plownews2

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year trucks, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in numerous accidents. They carry dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are higher than that of private vehicles. Truck accidents are often caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep exact logs. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail in-person to online shopping, the streets are becoming more overrun by trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these huge vehicles with their speed and maneuverability. This is a challenge for everyone but it's especially challenging for passenger cars and smaller trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles. There are laws that regulate the legal maximum limit for 18-wheelers. This includes the truck as well as the cargo it transports. You must be aware of the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and put your life in danger. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are weight limits that differ for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for instance, limits the weight of one axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles however, are restricted to 34,000 lbs. In addition to these restrictions states also have their own weight restrictions for single-axles and axle groups. State-by-state, penalties for exceeding a weight limit can range from fines up to $16,000. In certain cases the driver's employer could be responsible for these fines as well. In the event of repeat offenders, they could face higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, laws of the majority of states regulate where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. For example, some states separate big trucks and block them from the left lane on multilane roadways. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks too close to the road and causing accidents. In these circumstances the truck driver will be forced to change lanes and risk collision with cars who are driving ahead of them. To ensure that trucks can easily pass slower vehicles, they need to be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers also need to be able monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for hazards or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn. In the absence of these laws, they place themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If someone is injured by an unintentionally parked truck that violates the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled compensation. Trucks require a lot space to move. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers cut off trucks when they change lanes. This can lead to them to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down to the point that the truck is unable to move past them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, look up the laws of your state. Some states do not allow bumper guards, and some only allow them on cars parked. These devices are recommended for security when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or cities that have a lot of parallel parking. These devices guard against scratches and dents caused by larger drivers backing up onto your vehicle or SUV. They are also useful in stopping collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains, and are an integral part of off-road vehicles. They help clear brush and other debris and they can even help in securing headlights. There are a number of different ways to install a bumper guard, including mat-style protectors. The easiest to use is the stick-on model, which can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving any sticky residue. But, this kind of design does not provide much protection and doesn't cover all the corners of your truck. Certain companies offer mat-style protective covers that can be rolled up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is one of the most popular model, constructed of soft cotton fabric that can be adjusted to suit different sizes of vehicles. It also features bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in dim lighting. It includes two straps that can be used to secure it to the trunk of your car and can be flipped up when needed. Insurance Truck accidents can result in serious injuries, and sometimes even death. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than passenger vehicles. These policies can be worth up to 40 times more than a standard policy. Trucking insurers, however, will do anything to avoid paying accident victims claims. They often attempt to trick injured people into giving a recorded statement or employ other strategies to reduce their liability. When filing a claim in the event of an 18-wheeler accident it is essential to consult a Denver truck accident attorney. The requirements for trucking insurance are a bit complicated and differ depending on the jurisdiction. The most frequently used type of insurance is primary liability. It is a protection for property damage that is caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is recommended to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. 18 wheeler accident attorney west palm beach protects the truck while it is transporting a load and it is often included in the contract of a driver of a truck with their carrier. The latter is sometimes called “bobtail” insurance, and it safeguards the driver and truck during the time between loads. If you've been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, it is important to understand that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers are significantly lower than the limits required for passenger vehicles. This means that you'll be fighting the trucking company's insurance provider to get a fair settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can pinpoint all parties potentially responsible, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any dram shop that might have served the driver too much.