10 Facts About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers That Can Instantly Put You In A Positive Mood
What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
Accidents with commercial truck drivers, their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered under the law of 18 wheels. 18 wheeler accident law firm murfreesboro must adhere to strict federal guidelines for maintenance security, safety, and training.
Trucking companies often make their drivers to work for longer and manipulate logbooks. This can lead accidents with trucks that are catastrophic.
Weight Regulations
Understanding the weight limits of semi-trucks is crucial. Weight limits for single axles as well as group axles are determined by most states. It is commonplace to see weigh stations on interstates where drivers are weighed to verify that they aren't exceeding the maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is caught in violation of these limits, they could be fined and even sentenced to jail depending on their criminal record and the state.
Axle groups have a higher weight limit due to the fact that the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread over more axles. This also allows for the carriage of more cargo. For instance a single tire mounted on an axle is able to be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter but when there are 2 tires on the same axle it could be measured at 1300 pounds per tire.
There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer while others only allow twin or triple trailers. Many states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that sits above the drive wheels and couples (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractors and sleeper cabs that have a sleeping area inside the tractor unit. They are made for over-the-road hauling.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to the lane restrictions, truck drivers must also comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't able to travel at the same speed as vehicles for passengers, and even if they do, they can cause accidents. In many instances, the truck driver is the culprit in these accidents. Truck drivers may be driving longer than they are permitted to, violating hours-of-service rules and/or being tired or distracted behind the driving.
Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers are not permitted to drive in the left right lane. This is due to the fact that it takes much longer for trucks to brake 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 exclude big trucks and block them from using the left lane, and other states limit the use of the lane in specific circumstances. These laws may be based either on axel or weight limits. In other cases they may be solely based on the vehicle description.
Even if there is no law that is statewide, you should check local rules about the lane restriction and adhere to the rules. You should also shift to the right when you spot trucks blocking the lane.
Ownership
The trucking and 18-wheeler businesses have an array of resources they can use in order to force accident victims into accepting less than what they're entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who work on their behalf before they know whether the victim of the accident will take legal action.
Because they carry huge loads and are so much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers frequently cause severe injuries and massive property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is particularly relevant when they collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney who is experienced in fighting for your rights against these large, powerful corporations.
Large-scale accidents require a thorough understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics and chemistry, biology and federal regulations for trucking as well as medical standards, driving and related areas. Our attorneys have the expertise to find violations of these laws, and then show the jury how they contributed to your accident.
Many parties could be at fault for 18-wheeler truck accidents. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the responsible parties and ensure that they are responsible for your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking firms and owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that could have played a role in your accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies can provide large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, experts, and adjusters quickly. They begin this process before they know whether you'll seek legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who can match their resources and reducing them in size.
An experienced 18 wheeler crash lawyer can help you deal with these corporations off your hands and concentrate on securing the compensation you're entitled to. This money can be used to cover medical expenses, vehicle damages as well as lost income from missing work and other non-economic losses such as suffering and pain.
18-wheelers are a complex vehicle that require high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and maintain detailed records could result in tragic accidents.
Tractor-trailers frequently carry hazardous materials that requires specialized training and special licensing for transport. The material is explosive, flammable, radiological, or toxic, all of which can pose serious dangers for other drivers on American roads. A serious accident can also occur if the load is not properly labelled and secured.
A skilled 18-wheeler crash lawyer can determine the exact cause and blame any individuals who could be accountable. These could include the driver of the truck or the trucking company the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is known as vicarious liability.