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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year, trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers are involved in a variety of accidents. They carry dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private cars. Truck accidents are often caused by driver fatigue. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep precise logs. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person shopping and towards online commerce the roads are becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these large vehicles in terms of speed and maneuverability. This is a problem that affects everyone, but it's particularly difficult for smaller trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles. Fortunately there are laws that regulate the weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck as well as the cargo it carries. It is important to know the legal limit so you can avoid driving over them and risking your life. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For instance the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds while axles spaced more than 40 inches but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these regulations, states also have their own weight limits for single-axle and axle groups. The penalties for over-weight differ from state-to-state and can include fines of up to $16,000. In certain cases, the driver's employer may be accountable for these fines, too. In the same way, repeat offenders can receive higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions The majority of states have laws that restrict where trucks can travel on highways. Certain states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of the multilane highways. This law is intended to prevent cars from following trucks too closely and could cause an accident. In these instances the truck driver is left with no choice but change lanes or risk a collision. To make sure that trucks can easily pass slower vehicles, they need to be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane for dangers or traffic control devices that require the driver to turn. By not complying with these laws, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If someone is injured by a vehicle that has not complied with the lane restriction laws they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks have the most blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they need plenty of room to maneuver. Some drivers block trucks when changing lanes. This can result in them to jackknife. Other times, drivers slow down to a point where the truck can't pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are an excellent option to shield your truck from damage, but you should check with the laws of your state prior to installing them. Certain states do not permit bumper guards, whereas others only permit them on vehicles that are parked. These devices can also be used to protect your vehicle when you park in crowded areas, or in cities where parking parallel is common. They stop dents and scrapes which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your car or SUV. They can also be useful in stopping collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles typically have cowcatchers, which look like those found on freight trains. They clear away dirt and other debris and they may even help by securing the headlights. There are many different ways to put up bumper guards, including mat-style protectors. The stick-on design is the easiest to install since it is able to be removed in minutes without leaving the sticky residue. But, this kind of design doesn't provide much protection and does not protect all the corners of your truck. Certain companies offer mat-style protective covers that can be rolled up and folded for easy transport and storage. The LuvTap is a favored model, which is constructed of soft cotton fabric that can be adjusted to suit various vehicle sizes. It also has bright silver reflectors for better visibility in dim lighting. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit oakland comes with two straps, which attach it to the trunk of your car and can be flipped off when necessary. Insurance Truck accidents can be catastrophic and cause serious injuries or the loss of a loved one. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than passenger vehicles. These policies could be worth 40 times that of an ordinary policy. However, trucking insurers will do everything to avoid paying the victims of accidents. They will often trick injured people into making a recorded statement or employ other techniques to limit their liability. It is important to consult with an attorney from a Denver truck crash attorney when submitting an 18 wheeler accident claim. The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by state. The most common insurance is primary liability. It covers property damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also important to think about the liability and cargo insurance for other purposes. The former covers the truck when it's hauling a load, and it is often included in a trucker's contract with their carrier. The latter is sometimes called “bobtail” insurance, and it protects the driver as well as the truck during the time between loads. If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, it is important to understand that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers are much lower than the ones required for passenger vehicles. You'll have to fight the insurance company of the trucking firm to secure a fair settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine the parties that could be liable including the driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shop that might have served the driver too much.