10 Tell-Tale Signals You Need To Get A New 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law regulates accidents that involve commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles must comply with strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often pressure their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can cause accidents involving trucks to be devastating.

Weight Regulations

It is important to understand the weight limitations of semi-trucks. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by most states. Weigh stations are commonplace along interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure that they do not exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is caught in violation of these limits they could face fines and even sentenced to jail according to their criminal record and the state.

Axle groups are able to have a higher limit because distributing the weight across more axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows more cargo to be carried. 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 weighted at 1300 pounds for each tire.

There are restrictions on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, and others only permit triple or twin trailers. In addition, many states require fifth wheels on the trailer, which is a round plate that is above the drive wheels, which connects (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Both day cab tractors and sleeper cabs can be found. They all have a sleeping space inside the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to lane restrictions truck drivers also must comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't able to travel at the same speed as passenger vehicles, and even if they do, they may cause accidents. In many instances the driver of the truck is the primary culprit in these accidents. Truck drivers may be driving longer than they are allowed to, or breaking the hours-of service regulations or simply being asleep or distracted behind the steering wheel.

Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers aren't permitted to drive in the left side of the lane. Trucks brake at a much lower speed than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This can be a very risky situation, especially for cars with smaller wheels that could get stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

Certain states specifically single out large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane, and others restrict the use of the lane only in specific circumstances. In some cases these laws are determined by weight and axel limits, while in other they may be based on the description of the vehicle or directions.

Even if there is no law that is statewide it is important to check local regulations regarding the lane restriction and adhere to them. You should also move to the right when you notice trucks blocking the lane.

Ownership

The 18-wheeler and trucking companies have many resources they can make use of to force accident victims into accepting less than what they're entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and even engineers who work on their behalf before they know if an accident victim will pursue legal recourse.

In the event of an accident 18-wheelers can be blamed for catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage due to the fact that they carry such hefty loads and are so large when compared to passenger cars. This is particularly the case when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is imperative to hire a lawyer who has experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, large corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complicated concepts from the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and federal trucking regulations, medical standards, and driving. Our lawyers can uncover any violations of these laws and show the jury what led to your accident.

Multiple parties can be responsible for truck accidents involving 18-wheelers. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all responsible parties and ensure they are paid their fair part of your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking companies and owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also look into the weather conditions that could have contributed to your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have a wealth of resources available and are able to quickly deploy teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, experts, and lawyers to build a defense against accident victims. They begin this process before they know if you intend to seek legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and helping them decrease in size.

An attorney who has experience in handling 18 wheeler accident lawyers-wheeler crashes will ease your burden and help you get the compensation you deserve. The money could be used to pay for medical expenses, vehicle damage loss of income due to missed work and other non-economic losses like suffering and pain.

18 wheelers are complex vehicles and require high-end, systematic maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to keep accurate records and perform this maintenance can lead to devastating accidents.

Tractor-trailers typically carry dangerous materials that requires specialized training and specialized licensing to transport. The material may be explosive, flammable or poisonous, all of which present significant dangers to other drivers on American roads. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could cause a devastating accident.

A skilled 18-wheeler crash lawyer can determine the exact cause and blame any individuals who could be responsible. These could include the truck driver 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.