these laws are based on weight and axel limits, while in others, they may be based upon vehicle description or directions.

Even if there's no law that is statewide it is important to check local rules about limitations on lane usage and follow the rules. You should also move over to the right when you see trucks in the passing lane in order to not hinder cars overtaking you.

Ownership

Companies that operate 18 wheelers and trucks have huge resources at their disposal to pressure accident victims to accept less than they should. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, experts, and lawyers that work on their behalf before they know if the victim of an accident is going to seek legal relief.

In accidents 18-wheelers are usually responsible for a plethora of injuries and property damage because they carry such large loads and are so large in comparison to passenger vehicles. This is especially the case when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to find a lawyer who has experience fighting for your rights against these massive, powerful corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complicated concepts from the fields of biology, chemistry and physics and federal trucking regulations medicine, and driving standards. Our lawyers can find any violations of these laws and explain to the jury what led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the negligent or reckless acts of a number of parties. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all accountable parties and ensure they pay their fair portion of your current and anticipated expenses. This includes owners of trucking businesses, trucking companies of maintenance contractors, even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that may have played a part in the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can deploy large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, and experts quickly. They start this process before they even know whether you are going to seek legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who can match their resources and bringing them down in size.

A lawyer with expertise in handling 18-wheeler accidents can relieve you of the burden and help you get the compensation you deserve. This money can be used to cover medical expenses, vehicle damage as well as lost income from missing work and other non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

18 wheeler accident lawyers wheelers are complex vehicles and require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to maintain detailed records and perform this maintenance can result in catastrophe-causing accidents.

Tractor-trailers typically carry dangerous materials, which requires special training and special licensing for transport. These materials can be explosive or flammable or radiological, as well as poisonous. They all pose a major danger to other drivers on American highways. A catastrophic accident could also occur if the load was not properly labeled and secured.

A qualified 18-wheeler crash attorney can pinpoint the exact cause and blame any individuals who could be responsible. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm and the owner of the trailer as well as the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is also known as vicarious liability.