18 Wheeler Legal Requirements
Every year truck, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in numerous accidents. They carry dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are higher than those for private vehicles.
Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by driver fatigue. The law restricts how long truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their hours of service.
Weight limit
As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail in-person and towards online shopping, the roads are becoming more packed with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers are struggling to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these large vehicles. This is a challenge for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger cars are finding it difficult to maneuver around these huge vehicles.
Fortunately there are laws in place that regulate the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo that 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 80,000lbs. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For instance the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches, but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, for single-axle vehicles and for axle groups.
State-by-state, the penalties for a violation of a weight limit can range from fines up to $16,000. In some instances fines can also be enforced by the driver's employer. In addition, repeat offenders may face higher fines than first-time offenders.
Lane restrictions
In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of a majority of states govern the manner in which trucks can drive on highways. Some states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane of a multilane highway. This law is intended to stop vehicles from following trucks too closely and potentially causing an accident.
In such a situation the truck driver is left with no choice but to switch lanes or risk a collision. To ensure that trucks are able to pass slower vehicles quickly, they need to be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane to avoid dangers or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn.
If they do not adhere to these laws, they put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If an individual is injured by a vehicle that has not complied with the lane restriction laws, they could be entitled compensation.
Trucks require a lot space to maneuver. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This can result in them in a jackknife. Other times, drivers slow down to the level where trucks are unable to pass through them, which puts both parties at risk of accident.
Bumper guards
Bumper guards are a great way to protect your truck from damage, however, you must check your state's laws prior to installing them. Some states prohibit them while others permit them on parked vehicles. These devices are recommended for security when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities with lots of parallel parking. 18 wheeler accident law firm odessa prevent scrapes and dents that can result from taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.
They also help prevent collisions with trees' branches. Off-road vehicles are often equipped with cowcatchers, which resemble the ones on freight trains. They help clear brush and other debris and they may even help with headlight protection.
There are many ways to install a rubber bumper. They include mat-style protectors and sticky rubber strips. The stick-on style is the most convenient to use and can be removed in just a few minutes without leaving a sticky residue. This kind of cover doesn't offer the most protection, and does not cover all the corners of your vehicle.
Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be rolled up or folded for easy transport and storage. The LuvTap, a familar model made from soft cotton that can be adjusted to different sizes of vehicles is a popular item. It also has bright silver reflectors that improve visibility in dim light conditions. It comes with two included straps, which attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be removed as required.
Insurance
Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries and even death. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies purchase larger insurance policies than passenger vehicles. They can be worth up 40 times more than the standard insurance. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do everything to avoid paying accident victims claims. They will often trick injured people into giving a written statement or employ other techniques to minimize their liability. It is important to consult with an attorney from a Denver truck crash lawyer when submitting an 18 wheeler claim.
The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary based on the jurisdiction. The most popular type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damages to property caused by the truck in an accident. It is also a good idea to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The first covers the truck while it is hauling an item and is often included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. It is sometimes referred to as "bobtail" insurance and protects the truck and driver during the time between loads.
If you're injured in a tractor-trailer accident the minimum insurance limits required for tractors and trailers are much lower than those required for passenger cars. You'll have to battle the insurance company of the trucking company to secure an equitable settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can pinpoint any potentially responsible parties including the driver and the trucking company and any dram shops that might have over-served the driver.