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What Is 18 Wheeler Law? 18 wheeler law deals with accidents with commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These huge vehicles must adhere to strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training. Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently force their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can lead accidents involving trucks to be devastating. Weight Regulations It is important to understand the weight restrictions for semi trucks. The majority of states have single axle and group axle weight limits that must be observed. Weigh stations are prevalent along interstates, and truckers are weighed to ensure they don't over the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found in violation of these limits and is fined, they could be penalized and even sent to jail depending on their criminal record and the state. 18 wheeler accident case marietta have a higher weight limit due to the fact that the vehicle is safer when the weight is distributed across more axles. This also allows for the carriage of more cargo. For example, a single tire on an axle may weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter but when there are 2 tires on the same axle, it can be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire. There are restrictions on the kinds of trailers that can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Some states only allow one trailer while some states permit triple or twin trailers. A lot of states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer that is a plate that is placed over the drive wheels and joins (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs which include an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit and are specifically designed to haul over the road. Lane Restrictions Truck drivers must obey traffic rules and speed limits in addition to lane restrictions. Trucks cannot drive at the same speeds as passenger vehicles. If they do, accidents may occur. In a lot of cases, the truck driver is at fault in these accidents. Truck drivers could be driving longer than they are permitted to, violating hours-of-service rules, or being tired or distracted behind the steering wheel. Truck drivers are also forbidden from driving in the left the lane. This is because trucks take longer trucks to stop than passenger vehicles. This can be a very risky situation, particularly for smaller vehicles that could be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop. There are states that specifically single out large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane, and others limit the use of the lane only in certain circumstances. These laws can be based on weight or axel limits. In other situations, they could be based solely on vehicle's description. Even if there's no statewide law however, you must check local rules on lane restrictions and follow them. You should also move to the right when you see a truck blocking the passing lane. Ownership The trucking and 18-wheeler businesses have many resources they can utilize to force accident victims into accepting less than they're entitled. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers, engineers, and experts that work for their clients even before they know whether the victim of an accident will seek legal remedy. Because they carry huge loads and are much bigger than passenger automobiles, 18 wheelers typically cause massive injuries and property damage in accidents. This is particularly the case when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is imperative to hire an attorney who has experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations. Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry as well as federal regulations for trucking, medicine, driving standards and many other related areas. Our lawyers have the experience to uncover 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 acts of a number of parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties responsible and ensure that they are held accountable for your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms as well as owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that may have played a part in your accident. Insurance Trucking companies are able to send large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and adjusters quickly. They begin the process before they decide if you will to pursue legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who can match their resources and reducing them in size. An attorney who has expertise in dealing with 18-wheeler accidents can relieve you of the burden and help you obtain the compensation you're due. The money will cover costs like steep medical bills car damage, lost wages from missing work, and non-economic damages like suffering and pain. 18-wheelers are highly complex vehicles that require high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Inability to keep detailed logs and perform the necessary maintenance can cause catastrophe-causing accidents. Tractor-trailers often are used to transport hazardous materials that require special training and licensing. The material may be flammable, explosive, radiological, or poisonous, all of which can pose serious dangers to other drivers on American roads. A serious accident can also happen if the load is not properly labeled and secured. A reputable 18 wheeler crash lawyer can determine the exact cause of your accident and liable for any party that are accountable. These may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is also known as vicarious liability.