Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?

A lot of car accidents happen and cause physical and medical expenses and time lost from work. But, if an 18 wheeler wreck lawyers wheeler gets involved it can be even more serious.

Victims can make a claim and receive the financial compensation they deserve if this happens. This is where a New Orleans truck accident attorney can help.

Weight Limits

18-wheelers can only carry an maximum of 80,000 lbs including the volume and weight of cargo. This is a strict restriction that requires trucking companies to fill their vehicles as full as they can, which can result in overloaded. Truck drivers who exceed the limit could be penalized. The penalties vary based on the location they reside in.

You can usually tell if an 18 wheeler accident lawyer wheeler is going over the limit by looking at their lights. A single flash from their blinkers means that it's safe to merge in the front of them, whereas high beams or multiple flashes indicate that it's not. Be alert for truck drivers who also use their lights as a way to communicate.

Always leave a large gap between your car and an 18-wheeler accident attorneys near me. This is especially important when you're passing. Trucks require plenty of space to slow down and stop when they stop, and if you cut them off, it could lead to an unfathomable crash. Car drivers are at fault for 72 percent of all crashes between vehicles and trucks.

Axles Axles

Unlike cars, semi-trucks require multiple axles to rotate their wheels. The typical truck has four axles, including the drive and steer axles, whereas a trailer typically has two tandem axles. This can make them much longer than a typical passenger car and it's important to be aware of this when driving in the vicinity of one of these vehicles.

Limits on axle weights are based on a number of factors, such as the Federal Bridge Formula and the legal limits set by each state for single axles and 18-wheeler accident lawyers axle groups. The state limit may be higher than the Federal limit and this is why it is essential for truckers to understand the federal and state limits on axle weight prior to travel.

Moving standard freight shipments is enough of a challenge and a heavier load increases the risk of accidents. A trucker who overloads his trailer is in violation of the law and could be held accountable for any injuries that result. If you've been injured as a result of an accident with an 18-wheeler an attorney for truck accidents will help determine if the driver was carrying more than the maximum amount allowed, and whether this negligence was the cause of your injury.

Speed Limits

For any driver, speeding is among the main causes of truck accidents. This is especially true for large trucks, which are much more likely to crash due to their weight and size. Therefore, it is vital for truckers to observe the speed limits for every route they travel.

However truck drivers are frequently forced to make deliveries in a hurry and might not be able to slow down enough to accommodate the conditions. This can cause drivers drive dangerously, which can cause harm to other drivers.

It is, however, possible to minimize the risk of these accidents by using speed limiters. This is a device that can automatically restrict the speed of a vehicle to a safe speed and can be used in a variety of trucks.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is examining an amendment to the rulebook that will require truckers to make use of these devices. The agency has issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking to get feedback on the rule. In earlier proposals, it was suggested that truck speeds be limited to 60, 65 or even 68 miles per hour.

Insurance

Most private vehicle owners purchase a single insurance policy to protect their vehicles. Truckers, on the other hand don't own the truck they drive. They lease their 18 wheeler accident attorney-wheelers from a trucking company. Trucking companies require higher limits of liability insurance since commercial vehicles are more risky. They can also purchase cargo insurance and bobtail coverage for their vehicles. Cargo insurance covers the cargo that a semi-truck is carrying. Bobtail insurance covers the truck once it has delivered its cargo. In the event of a collision these policies can be used to compensate grieving victims or family members for the losses they suffered.

Maintenance

It is often difficult to estimate the maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. This is because trucks are expensive to maintain and repair, especially when they need major repairs. Some companies that operate in the field of trucking offer maintenance schedules that estimate the cost of maintaining the vehicle.

Trucks are typically equipped with 10 brakes, not 18, and anti-lock brakes are standard in newer vehicles. Trucks take around 40 percent longer to stop than a car. This is due to the massive size and momentum of an 18-wheeler Accident Lawyers.

The term "eighteen wheeler" has become synonymous with trucking. It's even used in country music songs, such as the Red Sovine titles "Giddyup Go" and "Teddy Bear" and the thrash metal group BigRig's song "Roll on". However, it's important to remember that these vehicles are not at home on the road and they must follow the same rules as all other drivers. It is illegal to permit truckers, for instance to use their phones while driving. A split second of inattention could result in devastating consequences.