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What Is 18 Wheeler Law? Accidents that involve commercial truck drivers, their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered under the 18 wheeler law. These huge vehicles must adhere to strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training. Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently require their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can cause accidents with trucks that are catastrophic. Weight Regulations It is essential to be aware of the weight limits for semi trucks. Most states have single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be adhered to. Weigh stations are prevalent along interstates, and truckers are weighed to ensure that they do not exceed the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver is caught violating these limitations they could be penalized or even imprisoned based on the state and their criminal record. Axle groups have a greater weight limit due to the fact that the vehicle is safer when the weight is distributed over a wider range of axles. This also allows for the transport of more cargo. For example one tire on an axle can only be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter but when there are 2 tires on that same axle it can be measured at 1300 pounds per tire. There are restrictions on the types of trailers which can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while other states allow twin or triple trailers. A majority of states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that sits above the drive wheels, and connects (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. There are day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs that have sleeping areas inside the tractor unit and are specifically designed to haul over the road. Lane Restrictions Truck drivers must obey traffic signals and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks are not able to drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles, and should they do, they might cause accidents. In a lot of cases the driver of the truck is the culprit in these accidents. This is because truck drivers may drive for longer than allowed and break hours-of service rules or be distracted or sleepy behind the steering wheel. Truck drivers are also barred from driving in the left the lane. Trucks brake at a much lower speed than passenger cars. This can be a very dangerous situation, particularly for smaller vehicles that could get stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop. Some states limit the use of lanes in specific situations, while other states restrict it to large trucks. These laws could be based either on the weight of the vehicle or axel limits. In other cases they may be solely based on vehicle description. Although there's no statewide law regarding lane restrictions you should still check the local rules and observe the rules. It is also recommended to move to the left when you see trucks blocking the lane. Ownership The trucking and 18-wheeler companies have an array of resources they can make use of to force accident victims to accept less than what they're entitled to. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts that work for their clients even before they know whether the victim of an accident will pursue legal recourse. Because they carry huge loads and are so much larger than passenger automobiles, 18 wheelers typically cause severe injuries and massive property damage in accidents. This is especially the case when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to have an a skilled attorney fight for your rights and recovery against these powerful, massive corporations. Large-scale accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry as well as federal regulations for trucking and medical practices, driving regulations and related fields. Our lawyers have the experience to identify violations of these laws and demonstrate to the jury how they contributed to your accident. 18-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the negligent or reckless acts of a number of parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties accountable and ensure that they are held accountable for your present and future expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also look into the weather conditions that could have played a role in the accident. Insurance Trucking companies are able to put together large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, and experts quickly. They begin this process before they even decide if you will to pursue legal recourse. This is why it's essential to get an experienced lawyer who can match their resources and bring them down to size. An attorney who has experience in handling 18-wheeler crashes will ease your burden and help you get the compensation you deserve. The money could be used to pay for expenses like steep medical bills, vehicle damage, the loss of earnings due to a lack of work, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. 18 wheelers are complex vehicles and require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to maintain detailed documents and carry out this maintenance could lead to catastrophe-causing accidents. Tractor-trailers are often carrying hazardous materials that requires specialized training and specialized certification to transport. These materials can be explosive or flammable, radiological or poisonous. They all pose a danger to other drivers on American highways. 18 wheeler accident attorney gresham to properly label and secure the load could also result in a fatal accident. A reputable 18 wheeler crash lawyer will determine the exact cause of your crash and hold liable any parties that are accountable. This could include the driver of the truck or the trucking company the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is also known as vicarious liability.