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What Is 18 Wheeler Law? Accidents caused by commercial truck drivers their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered under the law governing 18 wheelers. 18 wheeler accident attorney sugar land are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety, and training. Unfortunately, trucking companies often force their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can cause trucking accidents to be catastrophic. Weight Regulations Understanding the weight limits for semi trucks is essential. Many states have single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be observed. It is not uncommon to find weigh stations along interstates where truck drivers are weighed to confirm that they aren't exceeding the maximum limits of their vehicle and load. If a trucker gets discovered to be violating these limits, they may be fined or even imprisoned, based on the state of their residence and criminal record. Axle groups have an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight across more axles makes the vehicle more secure and allows for more cargo to be carried. For example one tire on an axle is able to be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter, but when there are two tires on the same axle it could be measured at 1300 pounds per tire. There are limitations on the types of trailers which can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Some states permit only one trailer while some states permit triple or twin trailers. Additionally, a lot of states require the fifth wheel to be installed on the trailer. This is a round plate above the drive wheels which joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractor models and sleeper cabs are readily available. They both include a sleeping area inside the tractor unit. Lane Restrictions Truck drivers must abide by traffic signals and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks cannot drive at the same speed as vehicles for passengers and, should they do, they can cause accidents. In many instances, the truck driver is the one at fault in these accidents. Truck drivers may be driving longer than they are permitted to, ignoring the hours-of-service regulations or simply being distracted or asleep behind the steering wheel. Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left the lane. Trucks brake at a much lower speed than cars for passenger use. This could result in a dangerous situation, especially for smaller vehicles that could be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop. Some states specifically single out large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane, while others limit the use of the lane in specific circumstances. These laws may be based either on weight or axel limits. In other cases they may be solely based on the vehicle description. Even if there isn't a statewide law on lane restrictions, you should still be aware of local rules and observe them. You should also move to the left when you see trucks blocking the lane. Ownership The trucking and 18-wheeler companies have many resources they can utilize to force accident victims to accept less than what they're entitled to. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts who advocate on their behalf even before they know whether an accident victim will pursue legal recourse. Due to their massive load and are much bigger than passenger automobiles, 18 wheelers typically cause severe injuries and massive property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is especially the case when they collide into other motor vehicles. It is important to have experienced lawyers fight for your rights and recovery against these powerful, massive corporations. Large-scale accidents require a thorough understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics and chemistry, biology and federal regulations for trucking as well as medical standards, driving and other related fields. Our lawyers are able discover any infringements of these laws and then show the jury the factors that led to your accident. Multiple parties could be accountable for the 18-wheeler truck crash. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties accountable and ensure that they pay their fair share for your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking firms owners, maintenance contractors, owners and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also analyze weather conditions that might be a factor in your accident. Insurance Trucking companies have an abundance of resources at their disposal and are able to quickly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers to develop a strategy for defense against the victims of accidents. They begin this process before they decide if you will to pursue legal recourse. This is why it is essential to get an experienced attorney who can match their resources and cut them to size. A lawyer who has experience handling 18-wheeler collisions will relieve you of the burden and help you obtain the compensation you're due. The money could be used to pay medical costs, vehicle damage as well as lost income from missing work as well as other non-economic damages like pain and suffering. 18 wheelers are complex vehicles that require high-end, consistent maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and keep detailed records can result in disastrous accidents. Tractor-trailers are often carrying hazardous materials that requires specialized training and special licensing for transport. These materials could be flammable or explosive or radiological or poisonous. They all pose a significant risk to other motorists on American highways. Failure to properly label and secure the load could also result in a catastrophic accident. A qualified 18-wheeler accident lawyer can determine the exact causes of your accident and hold accountable any other parties who could be accountable. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company as well as the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is called vicarious responsibility.