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What Is 18 Wheeler Law? Accidents involving commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the law governing 18 wheelers. These huge vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training. Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently press their drivers to complete longer hours and alter log books. This can cause accidents that happen in trucks to be catastrophic. Weight Regulations It is essential to understand the weight limitations of semi trucks. Most states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be adhered to. It is not uncommon to find weigh stations along interstates where truck drivers are weighed in order to verify that they are not exceeding the maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found in violation of these limits and is found guilty, they may be fined and even put in jail according to their criminal record and the state. Axle groups have a higher limit of weight since the vehicle is safer when the weight is distributed across more axles. This also allows for the transport of larger cargo. A single tire on an wheel is only weighed up to 665 pounds per inch but when two tires are on the same axle, it can be weighed to 1300 pounds. There are also limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states permit only one trailer while others only allow triple or twin trailers. Many states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that sits above the drive wheels and connects (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. There are day cabtractors as well as sleeper cabs, which incorporate sleeping areas inside the tractor unit. They are made to haul over the road. Lane Restrictions In addition to the lane restrictions Truck drivers must also follow speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks are not allowed to drive at the same speed as cars for passengers. If they do, accidents are likely to occur. In most cases, the driver of the truck is at fault in these accidents. This is because truck drivers often drive longer than they are allowed to and break hours-of service rules or become sleepy or distracted behind the steering wheel. Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers aren't permitted to drive in the left or right. Trucks are slower to brake than passenger cars. 18 wheeler accident settlement greeley could create a risky situation, especially for smaller cars that may be stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop. Some states restrict the use of lanes under certain situations, while other states restrict the use of lanes for large trucks. In certain instances these laws are determined by weight and axel limits, while in others, they may be based on the description of the vehicle or directions. Even if there's no statewide regulation on lane limits, you should still look over the local rules and observe the rules. You should also move over to the right when you see a truck in the passing lane so that it does not hinder faster cars from taking over. Ownership The trucking and 18-wheeler businesses have an array of resources they can make use of to force accident victims into accepting less than they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who represent them before they even know whether the victim of the accident will pursue legal action. In accidents 18-wheelers are usually responsible for a plethora of injuries and property damage because they carry such hefty loads and are so large when compared to passenger cars. This is particularly so when they collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to find a lawyer who has experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, large corporations. Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry and federal regulations for trucking and medical practices, driving regulations, and other related areas. Our lawyers are able to identify violations of these laws and demonstrate to the jury how they contributed to your accident. 18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the careless or reckless actions of multiple parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties responsible and ensure that they pay their fair share for your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms as well as owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that could have played a part in the accident. Insurance Trucking companies have an abundance of options available and are able to quickly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and even engineers to develop a strategy for defense against accident victims. They start the process before they know whether you are going to pursue legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and bringing them down in size. An experienced 18 wheeler crash lawyer will alleviate the burden of dealing with these big corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on getting you the compensation you are entitled to. This money can be used to pay for medical costs, vehicle damage and lost income due to missed work and other non-economic losses like suffering and pain. 18 wheelers are a complex vehicle and require high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and keep detailed records can result in devastating accidents. Tractor-trailers are often carrying hazardous materials that requires specialized training and specialized certification to transport. These materials may be explosive or flammable, radiological or poisonous. They all pose a risk to other drivers traveling on American highways. A serious accident can also occur if the load is not properly labelled and secured. A qualified 18-wheeler crash lawyer will determine the exact cause of your crash and hold liable any parties who may be responsible. This could include the driver of the truck and the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious responsibility.