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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks each year. They carry dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are higher than that of private vehicles. The majority of truck accidents are caused by fatigued drivers. The law limits the length of time truck drivers can drive and also requires them to keep precise records of their work hours. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional retail and toward online shopping, the road is becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these huge vehicles with their speed and maneuverability. It's a problem for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger cars are having a tough time maneuvering around these huge vehicles. Fortunately there are laws in place that regulate the legal maximum weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo it is carrying. It's important to know the legal limits so that you can avoid driving over them and risking your life. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For example the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches but less than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these rules, states also have their own weight limits for single-axle and axle groups. State-by-state the penalties for exceeding the weight limit may range from fines of up to $16,000. In some instances, the driver's employer may be accountable for these fines as well. In the same way, repeat offenders can receive higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions Most states have laws that regulate where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. For instance, certain states impose a ban on large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane on multilane roads. This law is intended to stop vehicles from following trucks too closely and could cause an accident. In these circumstances the truck driver would be forced to change lanes and run the risk of collisions with cars that are behind them. To be capable of passing slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers must also be able monitor other motor vehicles on the left side of the lane, looking for dangers or traffic devices that require them to take turns. By not complying with these laws, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is hurt by a vehicle that has violated lane restriction laws, they may be entitled to compensation. Trucks require a lot space to move around. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This can result in them to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down that trucks are unable to get by them. This puts both drivers at risk of a crash. Bumper guards Bumper guards are a great option to shield your truck from damage, but you should be aware of your state's laws prior to installing them. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards while some only permit them on parked cars. These devices are beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in busy areas or cities with a lot of parallel parking. These devices guard against scratches and dents caused by taller drivers backing into your SUV or truck. They can also stop collisions with branches of trees. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains, and they're commonplace on off-road vehicles. They remove dirt and other debris and they may even help by securing the headlights. There are many different ways to install a bumper guard, such as stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. Stick-on is the most convenient to use since it can be removed within minutes without leaving the sticky residue. This kind of vehicle does not provide much protection, and it does not cover all areas of your vehicle. Some companies produce mat-style protectors which can be folded or roll-up for storage and transport. The Luv-Tap is a well-loved model that is made of gentle padded cotton material and can be adjusted to suit various sizes of vehicles. It also features reflective silver lights that enhance visibility in dim light conditions. 18 wheeler accident claim mckinney is equipped with two straps which can be used to secure it to the trunk of your car and can be turned upside down when needed. Insurance Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries, and sometimes even death. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies purchase larger insurance policies than those for passenger cars. These policies can be worth 40 times more than a standard insurance policy. The trucking insurance companies will do whatever they can to avoid paying accident victim claims. They often try to entice injured victims to give a recorded account or employ other techniques to minimize their liability. It is crucial to work with a Denver truck crash lawyer when submitting an 18-wheeler accident claim. The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by the jurisdiction. The most frequently used type of insurance is primary liability. It covers property damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. You should also think about liability insurance and cargo insurance for those who do not work. The former protects the truck while it is transporting a load and it is often included in the contract of a truck driver with their carrier. It is sometimes referred to as “bobtail” insurance and protects the driver and the truck during the time between loads. If you're injured in a tractor-trailer crash the minimum insurance limits required for tractors and trailers are much lower than those for passenger automobiles. You'll have to fight the insurance company of the trucking firm to negotiate an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney can identify all parties who could be responsible, including the trucker, the trucking company and any dram shops that served the driver with too much alcohol.