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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are higher than those of private vehicles. Truck accidents are often caused by fatigued drivers. The law limits the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep accurate logs. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail in-person to online commerce the road is becoming more overrun by trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these massive vehicles' speed and maneuverability. It's a challenge for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger cars have a harder time maneuvering around these large vehicles. There are laws governing the legal maximum limit for 18-wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo it carries. It's crucial to be aware of the legal limits so that you can avoid driving over them and putting yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are weight limits that differ for axle groupings and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of an individual axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles are, however, limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight restrictions, for single-axle vehicles as well as axle groups. State-by-state the penalties for a violation of the weight limit can range from fines of up to $16,000. In some instances fines could be ordered by the driver's employers. Repeat offenders could also be liable for higher fines. Lane restrictions Most states have laws which regulate the location of trucks on highways. For instance, certain states impose a ban on large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane on multilane roadways. This law is designed to prevent cars from following trucks that are too close to causing accidents. In these instances truck drivers have no choice but to change lane or risk a collision. In order for trucks to be capable of passing slower cars quickly they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers must also be able to observe other motor vehicles on the left lane and look for hazards or traffic devices that require them to take a turn. Ignoring these laws puts themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by the truck that has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled compensation. Trucks require plenty of space to move. They have the largest blind spots on the road. In some instances, drivers in smaller vehicles block trucks when they change lanes, and this can cause them to make a jackknife. Other times drivers slow down to the point that the truck is unable to pass through them, which puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are an excellent option to shield your vehicle from damage, however, you must check the laws of your state prior to installing them. Some states ban them, and others allow them on vehicles that are parked. These devices are also beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities that have lots of parallel parking. They help prevent dents and scrapes which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV. They also help prevent collisions with branches of trees. Off-road vehicles typically have cowcatchers that look similar to those on freight trains. They help clear brush and other debris, and can also assist with headlight protection. There are many ways to install a rubber bumper. These include mat-style protectors and sticky rubber strips. The easiest to use is the stick-on design, which can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving any sticky residue. The stick-on style doesn't provide any protection, and it does not cover all the corners of your vehicle. Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors which can be folded or roll-up for storage and transport. 18 wheeler accident attorney costa mesa -Tap is a popular model made of soft cotton that can be adjusted for different sizes of vehicles and is a sought-after product. It also has bright silver reflectors that improve visibility in dim light conditions. It is equipped with two straps which can be used to fix it to your vehicle's trunk and then flipped back up at any time. Insurance Truck accidents can cause grave injuries and even death. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than passenger cars. They could be worth up to 40 times as much as the standard insurance policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying compensation to victims of accidents. They frequently trick injured people into giving statements that are recorded, or use other tactics to minimize their liability. If you are filing a claim after an 18-wheeler accident it is essential to consult with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer. The requirements for trucking insurance are complicated and vary based on jurisdiction. The most frequently used type of coverage is primary liability. This will cover property damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also a good idea to have cargo insurance, as well as non-trucking liability. The first covers the truck while it is hauling an item and is often included in the contract between the driver and their transporter. The latter, sometimes referred to “bobtail” coverage, safeguards both the truck and its driver during the interval between loads. If you're injured in a tractor-trailer crash the insurance limits required for trailers and tractors is significantly lower than the limits for passenger cars. This means that you'll be fighting with the insurance company for the trucking business for a fair settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine all parties potentially responsible which include the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shops that might have served the driver too much.