pocketmotion43

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers have been involved in many wrecks each year. They carry dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than vehicles owned by private individuals. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by fatigued drivers. The law limits how long truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their hours of service. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person retail and towards online commerce, the road is becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these large vehicles. This is a problem for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger cars are finding it difficult to maneuver around these huge vehicles. Fortunately there are laws in place that regulate the legal maximum weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo that it carries. It is important to know the legal limits so you can avoid driving over them and put yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 lbs. However, there are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For example, the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, while axles spaced over 40 inches but less than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) 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 exceeding the weight limit differ from state to state however, they can be accompanied by fines as high as $16,000. In some cases fines could also be imposed by the driver's employer. In the same way, repeat offenders can receive higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, laws of many states regulate how trucks can travel on highways. For example, some states separate large trucks and prohibit them from driving in the left lane on multilane roadways. This law is designed to stop cars from following trucks too closely, and could cause an accident. In these situations, the truck driver would be forced to change lanes and run the risk of a collision with cars that are driving in front of them. In order for trucks to be capable of passing slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers must be able to observe other motor vehicles in the left lane for hazards or traffic control devices that require them to turn. If 18 wheeler accident lawsuit mississippi do not adhere to these laws, they put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If someone is injured by a vehicle that has not complied with the lane restriction laws, they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks require plenty of space to move. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. In some cases, drivers in smaller vehicles cut off trucks when they change lanes, and this could cause them to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down that trucks are unable to be able to pass them. This puts both drivers at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are a great way to protect your vehicle from damage but you should be aware of the laws of your state before installing them. Some states do not allow bumper guards, while others only allow them on parked cars. These devices can also be used to protect your vehicle when you park in areas with a lot of traffic, or in cities where parking parallel is frequent. These devices protect your vehicle from scratches and dents caused by drivers who are taller backing up into your truck or SUV. They can also avoid collisions with branches of trees. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains, and are an essential feature of off-road vehicles. They can be used to shove brush and other debris aside and even to protect headlights. There are a variety of ways to install a rubber bumper. These include mat-style protectors and sticks-on rubber strips. The most straightforward is the stick-on style which can be removed in a matter of minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. However, this style isn't very secure and doesn't provide all the angles of your truck. Certain companies produce mat-style protectors that can be folded up or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is a well-loved model that is made of gentle padded cotton material that can be adjusted to suit various sizes of vehicles. It also has bright silver reflectors for better visibility in poor lighting conditions. It includes two straps that can be used to fix it to the trunk of your car and then flipped back up in the event of need. Insurance Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries and even death. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than passenger cars. These policies can be worth up to 40 times that of a standard policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying compensation to victims of accidents. They often bribe injured people into giving statements that are recorded or employ other techniques to limit their liability. If you are filing a claim after an 18-wheeler crash, it is important to speak with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer. Trucking insurance requirements are complex and vary according to jurisdiction. The most common coverage is primary liability. This will cover property damage caused by the truck in an accident. It is an excellent idea to have cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck while it's transporting a load and is usually included in the contract of a driver of a truck with their carrier. The latter is often referred to as “bobtail” insurance and protects the driver and the truck during the time between loads. If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you must be aware that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers are far less than those required for passenger vehicles. This means that you will likely be fighting the insurance company of the trucking company to get an equitable settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shops who may have served the driver too much.