16 Must-Follow Facebook Pages For 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers-Related Businesses

What Is 18 wheeler accident law firms Wheeler Law?

Accidents with commercial truck drivers, their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered by the law of 18 wheels. These massive vehicles must comply with strict federal guidelines for maintenance security, safety, and training.

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

Weight Regulations

It is essential to understand the weight limits for semi-trucks. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are determined by the majority of states. Weigh stations are common along interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure that they do not over the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found breaking these limits, they could be fined or even imprisoned depending on their criminal record and the state.

Axle groups have a higher weight limit because the vehicle is more secure when the weight is distributed over a wider range of axles. This also allows for the transportation of more cargo. A single tire on a wheel can only be weighed up to 665 pounds per inch however, if two tires are on the same axle, it can be weighed to 1300 pounds.

There are restrictions on the kinds of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states permit only one trailer, while other states allow triple or twin trailers. A lot of states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that is placed above the drive wheels and couples (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractor and sleeper cabs that have an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit and are designed to be used for hauling over the road.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to limitations on lane width, truck drivers must also be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks aren't able to travel at the same speed as passenger vehicles, and when they do, they may cause accidents. In a lot of cases the driver of the truck is the primary culprit in these accidents. This is because truck drivers often drive for longer than allowed and break hours-of service rules or get sleepy or distracted behind the driving.

Another important lane restriction is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left or right. Trucks brake more slowly than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This can be a very risky situation, particularly for cars with smaller wheels that could be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop.

There are states that specifically target large trucks and prevent them from using the left lane. However, others only restrict the use of the lane under specific circumstances. In some instances, these laws are dependent on weight and axel limits, while in others, they may be based on vehicle description or directions.

Although there's no statewide law on lane restrictions, you should still check the local rules and follow them. You should also move to the right when you see trucks blocking the lane.

Ownership

The 18 wheeler and trucking companies have massive resources available to pressure victims of accidents to accept less than they deserve. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who act on their behalf before they know if the accident victim will pursue legal action.

Due to their massive load and are much bigger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheeler accident wheelers often cause severe injuries and massive property damage in accidents. This is especially so when they collide with motor vehicles. It is crucial to have an experienced lawyers fight for your rights and recovery against these powerful, massive corporations.

Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry, federal regulations for trucking as well as medical standards, driving and related fields. Our attorneys are able to find any violations of these laws and show the jury what caused your accident.

18-wheeler truck crashes are typically caused by the negligent or reckless acts of a number of parties. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all liable parties and make sure they are liable for their fair share of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking companies as well as owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that could be a factor in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have a wealth of options available and can swiftly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and even engineers to build a defense against accident victims. They start this process even before they are aware of whether you'll need legal recourse. It is crucial to hire an attorney who can match their resources and helping them decrease in size.

A lawyer with experience in handling 18-wheeler crashes will ease your burden and assist you in getting the compensation you're entitled to. The money could be used to cover medical costs, vehicle damage and lost income due to missed work and other non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

18 wheelers are highly complex vehicles that require high-end, consistent maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to keep accurate records and to perform maintenance can result in devastating accidents.

Tractor-trailers are often used to transport hazardous substances, which require specialized training and a license. This material can be explosive, flammable, radiological, or poisonous, all of which could pose a significant risk to other drivers on American roads. A fatal accident could occur if the load is not properly labelled and secured.

A competent attorney for 18-wheelers can determine the cause and blame the individuals who could be responsible. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm and the owner of the trailer, as well as the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious obligation.