Responsible For A 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Budget? 12 Tips On How To Spend Your Money
What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
Accidents caused by commercial truck drivers their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the 18 wheeler law. These massive vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety and training.
Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently press their drivers to complete longer hours and alter log books. This can lead accidents with trucks that are catastrophic.
Weight Regulations
Understanding the weight limits for semi-trucks is crucial. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by most states. It is common to see weigh stations along interstates, where truck drivers are weighed in order to confirm that they aren't exceeding the maximum limits of their vehicle and load. If 18 wheeler accident attorney pompano beach is caught violating these limits they could face fines and even put in jail according to their criminal record and the state.
Axle groups have a higher weight limit because the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread over more axles. This also permits the transport of more cargo. For example a single tire on an axle can be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter. However, when there are two tires on the same axle it could be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire.
There are limitations on the types of trailers which can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while others only allow triple or twin trailers. In addition, some states require fifth wheels on the trailer. It is a round plate above the drive wheels which joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractor and sleeper cabs that have a sleeping area inside the tractor unit. They are designed for over the road hauling.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to the lane restrictions truck drivers must be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks are not allowed to drive at the same speed as cars for passengers. If they do, accidents could occur. In most cases, it's the truck driver who is at fault. Truck drivers could be driving for longer than they are entitled to, breaking hours-of-service regulations or simply being asleep or distracted behind the wheel.
Truck drivers are also banned from driving in the left side of the road. Trucks are slower to brake than cars for passenger use. This can be a dangerous issue, particularly for those in cars that are smaller and could be stuck behind trucks when it slows or stops abruptly.
Some states restrict the use of lanes in certain circumstances, while others restrict it for large trucks. In some instances these laws are dependent on weight and axel limits, whereas in other, they may be based upon vehicle description or directions.
Even if there isn't a statewide law regarding lane restrictions you should still check the local rules and observe the rules. Also, you should move to the right when you spot a truck blocking the passing lane.
Ownership
The trucking and 18-wheeler companies have a wealth of resources to use in order to force victims of accidents to accept less than they're entitled. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, experts, and even engineers who advocate on their behalf, even before they know whether the victim of an accident is going to seek legal relief.
In the event of an accident 18-wheelers can be blamed for severe injuries and property damage because they carry such large loads and are incredibly large compared to passenger vehicles. This is particularly the case when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to have an a skilled attorney defend your rights and get you justice against these powerful, large corporations.
Accidents involving large vehicles require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry, federal regulations for trucking and medical practices, driving regulations and other related fields. Our lawyers have the experience to find violations of these laws and explain to the jury why it led to your accident.
Many parties could be at fault for 18-wheeler truck accidents. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties at fault and ensure that they are held accountable for your present and future costs. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that could have played a part in the accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies can send large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They start this process before they know whether you are going to pursue legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who can match their resources and helping them decrease in size.
An attorney who has expertise in dealing with 18-wheeler accidents will relieve you of the burden and help you get the compensation you deserve. The money could be used to cover medical expenses, vehicle damage and lost income due to missed work as well as other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.
18 wheelers are complex vehicles and require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to keep accurate records and perform this maintenance can lead to disastrous accidents.
Tractor-trailers can be used to transport hazardous substances, which require special training and licenses. The material is explosive, flammable or poisonous, all of which present significant dangers to other drivers on American roads. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could also result in a fatal accident.
A competent attorney for 18-wheelers can pinpoint the exact cause of the accident and pinpoint any individuals who could be accountable. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm as well as the owner of the trailer, as well as the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is known as vicarious liability.