15 Reasons To Not Ignore 18-Wheeler Wreck Lawyer

Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?

Many car accidents happen and result in medical bills, physical damage and time taken away from work. When an farmington hills 18 wheeler accident lawyer-wheeler is involved, the consequences can be far more serious.

Victims are able to make a claim for the financial compensation they deserve if this happens. This is where an attorney from New Orleans truck accident attorney can help.

Weight Limits

In general 18 wheelers can carry 80,000 pounds which includes the weight of cargo. This is a very strict limit that requires trucking companies to load their vehicles to the max and can result in overloaded. Drivers who exceed this limit may be fined, and the penalties vary based on where they live.

It is easy to tell if an 18 wheeler is going over the limit by checking their lights. A single flash from their blinkers suggests that it's safe to merge front of them, while flashes of high intensity or Vimeo multiple flashes mean that it's not. Truck drivers also use their lights to communicate, so keep on the lookout for them when merging.

Always leave a large gap between your car and an 18-wheeler. This is particularly important when you are passing. Trucks require plenty of space to slow down and stop when they stop, and if you cut them off this could result in a deadly crash. Car drivers are the cause of 72 percent of all crashes between trucks and cars.

Number of Axles

Semi-trucks are different from cars in that they require multiple axles in order to rotate the wheels. The typical truck has four axles, including the steer and drive axles, whereas trailers usually have two tandem axles. It is important to keep in mind that these vehicles are longer than the average automobile.

The limits on axle weights are based on a variety of factors, including the Federal Bridge Formula and the legal limits posted by each state for single axles and axle groups. Limits for states can be higher than federal limits, which is why it is essential for truckers to verify prior to traveling.

The challenge of hauling freight is difficult enough, but adding extra weight increases the risk of an accident. If truckers overload their trailer they are in breach of the law and can be held accountable for the consequences of the injuries. If you've suffered injury in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, a lawyer for truck accidents can help determine whether the driver was carrying more than the maximum load allowed, and if that negligence was the reason for your injury.

Speed Limits

As any driver knows, speeding is among the leading causes of truck accidents. This is especially relevant for large trucks, which are more likely to crash due to their weight and size. This is why it is important for truckers to follow the speed limits for every highway they travel.

However, truck drivers are often required to deliver their goods quickly, and they may not be able to slow down enough to accommodate the conditions. This can lead to risky driving, and could also be deadly for other motorists.

It is, however, possible to decrease the chance of these accidents by using speed limiters. This is a device which will automatically limit the speed of a vehicle to a safe amount and can be installed in many different types of trucks.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is studying the possibility of a new rule that would require truckers to use these devices. The agency has issued a second notice of proposed rulemaking to get feedback on the rule. In previous proposals, it was suggested that truck speeds be limited to 60 or 65 miles per hour.

Insurance

The majority of private vehicle owners purchase one policy to cover all their vehicles. Truckers however do not own the trucks they drive. They rent their 18-wheelers instead from a trucking company. Trucking companies require higher limits of liability insurance because commercial vehicles are more risky. Additionally, they may purchase cargo and bobtail coverage for their vehicles. Cargo insurance covers the cargo that semi-trucks transport. Bobtail insurance protects the truck once it has delivered its cargo. These policies are able to compensate victims and grieving family members in the event of an accident.

Maintenance

It can be difficult to estimate the maintenance costs of commercial vehicles. This is because the trucks are costly to repair and maintain particularly when they require major repairs. Some trucking companies provide maintenance schedules that estimate the cost of maintaining the vehicle.

Trucks have ten brakes instead eighteen and anti-lock breaks are being offered on new trucks. In general, trucks take 40% longer than a regular car to stop. This is due to the huge dimensions and the speed of an 18-wheeler.

The term "eighteen wheeler" has become synonymous with trucking. It is included in songs of country music like the Red Sovine titles "Giddyup Go" and "Teddy Bear" and thrash metal band Vimeo BigRig's hit song "Roll on". But it is crucial to keep in mind that these trucks are not at home on the road, and they must adhere to the same rules as other drivers. It is against the law for truckers, as an example to use their mobile phones while driving. A single second of inattention can have negative consequences for a driver.