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What Is 18 Wheeler Law? Accidents with commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered under the 18 wheeler law. These huge vehicles must be subject to strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training. Companies that transport trucks often force their drivers to work longer and alter logbooks. This can cause trucking accidents to be catastrophic. Weight Regulations Understanding the weight limits for semi trucks is essential. Most states have single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be observed. It is not uncommon to find weigh stations along interstates, where truck drivers are weighed in order to confirm that they are not exceeding the maximum limits for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is caught violating these limits and is fined, they could be penalized and even sentenced to jail depending on their criminal history and the state. Axle groups have a higher limit on weight because the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread across multiple axles. This also allows for the transport 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, they can be weighed up to 1300 pounds. There are restrictions on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while others only permit triple or twin trailers. Many states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer that is a piece of metal that sits above the drive wheels and joins (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. Day cab tractor models and sleeper cabs are offered. They both include sleeping spaces in the tractor unit. Lane Restrictions Truck drivers must obey traffic rules and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks aren't permitted to drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles. If 18 wheeler accident attorney washington do, accidents are likely to occur. In most cases, the driver of the truck is at fault in these accidents. Truck drivers could be driving for longer than they are allowed to, violating hours-of-service rules or simply being asleep or distracted behind the driving. Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left side of the lane. Trucks are slower to brake than passenger cars. This could be a risky issue, especially for those who drive smaller vehicles and may be stranded behind a truck when it slows or stops abruptly. Certain states restrict the use of lanes under certain situations, while other states restrict the use of lanes for large trucks. These laws may be based either on axel or weight limits. In other instances they could be based solely on vehicle description. Even if there's no law that is statewide that you can follow, you should be aware of local rules about lane restrictions and follow them. You should also shift to the right when you see trucks in the passing lane to ensure that it does not hinder cars overtaking you. Ownership The trucking and 18-wheeler businesses have an array of resources they can employ to pressure accident victims into accepting less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts that work on their behalf even before they know if an accident victim is going to seek legal relief. Because they can carry massive loads and are larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers often cause a lot of injuries and huge property damage in accidents. This is particularly so when they collide into other motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney who is experienced in fighting for your rights against these large, powerful corporations. Large truck accidents require an understanding of complex concepts that are derived from biology, chemistry, physics and federal trucking regulations medical regulations, and driving rules. Our attorneys have the expertise to identify violations of these laws and explain to the jury why it led to your accident. Multiple parties can be responsible for 18-wheeler truck accidents. Our NY attorney for accidents involving 18 wheels will investigate all accountable parties and ensure they pay their fair portion of your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also analyze weather conditions that could be a factor in the accident. Insurance Trucking companies can put together large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They begin this process before they know whether you'll seek legal recourse. This is why it's vital to immediately hire an experienced attorney who will match their resources and bring them down to size. A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer can relieve the burden of dealing with these large corporations off your hands and focus on getting you the compensation you deserve. This money can be used to cover medical expenses, vehicle damages as well as lost income from missing work as well as other non-economic damages 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 maintain detailed documents and carry out this maintenance could lead to catastrophic accidents. Tractor-trailers are commonly used for transporting hazardous materials, which require specialized training and a license. These materials may be explosive or flammable and radiological as well as poisonous. They all pose a major risk to other motorists on American highways. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could result in a catastrophic accident. A qualified 18 wheeler crash lawyer can determine the precise cause of your accident and hold accountable any other parties that are accountable. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company or the owner of the trailer, as well as the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is known as vicarious liability.