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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks every year. They carry dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private cars. Driver fatigue is a typical cause of truck accidents. The law limits the length of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires them to keep accurate records of their hours of service. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional in-person retail and toward online shopping the roads are becoming more crowded with trucks belonging to Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these huge vehicles' speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for everyone however it's especially difficult for smaller trucks to maneuver around these huge vehicles. There are laws that govern the legal maximum for 18-wheelers. This applies to both the truck itself and the cargo it carries. It is essential to know the legal limits to avoid driving over and placing your life in danger. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groupings and single axles. For example the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, while axles spaced over 40 inches, but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these restrictions states also have their own weight restrictions for single axles and axle groups. State-by-state the penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from fines up to $16,000. In some instances fines can also be ordered by the driver's employers. Repeat offenders could also be liable for higher fines. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, laws of the majority of states regulate how trucks can travel on highways. For instance, certain states exclude big trucks and block them from driving in the left lane on multilane highways. This law is intended to prevent cars from following trucks too closely, and could cause an accident. In these instances, the truck driver would have no choice but to change lanes, and risk collision with cars who are driving in front of them. To ensure that trucks can get by slower vehicles swiftly, they need to be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers should also be able to observe other motor vehicles in the left lane in order to look for traffic hazards or other dangers that require them to make an turn. Anyone who does not comply with these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If 18 wheeler accident law firm ventura is injured due to a vehicle that has not complied with the lane restriction laws, they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks require a lot space to maneuver. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. Some drivers cut off trucks when they change lanes. This can result in them jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down to a level that allows the truck to move past them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards can be a great way to protect your vehicle from damage but you should check with your state's laws prior to installing them. Some states ban them, while some allow them for vehicles parked. These devices are recommended for security when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities that have a lot of parallel parking. These devices guard against scratches and dents caused by taller drivers backing into your SUV or truck. They also help prevent collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains and are a common feature of off-road vehicles. They can be used to shove debris and brush away, and even protect headlights. There are a number of different ways to put up bumper guards, including mat-style protectors. The most convenient is the stick-on design, which can be removed in only minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. But, this kind of design isn't very secure and does not cover all the corners of your truck. Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be rolled or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made of soft cotton that can be adapted to various vehicle sizes It is a well-loved product. It also comes with reflective silver lights that enhance visibility in dim light conditions. It comes with two included straps, which secure it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be removed when it is required. Insurance Accidents involving trucks can be devastating and cause serious injuries or the loss of a loved one. This is the reason state and federal regulations require trucking companies to carry more insurance policies than regular passenger cars. These policies can be worth 40 times the amount of the standard insurance policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do whatever they can to prevent paying accident victim claims. They will often trick injured victims into signing an official statement or employ other methods to limit their liability. When filing a claim in the event of an 18-wheeler crash it is crucial to consult an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer. The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most frequent type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damage to property caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is recommended to carry cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck while it is carrying a load, and it is often included in the contract of a truck driver with their carrier. The latter is often referred to as “bobtail” insurance and protects the truck and driver during the time between loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer accident the minimum insurance limits required for trailers and tractors is much lower than those required for passenger automobiles. You'll need to fight the insurance firm of the trucking firm to get a fair settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney can identify all parties that could be liable, including the trucking company, the driver and any dram store which may have provided the driver with excessive alcohol.