13 Things You Should Know About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers That You Might Not Know

What Is 18 Wheeler Law? 18 wheeler law deals with accidents involving commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These huge vehicles must be subject to strict federal guidelines for maintenance, safety, and training. Trucking companies often force their drivers to work for longer and alter logbooks. This can cause accidents with trucks that are catastrophic. Weight Regulations Understanding the weight limits of semi trucks is essential. The majority of states have single axle and group axle weight limits that must be adhered to. It is typical to see weigh stations along interstates where truck drivers are weighed to confirm that they do not exceed the maximum limits for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found violating these limits and is found guilty, they may be fined and even put in jail depending on their criminal history and the state. Axle groups have a higher limit on weight because the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread over more axles. This also permits the transport of larger cargo. A single tire on a wheel is only weighed up to 650 pounds per inch, but when two tires are mounted on the same axle, it could be weighed up to 1300 pounds. There are also limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, while others allow twin or triple trailers. In addition, many states require the fifth wheel to be installed on the trailer which is a round plate above the drive wheels which joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractor and sleeper cabs which include sleeping areas inside the tractor unit. They are made for over-the-road hauling. Lane Restrictions Truck drivers must observe traffic rules and speed limits in addition to lane restrictions. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as cars and when they do, they can cause accidents. In a lot of instances, it's the truck driver at fault. Truck drivers could be driving longer than they are entitled to, ignoring the hours-of-service regulations or be distracted or sleepy behind the wheel. Another important limitation on lane is that truck drivers aren't permitted to drive in the left or right. Trucks are slower to brake than passenger cars. This can be a very risky situation, particularly for cars with smaller wheels that could be stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop. Some states restrict the use of lanes in certain circumstances, while some states limit the use of lanes for large trucks. These laws could be based on weight or axel limit. In other cases they could be based solely on the vehicle description. Even if there's no state-wide law on lane restrictions, you should still be aware of local rules and adhere to the rules. You should also move to the right when you spot a truck blocking the passing lane. Ownership Companies that operate 18 wheelers and trucks have a wealth of resources to pressure victims of accidents into accepting less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who represent them before they know if the victim of the accident will take legal action. In accidents, 18-wheelers are often responsible for catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage because they carry such hefty loads and are incredibly large in comparison to passenger vehicles. This is particularly relevant when these trucks collide into other motor vehicles. It is vital to hire an attorney who is experienced in fighting for your rights against these large, powerful corporations. Large truck accidents require an understanding of complicated concepts that are derived from physics, chemistry, biology and federal trucking regulations medicine, and driving standards. Our lawyers have the knowledge to discover violations of these laws and demonstrate to the jury how they contributed to your accident. 18-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the careless or reckless actions of multiple parties. 18 wheeler accident case elizabeth -wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties accountable and ensure that they are liable for your present and future costs. This includes trucking companies, owners of maintenance contractors, even drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that could have played a part in the accident. Insurance The trucking industry has a wealth of resources available and can quickly deploy teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, engineers, and experts to build a defense against accident victims. They begin this process before they know whether you'll need legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and reducing them in size. A lawyer who has experience handling 18-wheeler collisions can ease the burden and help you receive the compensation you're entitled to. The money could be used to pay for expenses such as medical bills that are costly, vehicle damage, the loss of earnings due to a lack of work, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. 18 wheelers are complex vehicles and require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to keep accurate documents and carry out this maintenance can lead to catastrophic accidents. Tractor-trailers often carry hazardous material that requires specialized training and specialized licensing to transport. The material may be explosive, flammable, radiological, or poisonous, all of which pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. A serious accident can also occur if the load is not properly labeled and secured. A competent attorney for 18-wheelers can determine the causes and blame any other individuals who could be accountable. This could include the driver of the truck or the trucking company the owner of the trailer, and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is known as vicarious liability.