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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers are involved in many wrecks every year. They carry dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are higher than that of private vehicles. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by fatigued drivers. The law limits the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep accurate records. 18 wheeler accident attorney lawrence As Americans continue to move away from traditional retail in-person and move towards online commerce the road is becoming increasingly filled with trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers are finding it difficult to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these huge vehicles. It's a problem for all drivers, however smaller cars and passenger vehicles are finding it difficult to maneuver around these large vehicles. There are laws that regulate the legal limit of 18-wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo it is carrying. It is essential to know the legal limitations 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 groups and single axles. For instance, the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, when axles spaced greater than 40 inches but no more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight restrictions, for single-axle vehicles and for axle groups. State-by state, the penalties for exceeding a weight limit can range from fines as high as $16,000. In certain cases the driver's employer could be responsible for these fines too. Repeat offenders could also face higher fines. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, laws of many states regulate where trucks may drive on highways. For instance, certain states separate large trucks and ban them from driving in the left lane on multilane highways. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks that are too close and causing an accident. In these instances the truck driver will be forced to change lanes, and risk collisions with cars that are driving in front of them. In order for trucks to be able to pass slower cars quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers should also be able to observe other motor vehicles on the left lane to look for dangers or traffic devices that require them to make an turn. Those who ignore 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 to compensation. Trucks require a lot space to maneuver. They have the largest blind spots on the road. In some cases, drivers in smaller cars block trucks when they change lanes, which can cause them to make a jackknife. Sometimes, drivers slow down so that trucks cannot be able to pass them. This puts both parties in danger of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are a fantastic way to protect your truck from damage, but you should be aware of your state laws before installing them. Certain states do not permit bumper guards, while others only allow them on cars that are parked. These devices are recommended for security when parking your vehicle in busy areas or cities that have plenty of parallel parking. They help prevent dents and scrapes that can result from taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV. They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles are often equipped with cowcatchers, which look like those found on freight trains. They clear away the debris and brush, and they can even assist with headlight protection. There are many different ways to install a bumper guard, such as mat-style protectors. The stick-on type is the easiest to use since it is able to be removed in minutes without leaving an unattractive residue. However, this type doesn't offer much protection and does not protect all the corners of your truck. Certain companies make mat-style protective covers that can be folded or folded for easy storage and transportation. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made of soft cotton which can be adjusted to different sizes of vehicles, is a popular product. It also comes with reflective silver lights that brighten up visibility in dim lighting. It has two straps that can be used to attach it to the trunk of your vehicle and can be flipped up whenever needed. Insurance Truck accidents can be traumatic and cause serious injuries or the death of a loved ones. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than cars for passengers. They can be worth 40 times more than the standard insurance. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do everything to avoid paying accident victims claims. They often attempt to entice injured victims to give a recorded account or employ other methods to reduce their liability. If you are filing a claim after an 18-wheeler collision it is vital to speak with a Denver truck accident attorney. The requirements for insurance on trucks are complicated and vary by jurisdiction. The most popular coverage is primary liability. It will cover property damage caused by the truck in an accident. You should also consider cargo insurance and liability coverage for those who do not work. The first protects the truck while it is hauling loads and is typically included in the contract between a driver and their carrier. The latter, sometimes referred to “bobtail” coverage, protects both the driver of the truck as well as the truck in between loads. If you've 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 to negotiate a fair settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine all potentially liable parties which include the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shop that might have served the driver too much.