18 Wheeler Legal Requirements
Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers are involved many wrecks every year. They carry dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than vehicles owned by private individuals.
Driver fatigue is a typical cause of truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires them to keep precise records of their hours of service.
Weight limit
As Americans continue to move away from traditional retail in-person and towards online commerce the road is becoming more packed with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers struggle to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these big vehicles. This is a problem for everyone however it's especially difficult for smaller trucks to maneuver around these huge vehicles.
There are laws that govern the legal maximum limit for 18-wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo that it carries. It is important to know the legal limits so that you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger.
The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. However, there are different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for instance, limits the weight of a single axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles however, are restricted to 34,000 lbs. In addition to these rules, states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single-axles and axle groups.
State-by state, the penalties for exceeding the weight limit may range from fines as high as $16,000. In certain cases fines can also be issued by the driver's company. Repeat offenders may also face higher fines.
Lane restrictions
In addition to weight restrictions, laws of many states regulate the manner in which trucks can drive on highways. Some states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of multilane highways. This law is designed to prevent cars from following trucks too closely and the risk of causing an accident.
In such a situation, a truck driver has no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. In order for trucks to be able to pass slower cars quickly, they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers should also be able to observe other motor vehicles in the left lane and look for dangers or traffic devices which require them to make the turn.
The consequences of not following these laws put them and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist has been injured by a truck which has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled compensation.
Trucks have the most blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they need plenty of space to move around. In 18 wheeler accident attorney clarksville , motorists in smaller cars cut trucks off when they change lanes, and this could cause them to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down that trucks are unable to pass them. This puts both drivers at risk of an accident.
Bumper guards
Bumper guards can be a great option to shield your vehicle from damage, but you should verify the laws of your state before installing them. Certain states do not permit bumper guards, whereas others only allow them on cars parked. These devices can also be used to protect your vehicle when you park in crowded areas, or in cities where parking parallel is common. These devices prevent scratches and dents caused by taller drivers backing into your SUV or truck.
They also can be helpful in preventing collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains, and are commonplace on off-road vehicles. They can be used to push brush and other debris aside and even shield headlights.
There are a number of different ways to put up a bumper guard, such as mat-style protectors. Stick-on is the most convenient to use and can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving a sticky residue. This kind of vehicle does not provide much protection, and it does not cover all areas of your vehicle.
Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be folded up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made of soft cotton that can be adapted to different vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also comes with shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in low-light conditions. It is equipped with two straps which can be used to secure it to the trunk of your vehicle and can be turned upside down at any time.
Insurance
Accidents involving trucks can cause serious injuries and even death. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than those for passenger cars. These policies may be worth as much as 40 times the amount of a standard insurance policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying accident victims. They usually trick injured people into signing an official statement or employ other methods to limit their liability. It is important to consult an attorney from a Denver truck crash lawyer when filing an 18 wheeler crash claim.
The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by jurisdiction. The most common type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damage to property caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is an excellent idea to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The first protects the truck as it hauls a load and is often included in the contract between the driver and their transporter. It is sometimes referred to as "bobtail" insurance and protects the driver and the truck between the loads.
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you must be aware that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers is far less than those required for passenger vehicles. This means that you will likely be fighting with the trucking company's insurance provider to get an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney can identify all parties who might be responsible, which includes the trucking company, the driver, and any dram stores that may have served the driver too much alcohol.