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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year truck, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved with a lot of accidents. They transport dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private vehicles. Driver fatigue is a frequent cause of truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep precise logs. Weight limit As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person and move towards online shopping, the roads are becoming more filled with trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these massive vehicles their speed and maneuverability. It's a problem for all drivers, however smaller cars and passenger vehicles are finding it difficult to maneuver around these massive vehicles. There are laws that regulate the legal maximum limit for 18-wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo it transports. It is important to know the legal limits to avoid driving over and risking your life. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groupings and single axles. For instance the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds while axles spaced over 40 inches but no more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these regulations states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single-axle and axle groups. The penalties for over-weight differ from state-to-state however, they can be accompanied by fines of up to $16,000. In some instances fines could be imposed by the driver's employer. Repeat offenders may also face greater fines. Lane restrictions The majority of states have laws that regulate the location of trucks on highways. For example, some states single out big trucks and block them from driving on the left side on roads with multiple lanes. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks close, causing an accident. In these situations truck drivers have no choice but to switch lanes or risk a collision. To make sure that trucks are able to get by slower vehicles swiftly, they need to be in the right direction. Truck drivers must also be able observe other motor vehicles in the left side of the lane, looking for hazards or traffic devices that require them to take an turn. In the absence of these laws, they place themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If someone is injured by a truck that has violated the lane restriction laws they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks have some of the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they need plenty of room to move around. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This can cause them jackknife. Other times, drivers slow down to the level where trucks are unable to pass through them, which puts both parties at risk of accident. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, you should look up the laws of your state. Some states prohibit them, while others allow them only on vehicles that are parked. They can be used to safeguard your vehicle when you park in areas that are crowded or in cities where parallel parking is common. These devices protect your vehicle from scratches and dents caused by taller drivers backing into your SUV or truck. They can also prevent collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles often have these cowcatchers, which look like the ones found on freight trains. They can be used to push debris and brush away and even shield headlights. There are many ways to install a rubber bumper guard. These include mat-style protectors as well as stick-on rubber strips. The most simple to use is the stick-on design, which can be removed in just a few minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. This type does not offer the most protection, and doesn't cover all corners of your vehicle. Certain companies offer mat-style protective covers that can be rolled or folded for easy transport and storage. 18 wheeler accident law firm san marcos -Tap is a popular model that is made of gentle padded cotton material that can be adjusted to suit various sizes of vehicles. It also features bright silver reflectors that increase visibility in dim lighting. It includes two straps that can be used to attach it to your vehicle's trunk and can be flipped up when needed. Insurance Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries or even death. This is why federal and state regulations require trucking companies carry more insurance policies than regular passenger cars. These policies can be worth as much as 40 times the amount of a standard policy. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do whatever they can to avoid paying accident victim claims. They will often try to entice injured victims into giving a recorded statement or employ other techniques to minimize their liability. When claiming a claim for an 18-wheeler wreck it is vital to consult with an attorney. Denver truck accident lawyer. The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by the jurisdiction. The most common coverage is the primary liability. This will cover property damage caused by the truck in an accident. You should also consider the liability and cargo insurance for other purposes. The first protects the truck while it is hauling loads and is typically included in the contract between the driver and their carrier. The latter, also referred to “bobtail” coverage, safeguards both the truck and its driver in between loads. If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you must be aware that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers is far less than those required for passenger vehicles. You will have to fight the insurance company of the trucking company for an equitable settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer can pinpoint all potentially liable parties including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any dram shops that might have over-served the driver.