It's The Ugly Reality About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers
What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law regulates accidents that involve commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These huge vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety, and training.
Unfortunately, trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can cause trucking accidents to be catastrophic.
Weight Regulations
Knowing the weight limits for semi trucks is vital. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by the majority of states. It is not uncommon to find weigh stations along interstates where truck drivers are weighed to verify that they do not exceed maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If 18 wheeler accident attorney flower mound gets discovered to be violating these limits, they could be fined, or even jailed depending on the state they reside in and their criminal record.
Axle groups have a higher limit on weight because the vehicle is more secure when the weight is spread over a wider range of axles. This also permits the transportation of more cargo. A single tire on an wheel can only weigh up to 650 pounds per inch however, if two tires are mounted on the same axle, it can be weighed up to 1300 pounds.
There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, and others only permit twin or triple trailers. Additionally, a lot of states require fifth wheels on the trailer, which is a circular plate over the drive wheels that joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractor and sleeper cabs, which incorporate a sleeping area inside the tractor unit. They are made to be used for hauling over the road.
Lane Restrictions
Truck drivers must observe speed limits and traffic signals in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks cannot operate at the same speed as cars used by passengers. If they do, accidents are likely to occur. In most cases, it's the truck driver at fault. Truck drivers could be driving for longer than they are allowed to, ignoring the hours-of-service regulations or simply being distracted or asleep behind the steering wheel.
Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left side of the road. This is due to the fact that it takes much longer for trucks to brake than passenger vehicles. This could be a risky problem, especially for people who drive smaller vehicles and may be stuck behind a truck when it stops abruptly or slows down.
Certain states prohibit the use of lane lanes in certain circumstances, while others restrict the use of lanes for large trucks. In certain instances the laws are based on weight and axel limits, while in others they could be based on the description of the vehicle or directions.
Even if there's no state-wide regulation on lane limits, you should still check the local rules and observe them. Also, you should move to the right if you spot a truck in the pass lane, so that it does not hinder cars passing you.
Ownership
The trucking and 18-wheeler companies have an abundance of resources to use in order to force victims of accidents to accept less than what they're entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who work on their behalf before they even know whether the victim of the accident will take legal action.
Because they carry huge loads and are so much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers frequently cause a lot of injuries and huge property damage in accidents. This is particularly so when they are involved in collisions with other motor vehicles. It is crucial to have a lawyer who has experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, large corporations.
Large truck accidents require a deep understanding of concepts that are derived from biology, chemistry, physics, federal trucking regulations, medicine, and driving standards. Our lawyers have the knowledge to identify violations of these laws and demonstrate to the jury how they contributed to your accident.
18-wheeler truck accidents are usually caused by the negligent or reckless actions of several parties. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure that they pay their fair share of your current and expected costs. This includes trucking firms, owners of maintenance contractors, even the drivers themselves. Our team will also analyze weather conditions that might have contributed to your accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies are able to send large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, and experts quickly. They begin this process before they decide if you will to pursue legal recourse. That is why it is essential to get an experienced attorney who will match their resources and bring them down to size.
A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer will take 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 cover costs like medical bills that are expensive, vehicle damage, lost wages due to missing work, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
18 wheelers are extremely complex vehicles and require high-end, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Inability to keep detailed records and to perform maintenance could lead to catastrophe-causing accidents.
Tractor-trailers often are used to transport hazardous materials, which require specialized training and certification. The material is explosive, flammable, or poisonous, all of which could pose a significant risk for other drivers on American roads. A serious accident can also occur if the load was not properly labeled and secured.
A skilled 18-wheeler crash lawyer can determine the exact cause of the accident and pinpoint any parties who are responsible. This could include the truck driver or the trucking company the owner of the trailer, and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is also known as vicarious liability.