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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year truck, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in numerous accidents. They carry dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private cars. Driver fatigue is the most frequent cause of truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep exact logs. 18 wheeler accident case albany As Americans continue to move away from traditional retail in-person and move towards online shopping, the roads are becoming increasingly crowded with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these large vehicles' speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for everyone but it's especially challenging for small and passenger car trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles. There are laws that define the legal maximum limit for 18-wheelers. This includes the truck as well as the cargo it is carrying. 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 different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of one axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles are, however, limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these restrictions states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single axles and axle groups. The penalties for over-weight differ from state-to-state, but can include fines as high as $16,000. In some instances the driver's employer could be responsible for these fines, too. Repeat offenders could also be liable for higher fines. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, laws of many states regulate the manner in which trucks can drive on highways. For instance, certain states separate big trucks and block them from the left lane on multilane roads. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks too closely, and potentially causing an accident. In these instances the truck driver will be forced to change lanes or risk collisions with cars that are driving behind them. To make sure that trucks are able to get by slower vehicles swiftly, they need to be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane and look for traffic hazards or other dangers that require them to take turns. Anyone who does not comply with these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured due to a truck that has violated the lane restriction laws, they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks have the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and need plenty of space to move. In some instances, drivers in smaller cars block trucks when changing lanes, which can cause them to hit each other in a jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down so that the truck is unable to pass them. This puts both parties in danger of a crash. Bumper guards Bumper guards can be a great option to shield your truck from damage, but you should check with the laws of your state before installing them. Some states don't allow bumper guards, whereas others only allow them on cars that are parked. They can be used to safeguard your vehicle when you park in busy areas or in cities where parallel parking is common. They can prevent scrapes and dents that often result from taller drivers backing into your car or SUV. They also can be helpful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles are often equipped with cowcatchers, which resemble the ones on freight trains. They can be used to shove brush and other debris aside and even shield headlights. There are a number of different ways to put up bumper guards, including mat-style protectors. The most straightforward is the stick-on model that can be removed in a matter of minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. But, this kind of design doesn't provide much protection and doesn't provide all the angles of your truck. Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be rolled or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is one of the most popular model, constructed of soft cotton material that can be adjusted to suit various vehicle sizes. It also features bright silver reflectors for better visibility in low-light conditions. It has two straps that can be used to attach it to your vehicle's trunk and can be flipped up whenever needed. Insurance Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries, and sometimes even death. This is why state and federal regulations require trucking companies carry much larger insurance policies than standard passenger cars. These policies can be worth up to 40 times more than the standard insurance policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do whatever they can to avoid paying accident victim claims. They will often trick injured victims into signing a recorded statement, or use other tactics to minimize their liability. It is important to consult an attorney from a Denver truck crash lawyer in the event of filing an 18-wheeler accident claim. The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by the jurisdiction. The most commonly used type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damage to property that the truck causes in an accident. It is also a good idea to have cargo insurance, as well as non-trucking liability. The first covers the truck as it carries loads and is typically included in the contract between the driver and their carrier. The latter, sometimes referred to “bobtail” coverage, shields 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 significantly lower than the limits required for passenger vehicles. You'll have to battle the insurance firm of the trucking company to negotiate an equitable settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any dram shops that might have served the driver too much.