18 wheeler accident lawsuit wilmington , 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers are involved many wrecks every year. They carry dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than vehicles owned by private individuals.
Driver fatigue is a common reason for truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their working hours.
Weight limit
As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail in-person to online shopping, the streets are becoming increasingly packed with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these huge vehicles' speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for everyone, but it's particularly difficult for smaller trucks to maneuver around these huge vehicles.
Fortunately, there are laws in place to regulate the legal maximum weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck itself as well as the cargo it transports. You must be aware of the legal limits to avoid driving over and putting your life in danger.
The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are weight limits that differ for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of a single axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles, however, are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight restrictions, which apply to single axle vehicles and axle groups.
The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state to state, but can include fines as high as $16,000. In some instances, the driver's employer may be accountable for these fines too. Repeat offenders could also face higher fines.
Lane restrictions
Most states have laws which regulate the location of trucks on highways. Certain states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane on multilane highways. This law is designed to prevent cars from following trucks close to the road and causing accidents.
In these circumstances, the truck driver would be forced to change lanes and risk a collision with cars that are driving behind them. To make sure that trucks can get by slower vehicles swiftly, they need to be in the right direction. Truck drivers must also be able to observe other motor vehicles in the left lane for dangers or traffic control devices that require them to turn.
People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by a vehicle that has not complied with the lane restriction laws they may be entitled to compensation.
Trucks need a lot of space to move around. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. Some drivers cut off trucks when they change lanes. This can cause them jackknife. Sometimes, drivers slow down so much that the truck cannot be able to pass them. This puts both parties in danger of a crash.
Bumper guards
Bumper guards are an excellent way to protect your vehicle from damage but you should be aware of the laws of your state prior to installing them. Some states prohibit them while some allow them for vehicles parked. These devices can also be used to protect your vehicle when you park in areas that are crowded, or in cities where parallel parking is frequent. These devices prevent scratches and scratches caused by larger drivers backing up onto your SUV or truck.
They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains and are commonplace on off-road vehicles. They clear away brush and other debris and they can even help by securing the headlights.
There are a number of different ways to install a bumper guard, including stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. Stick-on is the simplest to use since it can be removed within minutes without leaving an unattractive residue. This kind of cover doesn't offer any protection, and it does not cover all areas of your vehicle.
Certain companies make mat-style protective covers that can be folded or put into a roll for easy storage and transport. The Luv-Tap is a popular model made from soft cotton that can be adapted to different sizes of vehicles, is a popular product. It also has bright silver reflectors that improve visibility under poor lighting conditions. It comes with two straps, which attach it to the trunk of your car and can be flipped off when required.
Insurance
The consequences of truck accidents can be catastrophic and can cause serious injuries or even the death of a loved ones. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies carry more insurance policies than passenger vehicles. These policies could be worth up to 40 times as much as an ordinary policy. However, trucking insurers will do everything they can to avoid paying accident victims. They frequently try to trick injured people into giving a written statement or use other tactics to limit their liability. When filing a claim in the event of an 18-wheeler collision, it is important to consult with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer.
Insurance requirements for trucks are complex and vary according to jurisdiction. The most frequently used type of coverage is primary liability. It covers property damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is recommended to have cargo insurance, as well as non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck while it is carrying a load, and is usually included in a truck driver's contract with their carrier. It is sometimes referred to as "bobtail" insurance, and it protects the driver as well as the truck between loads.
If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you must be aware that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers are significantly lower than the limits required for passenger vehicles. This means that you'll have to fight with the insurance company of the trucking company to get a fair settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine the parties that could be liable, including the truck driver as well as the trucking company and any dram shops that might have served the driver too much.