Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers
What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law covers accidents which involve commercial truck drivers as well as their rigs. These massive vehicles must comply with strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training.
Trucking companies often force their drivers to work longer and manipulate logbooks. This can lead to devastating trucking accidents.
Weight Regulations
It is important to understand the weight limitations of semi trucks. Weight limits for single axles as well as group axles are determined by the majority of states. It is common to see weigh stations on interstates where drivers are weighed in order to make sure they do not exceed maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is caught in violation of these limits, they could be fined and even sent to jail according to their criminal record and the state.
Axle groups are able to have an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight over more axles is safer for the vehicle and allows more cargo to be carried. For instance, a single tire on an axle can only weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter. However, when there are two tires on the same axle it could be weighted at 1300 pounds for each tire.
There are restrictions on the kinds of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, while other states only permit triple or twin trailers. Furthermore, many states require the fifth wheel to be installed on the trailer. This is a rounded plate on top of the drive wheels which joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractor models and sleeper cabs are available. They both have an area for sleeping in the tractor unit.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to restrictions on lane usage truck drivers also must adhere to speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks cannot drive at the same speed as vehicles for passengers, and even if they do, they may cause accidents. In a lot of instances, it is the driver of the truck who is responsible. Truck drivers could be driving longer than they are permitted to, breaking hours-of-service regulations or be asleep or distracted behind the driving.
Truck drivers are also barred from driving in the left lane. This is due to the fact that it takes much longer for trucks to stop than passenger vehicles. This can pose a danger problem, particularly for those in smaller cars who may be stranded behind a truck when it suddenly stops or Vimeo slows down.
Some states specifically exclude large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane, while others limit the usage of the lane in specific circumstances. These laws can be based either on the weight of the vehicle or axel limits. In other instances, they could be based solely on the vehicle description.
Even if there is no law that is statewide however, you must check local rules about the lane restriction and adhere to them. You should also shift to the right when you notice trucks blocking the lane.
Ownership
The trucking and 18-wheeler companies have many resources they can utilize to force accident victims into accepting less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who advocate on their behalf before they know whether the victim of an accident will pursue legal action.
In accidents 18-wheelers are usually responsible for catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage because they carry such heavy loads and are incredibly large compared to passenger vehicles. This is especially so when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is important to have a skilled attorney defend your rights and recovery against these large, powerful corporations.
Large-scale accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics and biology, chemistry as well as federal regulations for trucking and medicine, driving standards and many other related areas. Our lawyers are able uncover any violations of these laws and then show the jury the factors that led to your accident.
palm bay 18 wheeler accident attorney-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the careless or reckless actions of multiple parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties at fault and ensure that they are responsible for your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also look into weather conditions that may have played a part in the accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies are able to send large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, experts, and adjusters quickly. They start this process even before they know if you'll be seeking legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and bringing them down in size.
An attorney who has experience handling 18 wheeler accident-wheeler collisions can relieve you of the burden and Vimeo help you obtain the compensation you're due. The money could be used to cover medical expenses, vehicle damage loss of income due to missed work and other damages that are not economic like suffering and pain.
18-wheelers are extremely complex vehicles that require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them on the road. Inability to keep detailed records and to perform maintenance can cause devastating accidents.
Tractor-trailers are often carrying hazardous materials, which requires special training and specialized licensing to transport. The material could be flammable, explosive, radiological, or poisonous, and all of these pose significant risks for other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could cause a devastating accident.
A reputable 18 wheeler crash lawyer can determine the precise causes of your accident and hold any responsible parties that are accountable. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking company and the owner of the trailer as well as the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is known as vicarious liability.