Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?
There are numerous car accidents that result in physical and medical expenses in addition to absence from work. If an 18-wheeler vehicle is involved, the consequences can be far more severe.
If this happens, the victims may file a claim for financial compensation. A New Orleans truck accident lawyer can help.
Weight Limits
18-wheelers are limited to carrying up to 80,000 pounds including the volume and weight of cargo. This is a very strict restriction that requires trucking firms to pack their vehicles to the max which could result in overloaded. If a truck driver is in excess of this limit, they may be penalized, and
18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuit the penalties vary depending on the location.
It is easy to tell if an 18-wheeler is going over the limit by observing their lights. If their blinkers flash one time it is safe to merge ahead of them. High beams or multiple flashes aren't. Keep an eye out for truck drivers who use their lights to communicate with each other.
It is crucial to always leave a wide gap between your vehicle and an 18-wheeler, especially when passing. If you cut off the truck, it could lead to an unfatal crash. Car drivers are the primary cause of 72 percent of all collisions between vehicles and trucks.
Axles Axles
Semi-trucks, unlike cars require multiple axles to rotate the wheels. The typical truck has four axles, which includes the steer and drive axles, whereas a trailer typically has two tandem axles. It is important to keep in mind that these vehicles are much longer than the average passenger car.
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 set by each state. Limits for states can be higher than federal limits, which is why it is essential for truckers to verify prior to travel.
The task of transporting cargo is already difficult enough and adding additional weight can increase the risk of an accident. A trucker who overloads his trailer is in violation of the law and could be held accountable for any injuries that result. A truck accident lawyer can determine if the driver of an 18-wheeler was negligent and the reason for the accident if you were injured.
Speed Limits
Speeding is one of the main causes of truck accidents, as any driver is aware. This is especially relevant for large trucks, which are much more likely to crash due to their weight and size. For this reason, it is crucial for truckers to follow the speed limits of every road they travel on.
Truck drivers are often pressured to deliver quickly and may not be able slow down enough to meet the conditions. This can cause drivers drive recklessly, which could cause harm to other drivers.
Fortunately, it is possible to lower the chance of accidents by using speed limiters. This device is able to limit the speed of a car to a safe speed. It can be fitted on many different types.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is currently evaluating an amendment to the rulebook that would require truckers to use these devices. The agency has issued an additional notice of proposed rulemaking to solicit feedback on the proposal. In earlier proposals it was suggested that truck speeds should be limited to 60 or 65 miles per hour.
Insurance
The majority of private vehicle owners purchase one policy to cover all their vehicles. Truckers, on the other hand, don't own the trucks they drive. They rent their
18 wheeler accident law firm-wheelers instead from a trucking firm. Because of the risky nature that come with commercial vehicles, trucking companies typically require higher liability insurance limits. In addition, they can purchase bobtail and cargo coverage for their vehicles. Cargo insurance safeguards the cargo that a semi-truck is hauling. Bobtail insurance protects the truck after it has delivered its load. In the event of an accident these policies can be used to compensate grieving victims or family members for their losses.
Maintenance
It is often difficult to estimate the cost of maintenance for commercial vehicles. It is expensive to maintain and repair, particularly when major repairs are needed. However certain trucking companies offer maintenance schedules that give an estimate of the overall cost of maintaining the vehicle.
Trucks typically have 10 brakes, not
18 wheeler accident lawsuit and anti-lock brakes have become the norm in newer vehicles. In general, trucks take around 40 percent longer than a normal car to stop. This is due in part to the large dimensions of an 18-wheeler as well as its momentum add to the stopping distance.
The term "eighteen wheeler" has become synonymous with trucking and is even included in songs of country music, such as the Red Sovine titles "Giddyup Go" and "Teddy Bear" and the thrash metal group BigRig's track "Roll on". However, it is important to remember that these trucks are not home on the road and they must obey the same rules as other drivers. It is illegal to permit truckers, for instance, to text while driving. One second of inattention could result in disastrous consequences.