10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers
What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law protects against accidents involving commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety, and training.
Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently require their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can cause accidents with trucks that are catastrophic.
Weight Regulations
Understanding the weight limits for semi trucks is essential. Most states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be observed. Weigh stations are commonplace on interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not exceed the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker gets caught violating these limitations they could be fined, or even jailed depending on the state they reside in and their criminal record.
Axle groups are granted an increased limit because spreading the weight across multiple axles makes the vehicle more secure and allows more cargo to be carried. A single tire on an wheel can only be weighed up to 700 pounds per inch, however, when two tires are mounted on the same axle, they could be weighed up to 1300 pounds.
There are limitations on the kinds of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states will only allow one trailer, whereas others only permit twin or triple trailers. Many states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer that is a plate that sits above the drive wheels and couples (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs are offered. They both have a sleeping space inside the tractor unit.
Lane Restrictions
Truck drivers must adhere to traffic signals and speed limits in addition to lane restrictions. Trucks aren't allowed to drive at the same speeds as cars for passengers. If they do, accidents could occur. In many cases the driver of the truck is at fault in these accidents. Truck drivers could be driving longer than they are entitled to, violating hours-of-service rules or simply being distracted or asleep behind the wheel.
Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers aren't permitted to drive in the left side of the lane. 18 wheeler accident attorney baldwin park is because trucks take a lot longer trucks to brake than passenger vehicles. This can be a serious issue, particularly for those with smaller cars who could be stuck behind a truck when it stops abruptly or slows down.
Some states restrict the use of lanes in specific circumstances, while some states limit it for big trucks. These laws can be based on axel or weight limits. In other cases they may be based solely on vehicle description.
Even if there isn't a statewide law regarding lane restrictions you should still look over the local rules and follow them. You should also shift to the right side if you spot trucks in the passing lane, so that it does not hinder faster vehicles from passing you.
Ownership
Companies operating 18 wheelers and trucking have huge resources available to pressure accident victims to accept less than they should. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who represent them before they know whether the victim of the accident will pursue legal action.
In accidents 18-wheelers are usually responsible for a plethora of injuries and property damage due to the fact that they carry such large loads and are incredibly large in comparison to passenger vehicles. This is especially relevant when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is crucial to have an attorney who is experienced in fighting for your rights against these massive, powerful corporations.
Large vehicle accidents require a thorough understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics and chemistry, biology as well as federal regulations for trucking, medicine, driving standards and related areas. Our attorneys are able to identify any violations of these laws and explain to the jury what led to your accident.
Many parties could be at fault for truck accidents involving 18-wheelers. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure that they are liable for their fair part of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking firms and owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also analyze the weather conditions that could have played a part in your accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies are able to put together large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and adjusters quickly. They begin this process before they are aware of whether you'll seek legal recourse. It is crucial to hire an attorney who can match their resources and bringing them down in size.
A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer can help you deal with these large corporations off your hands and concentrate on securing the compensation you're due. The money could be used to pay for medical expenses, vehicle damages loss of income due to missed work, and other non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
18-wheelers are complex vehicles that require high-level, systematized maintenance to keep them on the road. Failure to maintain detailed records and to perform maintenance could lead to catastrophic accidents.
Tractor-trailers are often carrying hazardous materials that requires specialized training and specialized certification to transport. This material can be explosive, flammable, radiological, or toxic, all of which present significant dangers to other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could result in a fatal accident.
A qualified 18-wheeler crash attorney can determine the causes and blame any other parties who are accountable. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company, the owner or the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is known as vicarious liability.