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What Is 18 Wheeler Law? Accidents with commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the law governing 18 wheelers. These huge vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety and training. Trucking companies often make their drivers to work for longer and alter logbooks. This can result in catastrophic trucking accidents. Weight Regulations Understanding the weight limits of semi-trucks is crucial. Many states have single axle and group axle weight limits that must be observed. Weigh stations are common on interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure that they do not exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker gets found to be in violation of these limits, they could be penalized or even jailed based on the state they reside in and their criminal record. Axle groups are granted an increased limit because spreading the weight across more axles is safer for the vehicle and allows for more cargo to be transported. For instance, a single tire on an axle can only weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter. However, 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 with a tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while others allow twin or triple trailers. A lot of states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer that is a piece of metal that sits over the drive wheels and joins (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. There are both day cabtractors as well as sleeper cabs which include a sleeping area inside the tractor unit and are specifically designed to be used for hauling over the road. Lane Restrictions Truck drivers must adhere to speed limits and traffic signals in addition to lane restrictions. Trucks are not allowed to drive at the same speed as passenger cars. If they do, accidents are likely to occur. In a lot of instances, it's the driver of the truck who is responsible. This is because truck drivers often drive longer than they are allowed to, break hours-of-service rules, or be distracted or sleepy behind the wheel. Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers are not permitted to drive in the left or right. This is due to the fact that trucks take longer trucks to stop than passenger vehicles. This could be a risky issue, especially for those in cars that are smaller and could be stranded behind a truck when it slows or stops suddenly. There are states that specifically exempt large trucks and prevent them from using the left lane, while other states limit the use of the lane under specific circumstances. In some instances the laws are dependent on weight and axel limits, whereas in others they could be based upon vehicle description or directions. Even if there's 18 wheeler accident lawyer alameda is important to check local rules about limitations on lane usage and follow them. Also, you should move to the right if you see a truck in the pass lane in order to not block faster cars from taking over. Ownership The 18-wheeler and trucking firms have an abundance of resources to employ to pressure accident victims to accept less than they're entitled. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers working on their behalf, even before they know whether an accident victim will pursue legal action. Because they are able to carry enormous loads and are much bigger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers often cause severe injuries and massive property damage in accidents. This is especially relevant when these trucks collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to have an experienced lawyers defend your rights and recoveries against these powerful, large corporations. Large vehicle accidents require a thorough understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics and biology, chemistry as well as federal regulations for trucking as well as medical standards, driving and many other related fields. Our attorneys have the expertise to identify violations of these laws, and then show the jury how it led to your accident. 18-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the careless or reckless actions of multiple parties. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all liable parties and make sure they pay their fair part of your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors, and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that could be a factor in your accident. Insurance Trucking companies have a wealth of resources available to them and can swiftly deploy teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, experts, and even engineers to create a defense against the victims of accidents. They start this process before they even know whether you will to pursue legal recourse. That is why it is so important to immediately retain an experienced lawyer who can match their resources and reduce them to size. A lawyer with expertise in dealing with 18-wheeler accidents will ease your burden and assist you in getting the compensation you're due. This money can be used to pay for medical costs, vehicle damage, lost income from missed work and other non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. 18 wheelers are complex vehicles and require high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and keep accurate records could lead to disastrous accidents. Tractor-trailers often carry hazardous material, which requires special training and specialized licenses to transport. The material may be flammable, explosive, radiological, or poisonous, all of which can pose serious dangers for other drivers on American roads. An accident that is catastrophic could occur if the cargo is not properly labeled and secured. A qualified 18 wheeler crash lawyer will determine the exact reason for your accident and hold liable any parties who could be accountable. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company and the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious obligation.