15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore 18-Wheeler Wreck Lawyer

Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?

There are numerous car accidents that result in physical and medical expenses, 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuits as well as time away from work. If an 18 wheeler accident lawyer-wheeler is involved the consequences can be more serious.

When this happens, victims may file a claim for financial compensation. A New Orleans truck accident lawyer can help.

Weight Limits

In general, 18 wheelers can only transport up to 80,000 lbs including the weight of cargo. This is a strict restriction that requires trucking companies to pack their vehicles to the maximum extent possible and can lead to overloaded. If a truck driver goes over the limit, they could be subject to fines that vary according to the location.

You can usually tell if an 18 wheeler is going over the limit by observing their lights. A single flash from their blinkers suggests that it’s safe to merge in ahead of them, whereas flashes that are high or multiple indicate that it’s not. Keep an eye out for truck drivers who also use their lights as a way to communicate with each other.

Always leave plenty of space between your vehicle, and an 18-wheeler. This is crucial when you are passing. If you cut off the truck, it may cause an unfatal crash. Car drivers are responsible for 72 percent of crashes involving cars and trucks.

Axles Axles

Unlike cars, semi-trucks require multiple axles in order to rotate the wheels. The most common truck has four axles, including the steer and drive axles, whereas trailers typically have two tandem axles. This can make them much longer than a typical passenger car, and it’s important to keep this in mind when driving along with one of these vehicles.

The weight limits for axles are based on several factors which include the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and axle group legal limit posted by each state. State limits can be higher than federal limits, therefore it is important for truckers to know before they travel.

The challenge of hauling freight isn’t difficult enough, but adding extra weight increases the likelihood of an accident. If truckers overload their trailer, they are in violation of the law and may be held accountable for consequences of the injuries. If you’ve been injured as a result of an accident with an 18 Wheeler accident lawsuits-wheeler, a lawyer for truck accidents can determine if the driver was carrying more than the maximum amount allowed, and if that negligence was the reason for your injuries.

Speed Limits

Speeding is a major cause of truck accidents, as any driver knows. This is especially the case for larger trucks, which are much more likely to crash due to their weight and size. Therefore, it is essential for truckers to adhere to the speed limits for every highway they travel.

Truck drivers are often pressured to deliver their goods quickly and may not be able to slow down enough to suit the conditions. This can lead drivers to drive dangerously, which can cause harm to other drivers.

It is possible to reduce the chance of accidents by using speed limiters. This device automatically limits the speed of a car to a level that is safe. It is able to be installed on a variety of types.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is looking at a new rule that would require truckers to use these devices. The agency has issued an additional notification of the proposed rulemaking to get feedback on the rule. In previous proposals it was suggested that truck speeds should be restricted to 60, 65 or even 68 miles per hour.

Insurance

The majority of private owners buy one insurance policy that covers all their vehicles. Truckers, however, do not own the vehicles they drive. Instead, they rent their 18-wheelers from a company that transports trucks. Trucking companies require higher limits of liability insurance since commercial vehicles are more risky. They can also purchase cargo and bobtail insurances for their vehicles. Cargo insurance safeguards the cargo that a semi-truck is carrying. Bobtail insurance protects the truck once it has delivered its load. In the event of an accident such policies can assist to compensate grieving family members for the losses they suffered.

Maintenance

It’s difficult to come up with an accurate estimate of the maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. It is expensive to maintain and repair, particularly when major repairs are needed. However, some trucking companies provide maintenance schedules that provide an estimate of the total cost of maintaining the vehicle.

Trucks have ten brakes rather than 18 and anti-lock break breaks are nowadays standard on all new trucks. The trucks take about 40 percent longer to stop than cars. This is due in part to the large size and momentum of an 18-wheeler.

The term «eighteen wheeler» has become synonymous with trucking and is even used in country music songs like the Red Sovine titles «Giddyup Go» and «Teddy Bear» and thrash metal band BigRig’s track «Roll on». It is crucial to remember that these trucks aren’t home on the roads and must obey the same rules as other drivers. For example, it is illegal for truckers to text while driving since the slightest mistake could have fatal consequences.