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20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers
What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents involving commercial truck drivers, their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered under the law governing 18 wheelers. These massive vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety, and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently pressure their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can lead to catastrophic trucking crashes.

Weight Regulations

It is essential to be aware of the weight limitations of semi trucks. Many states have single axle and group axle weight limits that must be adhered to. Weigh stations are commonplace along interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not over the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver gets found to be in violation of these restrictions, they could be penalized or even imprisoned based on the state and their criminal record.

Axle groups have an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight across more axles is safer for the vehicle and allows for more cargo to be transported. A single tire on a wheel is only weighed up to 700 pounds per inch, however, if two tires are on the same axle, it can be weighed to 1300 pounds.

There are restrictions on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, while others allow triple or twin trailers. In 18 wheeler accident lawsuit charlotte , some states require fifth wheels on the trailer which is a rounded plate on top of the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractors and sleeper cabs that incorporate sleeping areas inside the tractor unit and are specifically designed to haul over the road.

Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must observe traffic rules and speed limits in addition to lane restrictions. Trucks aren't able to travel at the same speed as vehicles for passengers and when they do, they might cause accidents. In many instances, it is the truck driver who is at fault. This is because truck drivers often drive for longer than allowed or violate the hours-of-service regulations, or become tired or distracted behind the vehicle.

Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left right lane. Trucks brake much slower than passenger cars. This could be a dangerous situation, especially for cars with smaller wheels that could be stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

Certain states specifically single out big trucks and block them from using the left lane, and other states limit the use of the lane in certain circumstances. These laws can be based either on weight or axel limits. In other situations, they could be solely based on vehicle description.

Even if there is no statewide law, you should check local rules regarding lane restrictions and follow them. Also, you should move to the right when you notice trucks blocking the lane.

Ownership

Companies that operate 18 wheelers and trucks have massive resources at their disposal to force victims of accidents to accept less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, experts, and lawyers that work for their clients even before they know if an accident victim will pursue legal action.


In the event of an accident, 18-wheelers are often responsible for a plethora of injuries and property damage because they carry such hefty loads and are huge relative to passenger vehicles. This is particularly so when they collide with motor vehicles. It is imperative to hire a lawyer who has experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, large corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require a thorough understanding of concepts from the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, federal trucking regulations, medical and driving regulations. Our lawyers are able to uncover violations of these laws and show the jury how it led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the negligent or reckless actions of multiple parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties responsible and ensure that they are liable for your present and future expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that may have contributed to your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies are able to deploy large teams of lawyers, adjusters, engineers and experts quickly. They start this process even before they are aware of whether you'll need legal recourse. That is why it is essential to get an experienced attorney who will match their resources and bring them down to size.

A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer can help you deal with these corporations off your shoulders and focus on obtaining the compensation you're entitled to. The money could be used to cover medical expenses, vehicle damages loss of income due to missed work and other damages that are not economic like suffering and pain.

18 wheelers are a complex vehicle and require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Inability to keep detailed records and to perform maintenance could lead to catastrophic accidents.

Tractor-trailers typically carry dangerous materials that requires specialized training and specialized licensing to transport. The material is explosive, flammable, radiological or poisonous, and all of these could pose a significant risk for other drivers on American roads. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could result in a fatal accident.

A competent attorney for 18-wheelers can determine the causes and blame any other individuals responsible. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company or the owner of the trailer, as well as the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is also known as vicarious liability.