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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements
Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers have been involved in many wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private cars.
The majority of truck accidents are caused by fatigued drivers. The law limits the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep exact logs.
Weight limit
As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail stores in person and shift towards online commerce the road is becoming increasingly packed with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these large vehicles with their speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for all drivers but it's especially challenging for passenger cars and smaller trucks to maneuver around these huge vehicles.
There are laws that regulate the legal maximum limit for 18-wheelers. This applies to the truck itself as well as the cargo it carries. It is essential to know the legal limitations to avoid driving over and placing your life in danger.
The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of a single axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles, however, are limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these regulations states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single axles and axle groups.
The penalties for over-weight vary from state to state, but can include fines up to $16,000. In certain cases, the driver's employer may be responsible for these fines as well. In the same way, repeat offenders can be penalized more than first-time offenders.
Lane restrictions
In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of a majority of states govern where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. For instance, some states single out big trucks and block them from driving on the left side on multilane roads. This law is intended to stop vehicles from following trucks too closely, and could cause an accident.
In these scenarios the truck driver would have no choice but to change lanes, and risk a collision with vehicles that are driving ahead of them. To make sure that trucks can easily pass slower vehicles, they need to be in the right direction. Truck drivers also need to be able to observe other motor vehicles in the left lane to avoid dangers or traffic control devices that require them to turn.
Anyone who does not comply with these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by a vehicle that has not complied with the lane restriction laws they may be entitled to compensation.
Trucks require a lot space to move around. They have the largest blind spots on the road. In some instances, motorists in smaller cars cut trucks off when they change the lane, which could cause them to hit each other in a jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down their speed so that trucks are unable to move past them. This puts both drivers at risk of a collision.
Bumper guards
Bumper guards are a great option to shield your truck from damage, but you should be aware of the laws of your state before installing them. Certain states ban them, while others permit them for vehicles parked. These devices are beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities with lots of parallel parking. These devices guard against scratches and scratches caused by taller drivers backing into your vehicle or SUV.
They can also be useful in stopping collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains, and they're an essential feature of off-road vehicles. They clear away brush and other debris and can also assist by securing the headlights.
There are several ways to install a rubber bumper. They include mat-style protectors as well as sticks-on rubber strips. The most straightforward is the stick-on model which can be removed in just a few minutes without leaving any sticky residue. However, this style does not provide much protection and doesn't cover all the corners of your truck.
Certain companies produce mat-style protectors that can be rolled up and folded for easy transport and storage. The LuvTap is a favored model, composed of soft padded cotton material and can be adjusted to suit different sizes of vehicles. It also has bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in poor lighting conditions. It includes two straps that can be used to secure it to the trunk of your car and can be turned upside down in the event of need.
Insurance
Accidents involving trucks can cause serious injuries or even death. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies carry more insurance policies than passenger cars. They could be worth as much as 40 times the amount of the standard insurance policy. However, trucking insurers will do everything they can to avoid paying accident victims. They usually trick injured people into signing a written statement or employ other techniques in order to reduce their liability. It is crucial to consult with an experienced Denver truck crash lawyer when submitting an 18 wheeler crash claim.
The requirements for insurance on trucks are complicated and differ by state. The most frequent type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damages to property caused by the truck in an accident. It is recommended to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The first covers the truck while it is hauling loads and is typically included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. The latter, often referred to as "bobtail" coverage, shields both the truck and its driver when it is between loads.
If you're injured in a tractor-trailer accident the insurance limits required for trailers and tractors is significantly lower than the limits for passenger automobiles. This means that you'll be fighting the insurance provider of the trucking company for an equitable settlement. 18 wheeler accident lawyer henderson seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine all potentially liable parties which include the truck driver as well as the trucking company and any dram shop that might have over-served the driver.