10 Facts About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers That Can Instantly Put You In Good Mood

What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents with commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the law of 18 wheels. These massive vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often pressure their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can lead trucking accidents to be catastrophic.

18 wheeler accident law firm redlands  is crucial to know the weight limitations for semi-trucks. Many states have single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be observed. Weigh stations are prevalent on interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found to be in violation of these limits, they could be fined, or even imprisoned based on the location and criminal record.

Axle groups have a greater limit on weight because the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread across more axles. This also permits the carriage of more cargo. For instance a single tire mounted on an axle can be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel's diameter. However, when there are 2 tires on that same axle it can be weighted at 1300 lbs per tire.

There are also restrictions on the type of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Some states will only allow one trailer, and others only allow triple or twin trailers. Many states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that is placed over the drive wheels, and connects (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. There are day cabtractors as well as sleeper cabs which include a sleeping area into the tractor unit. They are made to haul over the road.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to lane restrictions, truck drivers must also be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks cannot drive at the same speed as vehicles for passengers and, when they do, they may cause accidents. In most instances, it is the truck driver who is at fault. This is due to the fact that truck drivers can be driving for longer than is permitted or violate the hours-of-service regulations, or become sleepy or distracted behind the vehicle.

Truck drivers are also forbidden from driving in the left the lane. Trucks brake much slower than cars for passenger use. This could be a risky issue, particularly for those with smaller cars who could be stranded behind the truck when it stops abruptly or slows down.

Some states specifically single out large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane, whereas others restrict the use of the lane only in specific circumstances. These laws may be based on weight or axel limits. In other instances they could be solely based on the vehicle description.

Even if there's no statewide law on lane restrictions, you should still check the local rules and observe the rules. You should also shift to the left if you see trucks passing in the lane so that it does not hinder faster cars from overtaking you.

Ownership

Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have a vast array of resources to force victims of accidents to accept less than they should. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who act on their behalf before they even know if the victim of an accident will take legal action.

Because they can carry massive loads and are larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers frequently cause a lot of injuries and huge property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is particularly the case when they collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to have an a seasoned attorney fight for your rights and get you justice against these powerful, massive corporations.

Large truck accidents require an understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and federal trucking regulations medical standards, and driving. Our attorneys are able to identify any violations of these laws, and then show the jury the factors that led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the careless or reckless actions of several parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the responsible parties and ensure that they pay their fair share for your present and future expenses. This includes owners of trucking businesses, trucking companies and maintenance contractors, and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that could have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have vast resources available and can quickly send teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and even engineers to create a defense against accident victims. They begin the process before they know whether you will to seek legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and helping them decrease in size.

A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer can relieve the burden of dealing with these large corporations off your hands and focus on getting you the compensation you're due. This money can be used to cover medical costs, vehicle damage loss of income due to missed work, and other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.

18 wheelers are a complex vehicle and require high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Failure to keep accurate logs and perform the necessary maintenance can lead to devastating accidents.

Tractor-trailers can be used to transport hazardous materials which require special training and licenses. These materials can be flammable or explosive and radiological as well as poisonous. They all pose a significant risk to other drivers on American highways. Failure to properly label and secure the load could result in a catastrophic accident.

A skilled 18-wheeler crash lawyer will determine the exact cause of the accident and pinpoint any parties that may be accountable. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company as well as the owner of the trailer, as well as the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious responsibility.