sleetwind90

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers are involved in many wrecks every year. They carry dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private cars. Driver fatigue is a frequent reason for truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep accurate records. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional retail and towards online commerce the roads are getting crowded by trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these huge vehicles. This is a problem that affects everyone however it's especially difficult for passenger cars and smaller trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles. There are laws that govern the legal limit of 18-wheelers. This applies to the truck as a whole and the cargo it carries. It is important to know the legal limit so you can avoid driving over them and put yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are weight limits that differ for axle groupings and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for instance, limits the weight of one axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles however, are restricted to 34,000 lbs. In addition to these regulations states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single axles and axle groups. State-by state, the penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from fines of up to $16,000. In certain cases the driver's employer could be responsible for these fines as well. Repeat offenders may also face higher fines. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of most states regulate the manner in which trucks can drive on highways. 18 wheeler accident attorney concord , for example, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of multilane highways. This law is designed to stop cars from following trucks too closely, and the risk of causing an accident. In these situations the truck driver will be forced to change lanes or risk a collision with vehicles that are behind them. To make sure that trucks are able to pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers must be able monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for potential hazards or traffic control devices that require them to turn. People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by an unintentionally parked truck that violates the laws governing lane restrictions, they may be entitled to compensation. Trucks have the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and need plenty of space to move around. In some cases, drivers in smaller cars block trucks when changing lanes, which can cause them to be jackknifed. Sometimes, drivers slow down to a point where the truck can't move past them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are an excellent option to shield your vehicle from damage but you should verify your state laws before installing them. Some states prohibit them, while some allow them for vehicles that are parked. These devices are worth investing in for protection when parking your vehicle in busy areas or cities with lots of parallel parking. They stop dents and scrapes which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your car or SUV. They also help prevent collisions with branches of trees. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains, and are a common feature of off-road vehicles. They clear away dirt and other debris and they can even help in securing headlights. There are many ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. They include mat-style protectors and sticks-on rubber strips. The easiest to use is the stick-on type that can be removed in a matter of minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. This type does not offer much protection and doesn't cover all corners of your vehicle. Certain companies offer mat-style protective covers that can be folded up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is one of the most popular model that is composed of soft padded cotton material that can be adjusted to suit various vehicle sizes. It also has bright silver reflectors for better visibility in dim lighting. It is equipped with two straps which can be used to fix it to your vehicle's trunk and can be flipped up when needed. Insurance Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries or even death. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than passenger cars. They can be worth up to 40 times the amount of the standard insurance. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do anything to avoid paying accident victim claims. They often try to trick injured people into giving a written statement or use other tactics to limit their liability. It is crucial to consult with an attorney from a Denver truck crash attorney when filing an 18 wheeler claim. The requirements for insurance for trucks are complex and differ by the jurisdiction. The most popular type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damage to property that the truck causes in the event of an accident. You should also consider liability insurance and cargo insurance for those who do not work. The former protects the truck when it is transporting a load, and is usually included in the contract of a truck driver with their carrier. The latter, sometimes called “bobtail” coverage, shields both the truck and its driver in between loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer accident the minimum insurance limits for trailers and tractors is significantly lower than the limits for passenger cars. You'll need to fight the insurance firm of the trucking company to get a fair settlement. A Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine who might be responsible, which includes the trucker, the trucking firm, and any dram stores which may have served the driver too much alcohol.