18 Wheeler Legal Requirements
Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers have been involved in numerous wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than vehicles owned by private individuals.
Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by driver fatigue. The law restricts how long truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep precise records of their work hours.
Weight limit
As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail in-person and move towards online shopping, the road is 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 big vehicles. It's a challenge for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger vehicles are having a difficult time maneuvering around these massive vehicles.
Fortunately, there are laws in place that define the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes both the truck itself and the cargo it transports. It is essential to know the legal limitations to avoid driving over and putting your life in danger.
The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for instance, limits the weight of an individual axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles however, are restricted to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight limits, both for single axle vehicles and axle groups.
State-by-state the penalties for a violation of the weight limit vary from fines up to $16,000. In some cases fines could also be issued by the driver's company. In the same way, repeat offenders can be penalized more than first-time offenders.
Lane restrictions
Most states have laws that regulate the location of trucks on highways. Certain states, for instance prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of the multilane highways. This law is intended to stop vehicles from following trucks too closely, and the risk of causing an accident.
In these situations the truck driver would be forced to change lanes or risk a collision with vehicles that are driving in front of them. To be able to pass slower cars quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers should also be able observe other motor vehicles in the left side of the lane, looking for hazards or traffic devices that require them to take turns.
Ignoring these laws puts themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is hurt by a vehicle that violated lane restriction laws, they may be entitled to compensation.
Trucks have some of the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they need plenty of room to move. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This can lead to them jackknife. In other instances drivers slow down to a point that the truck is unable to move past them, and this puts both parties at risk of accident.
18 wheeler accident attorney salinas can be a great way to protect your vehicle from damage, however, you must check the laws of your state prior to installing them. Some states don't allow bumper guards, whereas others only allow them on cars parked. These devices are also beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in busy areas or cities that have plenty of parallel parking. They prevent scrapes and dents which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.
They can also prevent collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles typically have cowcatchers that look similar to those found on freight trains. They can be used to push debris and brush away, and even protect headlights.
There are many different ways to put up bumper guards, including mat-style protectors. The stick-on style is the most convenient to use, as it can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving the sticky residue. However, this style isn't very secure and does not completely cover the entire length of your truck.
Certain companies make mat-style protective covers that can be folded and put into a roll for easy storage and transport. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made from a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to different sizes of vehicles and is a sought-after product. It also features bright silver reflectors that improve visibility in low-light conditions. It comes with two straps that connect it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be flipped out when required.
Insurance
The consequences of truck accidents can be catastrophic and result in serious injuries or the loss of a loved one. This is why federal and state regulations oblige trucking companies to carry far more extensive insurance policies than standard passenger cars. They can be worth up to 40 times more than a standard policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do anything to avoid paying accident victim claims. They usually trick injured people into making a recorded statement or employ other methods in order to reduce their liability. It is important to consult with an experienced Denver truck crash lawyer when filing an 18 wheeler accident claim.
The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by the jurisdiction. The most commonly used coverage is primary liability. It protects property from damage caused by the truck in an accident. You should also think about liability insurance and cargo insurance for other purposes. The first protects the truck when it transports loads and is typically included in the contract between the driver and their carrier. The latter is sometimes referred to as "bobtail" insurance and protects the truck and driver during the time between loads.
If you are injured in a tractor-trailer collision, the minimum insurance limits required for trailers and tractors are significantly lower than the limits for passenger automobiles. You will have to fight the insurance company of the trucking firm for a fair settlement. A skilled 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 might have over-served the driver.