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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year trucks, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in numerous accidents. They carry dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private vehicles. Truck accidents are often caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts 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 their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person retail and towards online commerce the roads are becoming more crowded with trucks belonging to Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these massive vehicles. This is a challenge for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger vehicles are finding it difficult to maneuver around these large vehicles. Fortunately, there are laws in place that regulate the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck as a whole and the cargo it carries. You must be aware of the legal guidelines to avoid driving over and put your life in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000lbs. There are weight limits that differ for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for instance, limits the weight of single axles to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles however, are restricted to 34,000 lbs. States also have their specific weight restrictions, for single-axle vehicles as well as axle groups. State-by state, the penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from fines of up to $16,000. In 18 wheeler accident law firm appleton could be accountable for these fines, too. Repeat offenders may also be subject to more severe fines. Lane restrictions Most states have laws that regulate the location of trucks on highways. For example, some states exclude big trucks and block them from the left lane on roads with multiple lanes. This law is intended to keep vehicles from following trucks too closely and potentially causing an accident. In these circumstances, the truck driver would have no choice but to change lanes or risk collisions with cars that are driving in front of them. To ensure that trucks are able to get by slower vehicles swiftly, they need to be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers should also be able observe other motor vehicles in the left lane to look for hazards or traffic devices that require them to make an turn. People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If a motorist has been injured by a truck which has violated lane restriction laws they may be entitled compensation. Trucks have some of the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they require plenty of room to move. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This can result in them in a jackknife. Sometimes, drivers slow down so that trucks cannot get by them. This puts both parties in danger of an accident. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, look up the laws of your state. Some states do not allow bumper guards while some only permit them on cars that are parked. These devices are also worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities with many parallel parking. They prevent scrapes and dents that are often caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV. They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles often have these cowcatchers that resemble the ones on freight trains. They can be used to push debris and other debris away and even to protect headlights. There are many ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. They include mat-style protectors as well as sticks-on rubber strips. The most straightforward is the stick-on style that can be removed in just a few minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. However, it doesn't offer much protection and doesn't provide all the angles of your truck. Certain companies offer mat-style protective covers that can be rolled or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The LuvTap, a familar model made of a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to various vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also features bright silver reflectors for better visibility in dim lighting. It comes with two straps, which secure it to the trunk of your car and can be flipped off when required. Insurance Truck accidents can result in serious injuries or even death. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than those for passenger cars. These policies can be worth up 40 times more than the standard insurance. The trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying accident victim claims. They often try to trick injured people into giving a written statement or employ other methods to limit their liability. It is important to consult an attorney from a Denver truck crash attorney when submitting an 18 wheeler claim. The requirements for trucking insurance are a bit complicated and differ depending on the jurisdiction. The most popular type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damage to property caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also a good idea to have cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The first covers the truck as it carries loads and is usually included in the contract between the driver and their carrier. The latter is often referred to as “bobtail” insurance, and it protects the driver as well as the truck between loads. If you're injured in a tractor-trailer crash the insurance limits required for tractors and trailers are much lower than those required for passenger automobiles. This means that you'll have to fight with the insurance company for the trucking business to get a fair settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine any potentially responsible parties which include the truck driver as well as the trucking company and any dram shops who may have served the driver too much.