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Why No One Cares About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Every year truck, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved with a lot of accidents. They carry dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private vehicles.


Driver fatigue is the most frequent reason for truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep precise logs.

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As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person retail and toward online shopping the roads are becoming crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these large vehicles with their speed and maneuverability. It's a problem for all drivers, but smaller cars and passenger vehicles have a harder time maneuvering around these huge vehicles.

Fortunately there are laws that regulate the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck itself as well as the cargo it transports. It's essential to know the legal limits to ensure you can avoid driving over them and putting yourself in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are weight limits that differ for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of an individual axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles are however limited to 34,000 lbs. In addition to these guidelines states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single-axles and axle groups.

State-by state, the penalties for a violation of the weight limit can range from fines as high as $16,000. In some instances the driver's employer could be accountable for these fines too. In addition, repeat offenders could be subject to higher fines than first-time offenders.

Lane restrictions

Most states have laws which regulate the location of trucks on highways. Certain states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of a multilane highway. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks that are too close, causing an accident.

In these instances the truck driver will have no choice but to change lanes or risk collisions with cars that are driving in front of them. To be capable of passing slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers should also be able to observe other motor vehicles on the left side of the lane, looking for hazards or traffic devices which require them to make turns.

The consequences of not following these laws put them and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by a truck that has violated lane restriction laws the driver could be entitled to compensation.

Trucks need a lot of space to move. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. In certain instances, drivers in smaller cars block trucks when they change lanes, which can cause them to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down much that the truck cannot move past them. This puts both parties at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards are a great way to protect your vehicle from damage, but you should verify your state laws before installing them. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, while others only permit them on cars parked. These devices are also beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or cities that have a lot of parallel parking. They help prevent dents and scrapes that often result from taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.

They are also useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles are often equipped with cowcatchers that look similar to the ones found on freight trains. They can be used to push brush and other debris aside and even shield headlights.

There are a number of different ways to install bumper guards, such as stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. Stick-on is the simplest to use and can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving an unattractive residue. However, this type does not provide much protection and doesn't provide all the angles of your truck.

Some companies produce mat-style protectors that fold or folded for easy storage and transportation. The Luv-Tap is one of the most popular model that is constructed of soft cotton material that can be adjusted to suit various sizes of vehicles. It also comes with shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in poor lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps, which secure it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be removed when needed.

Insurance

Truck accidents can cause serious injuries and even death. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than passenger vehicles. They can be worth up to 40 times more than a standard policy. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do whatever they can to avoid paying victim claims. They usually trick injured people into making an official statement or employ other techniques to minimize their liability. It is important to consult an experienced Denver truck crash attorney in the event of filing an 18 wheeler accident claim.

The requirements for trucking insurance are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most common coverage is primary liability. It will cover property damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. You should also consider the liability and cargo insurance for non-trucking purposes. The first covers the truck while it is hauling loads and is usually included in the contract between a driver and their carrier. The latter, often referred to as "bobtail" coverage, safeguards both the driver of the truck as well as the truck during the time between loads.

If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you should know that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers is much lower than the ones required for passenger vehicles. You'll have to battle the insurance company of the trucking company to negotiate a fair settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify the parties that could be liable, including the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shops that may have over-served the driver.