7 Simple Changes That Will Make A Big Difference In Your 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 a common reason for truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires them to keep precise records of their work hours.

Weight limit

As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person to online shopping, the roads are becoming more packed with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers are finding it difficult to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these massive vehicles. This is a challenge for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger vehicles have a harder time maneuvering around these huge vehicles.

Fortunately there are laws in place that regulate the weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck as well as the cargo it is carrying. It's important to know the legal limits so that you can avoid driving over them and putting yourself in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groupings and single axles. For instance the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds while axles spaced over 40 inches but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these guidelines, states also have their own specific weight limits for single-axle and axle groups.

The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state to state however, they can be accompanied by fines as high as $16,000. In certain cases, fines may also be imposed by the driver's employer. Repeat offenders could also face higher fines.

Lane restrictions

Most states have laws which regulate where trucks can drive on highways. For instance, certain states exclude large trucks and ban them from driving in the left lane on multilane highways. This law is intended to prevent vehicles from following trucks too close and causing an accident.

In such a situation the truck driver has no choice but change lanes or risk a collision. In order for trucks to be able to pass slower vehicles quickly, they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers should also be able to monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for hazards or traffic control devices that require the driver to turn.

If they do not adhere to these laws, they put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by the truck that has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled to compensation.

Trucks have the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and need plenty of room to move. Some drivers cut off trucks when they change lanes. This can result in them the jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down so much that the truck cannot get by them. This puts both parties at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, look up the laws of your state. Some states ban them, while others allow them only for vehicles parked. These devices are also worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in busy areas or cities that have lots of parallel parking.  18 wheeler accident law firm shreveport  help prevent dents and scrapes that often result from taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.

They also help prevent collisions with trees' branches. Off-road vehicles often have these cowcatchers, which resemble the ones found on freight trains. They can be used to push debris and brush off and even to protect headlights.

There are a number of different ways to put up bumper guards, including stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The most convenient is the stick-on style, which can be removed in only minutes without leaving any sticky residue. But, this kind of design doesn't provide much protection and doesn't completely cover the entire length of your truck.

Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be folded and put into a roll for easy storage and transport. The Luv-Tap is a popular model made from a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to different vehicle sizes, is a popular product. It also comes with shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in low lighting conditions. It comes with two straps that can be used to fix it to your vehicle's trunk and flip it up at any time.

Insurance

Truck accidents can be catastrophic and result in serious injuries or even the death of a loved ones. This is why state and federal regulations require trucking companies carry far more extensive insurance policies than normal passenger cars. They can be worth up to 40 times the amount of a standard policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying compensation to victims of accidents. They will often trick injured people into making statements that are recorded or employ other techniques to minimize their liability. When filing a claim in the event of an 18-wheeler crash it is vital to speak with an attorney. Denver truck accident attorney.

The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by state. The most common type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damages to property that the truck causes in an accident. It is an excellent idea to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The former protects the truck while it is carrying a load, and is usually included in the contract of a driver of a truck with their carrier. The latter is sometimes referred to as "bobtail" insurance and protects the truck and driver during the time between loads.

If you've been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you should know that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers is much lower than the ones required for passenger vehicles. This means that you'll be fighting with the trucking company's insurance provider to get a fair settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can pinpoint all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver as well as the trucking company and any dram shops that may have over-served the driver.