The Comprehensive Guide To 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law covers accidents with commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These huge vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can cause accidents with trucks that are catastrophic.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits for semi trucks is vital. Most states have both single axle and group axle weight limits that must be observed. Weigh stations are common along interstates, and truckers are weighed to ensure that they don't over the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is caught violating these limits and is found guilty, they may be fined and even put in jail depending on their criminal record and the state.

Axle groups have a greater weight limit because the vehicle is more secure when the weight is distributed over a wider range of axles. This also allows for the carriage of more cargo. For example a single tire mounted on an axle may be weighed at 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter, but when there are 2 tires on the same axle it could be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are also limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states allow only one trailer while others only allow twin or triple trailers. Some states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer that is a piece of metal that sits over the drive wheels and couples (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractors and sleeper cabs which include a sleeping area into the tractor unit. They are made to haul over the road.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to restrictions on lane usage Truck drivers must also follow speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks are not allowed to drive at the same speed as passenger cars. If they do, accidents can occur. In many instances, the driver of the truck is the culprit in these accidents. This is because truck drivers may drive longer than they are allowed to, break hours-of-service rules, or be distracted or sleepy behind the wheel.

Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left lane. This is because it takes much longer for trucks to stop than passenger vehicles. This can be a very dangerous situation, especially for cars with smaller wheels that could get stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

There are states that specifically target large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane, while others limit the use of the lane under specific circumstances. In some instances these laws are built around axel and weight limits, whereas in other they may be based upon vehicle description or directions.

Even if there is no statewide law it is important to check local rules on the lane restrictions and adhere to them. You should also shift to the right when you spot a truck blocking the passing lane.

Ownership

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

In the event of an accident, 18 wheeler accident lawyer-wheelers are often responsible for severe injuries and property damage due to the fact that they carry such hefty loads and are incredibly large relative to passenger vehicles. This is especially true when these trucks collide with other motor 18 wheeler accident lawsuit vehicles. It is essential to have an an experienced attorney defend your rights and recovery against these powerful, massive corporations.

Large-scale accidents require an in-depth understanding of the concepts in the fields of physics and chemistry, biology, federal regulations for trucking, medicine, driving standards and many other related fields. Our lawyers have the knowledge to find violations of these laws and show the jury the circumstances that led to your accident.

Multiple parties can be responsible for truck accidents involving 18-wheelers. Our NY 18 wheeler Accident lawsuit wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all of the accountable parties and ensure they pay their fair share of your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking companies owners, maintenance contractors, owners and even drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that may have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can put together large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They begin the process before they know whether you will to pursue legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and reducing them in size.

A lawyer with expertise in dealing with 18-wheeler accidents will relieve you of the burden and help you receive the compensation you deserve. The money could be used to pay for expenses such as high medical bills or vehicle damage, the loss of earnings due to a lack of work, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

18 wheelers are complex vehicles and require a high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and keep accurate records could lead to devastating accidents.

Tractor-trailers can be used to transport hazardous substances, that require special training and licensing. The material may be flammable, explosive, radiological or toxic, all of which pose significant risks for other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could also result in a fatal accident.

A reputable 18 wheeler crash lawyer can determine the exact causes of your accident and hold liable any parties that are accountable. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm and the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious obligation.