What Is
18 wheeler accident attorney Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law protects against accidents involving commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These huge vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety and training.
Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently pressure their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can lead to devastating trucking crashes.
Weight Regulations
Understanding the weight limits for semi-trucks is crucial. Many states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be observed. There are numerous weigh stations on interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure that they don't exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found violating these limits and is found guilty, they may be fined and even sent to jail depending on their criminal record and the state.
Axle groups are granted an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight across multiple axles makes the vehicle more secure and allows for more cargo to be carried. A single tire on a wheel can only be weighed up to 665 pounds per inch however, if two tires are mounted on the same axle, they can be weighed to 1300 pounds.
There are restrictions on the types of trailers which can be used with a tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, while others allow triple or twin trailers. In addition, some states require fifth wheels on the trailer, which is a round plate above the drive wheels, which connects (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs are offered. They both come with a sleeping space in the tractor unit.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to lane restrictions truck drivers also must comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't able to travel at the same speed as cars, and when they do, they might cause accidents. In many cases the truck driver is at fault in these accidents. Truck drivers may be driving for longer than they are permitted to, violating hours-of-service rules, or being tired or distracted behind the wheel.
Another important restriction on lane usage is that truck drivers are not permitted to drive in the left or right. This is due to the fact that it takes a lot longer for trucks to brake than cars. This can be a serious issue, especially for those who drive smaller vehicles and may be stranded behind a truck when it slows or stops suddenly.
Some states limit the use of lane lanes in certain situations, while other states restrict it to large trucks. In some instances these laws are built around axel and weight limits, while in others, they may be based upon vehicle description or directions.
Although there's no statewide regulation on lane limits, you should still be aware of local rules and observe them. It is also recommended to move to the right if you spot trucks passing in the lane so that it does not hinder faster vehicles from passing you.
Ownership
The 18 wheeler and trucking companies have a vast array of resources to pressure accident victims into accepting far less than they should. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who act on their behalf before they even know if the victim of the accident will take legal action.
Because they are able to carry enormous loads and are much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers can cause massive injuries and property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is especially the case when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is crucial to have an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these large, powerful corporations.
Large-scale accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and federal regulations for trucking, medicine, driving standards and other related areas. Our lawyers have the experience to identify violations of these laws and explain to the jury how it led to your accident.
18 wheeler accident attorneys-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the negligent or reckless actions of a variety of parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties at fault and ensure that they are responsible for your present and future expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that could be a factor in your accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies have an abundance of resources available and can quickly send teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, experts, and lawyers to build a defense against the victims of accidents. They start this process before they decide if you will to pursue legal recourse. This is why it's vital to immediately hire an experienced attorney who will match their resources and cut them to size.
An attorney who has experience in handling
18 Wheeler accident Lawsuits-wheeler crashes will ease your burden and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. The money could be used to cover medical costs, vehicle damage and lost income due to missed work and
18 Wheeler accident lawsuits other non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
18 wheelers are a complex vehicle and require a high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and keep detailed logs can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Tractor-trailers can be used for transporting hazardous materials, that require specialized training and a license. The material could be explosive, flammable or poisonous, all of which can pose serious 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 skilled 18-wheeler crash lawyer can determine the cause and blame any individuals who could be accountable. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company or the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious obligation.