mena 18 wheeler accident attorney Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers are involved in numerous wrecks each year. They carry dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are higher than those for private vehicles.

Truck accidents are often caused by fatigued drivers. The law limits the length of time truck drivers can drive and also requires them to keep accurate logs of their work hours.

Weight limit

As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person to online shopping, the streets are becoming increasingly overrun by trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these large vehicles in terms of speed and maneuverability. It's a challenge for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger cars have a harder time maneuvering around these massive vehicles.

There are laws that regulate the legal limit of warrenton 18 wheeler accident law firm-wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo it carries. It's essential to know the legal limits so that you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are weight limits that differ for axle groupings and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of one axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles however, are restricted to 34,000 lbs. States also have their specific weight limits, both for single axle vehicles and axle groups.

The penalties for over-weight vary from state to state and can include fines as high as $16,000. In certain instances fines could be enforced by the driver's employer. In the event of repeat offenders, they could face higher fines than first-time offenders.

Lane restrictions

Many states have laws that regulate the location of trucks on highways. Certain states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane of the multilane highways. This law is designed to stop vehicles from following trucks too close and causing an accident.

In these circumstances the truck driver would have no choice but to change lanes, and risk a collision with vehicles that are driving behind them. To make sure that trucks can get by slower vehicles swiftly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able monitor other motor vehicles on the left lane and look for any traffic devices or hazards that require them to make the turn.

In the absence of these laws, they place themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist has been injured by a truck that has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled compensation.

Trucks require a lot space to move around. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This can lead to them jackknife. In other instances drivers slow down to the point that the truck is unable to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of accident.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, look up the laws of your state. Some states prohibit them, and others allow them on vehicles that are parked. They can be used to safeguard your vehicle when you park in areas that are crowded or in cities where parking parallel is common. They stop dents and scrapes that often result from taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.

They also help prevent collisions with branches of trees. Off-road vehicles are often equipped with cowcatchers that look similar to the ones on freight trains. They can be used to shove brush and other debris aside and even to protect headlights.

There are a variety of different ways to put up a bumper guard, including mat-style protectors. The stick-on type is the simplest to use and can be removed within minutes without leaving a sticky residue. The stick-on style doesn't provide much protection and does not cover all areas of your vehicle.

Certain companies produce mat-style protectors that can be rolled up or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is a popular model, constructed of soft cotton fabric that can be adjusted to suit different sizes of vehicles. It also comes with bright silver reflectors for better visibility in poor lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps, which attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be removed as it is required.

Insurance

Accidents involving trucks can be devastating and can cause serious injuries or even the death of a loved one. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies carry more insurance policies than those for passenger cars. These policies can be worth 40 times as much as a standard policy. However, trucking insurers will do everything they can to avoid paying victims of accidents. They frequently try to entice injured victims into giving a written statement or employ other methods to limit their liability. When claiming a claim for an 18-wheeler collision, it is important to speak with a Denver truck accident attorney.

The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by jurisdiction. The most common type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damages to property caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is an excellent idea to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The first protects the truck when it transports an item and is often included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. The latter, often referred to as "bobtail" coverage, safeguards both the truck and its driver when it is between loads.

If you've been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you should know that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers is significantly lower than the limits required for passenger vehicles. You'll have to battle the insurance firm of the trucking company for a fair settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify all potentially liable parties including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any dram shop that might have served the driver too much.