What Is 18 Wheeler Accident lawsuit Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law regulates accidents involving commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety, and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often pressure their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can lead accidents that happen in trucks to be catastrophic.

Weight Regulations

It is important to understand the weight restrictions for semi trucks. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by most states. Weigh stations are commonplace along interstates, and truckers are weighed to ensure they don't exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is caught breaking these limits they could face fines and even put in jail according to their criminal record and the state.

Axle groups have a greater limit of weight since the vehicle is safer when the weight is distributed over a wider range of axles. This also permits the transportation of more cargo. For example one tire on an axle can only be weighed at 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter. However, when there are 2 tires on the same axle it could be measured at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are also restrictions on the type of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Some states permit only one trailer, while others allow twin or triple trailers. A lot of states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that is placed over the drive wheels and joins (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractor and sleeper cabs which include sleeping areas inside the tractor unit. They are made to be used for hauling over the road.

Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must adhere to traffic rules and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks aren't allowed to drive at the same speed as cars for 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuit passengers. If they do, accidents could occur. In most cases, it's the driver of the truck at fault. Truck drivers might be driving for longer than they are permitted to, or breaking 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 right lane. This is because trucks take a lot longer trucks to stop than passenger vehicles. This could result in a risky situation, especially for smaller vehicles that could be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop.

There are states that specifically target large trucks and prevent them from using the left lane, and other states limit the use of the lane under specific situations. In some cases the laws are based on weight and axel limits, while in other they could be based on vehicle description or directions.

Even if there's no statewide law it is important to check local regulations regarding lane restrictions and follow the rules. It is also recommended to move to the right when you notice a truck blocking the passing lane.

Ownership

Companies operating 18 wheeler accident lawsuits wheelers and trucking have a vast array of resources available to pressure victims of accidents to accept a lesser amount than what they are entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who advocate on their behalf before they know whether the victim of the accident will take legal action.

In the event of an accident 18-wheelers can be blamed for catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage because they carry such large loads and are so large compared to passenger vehicles. This is especially the case when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is important to have an experienced attorney defend your rights and recovery against these massive, powerful corporations.

Large truck accidents require a thorough understanding of concepts in the fields of biology, chemistry and physics, federal trucking regulations, medical and driving regulations. Our lawyers are able to discover violations of these laws and demonstrate to the jury how it led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the negligence or reckless actions of multiple parties. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all of the accountable parties and ensure they are liable for their fair part of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking companies, owners of maintenance contractors, even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that may have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can send large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They begin this process before they are aware of whether you will seek legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who can match their resources and bringing them down in size.

An experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney wheeler crash lawyer can take the burden of dealing with these big corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on getting you the compensation you are entitled to. The money could be used to pay medical expenses, vehicle damages loss of income due to missed work, and other non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

18 wheelers are complex vehicles and require a high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and keep accurate records could lead to devastating accidents.

Tractor-trailers often are used for transporting hazardous materials, which require special training and licensing. These materials can be flammable or explosive or radiological or poisonous. They all pose a risk to other drivers traveling on American highways. Failure to properly label and secure the load could also result in a fatal accident.

A qualified 18-wheeler crash attorney can determine the exact cause and blame any individuals accountable. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company as well as the owner of the trailer as well as the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is called vicarious liability.