What Is 18 Wheeler Law? 18 wheeler law regulates accidents with commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These huge vehicles must be subject to strict federal guidelines for maintenance security, safety, and training. Unfortunately, trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can cause catastrophic trucking accidents. Weight Regulations It is essential to be aware of the weight limits for semi-trucks. Most states have both single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be observed. There are numerous weigh stations along interstates where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is caught in violation of these limits and is fined, they could be penalized and even sentenced to jail depending on their criminal history and the state. Axle groups are granted an increased limit because spreading the weight across more axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows more cargo to be carried. A single tire on a wheel can only weigh up to 700 pounds per inch, however, if two tires are on the same axle, it could be weighed up to 1300 pounds. There are restrictions on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer while others only allow twin or triple trailers. A lot of states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer that is a plate which sits over the drive wheels and joins (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. Day cab and night cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs are readily available. They both include an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit. Lane Restrictions In addition to limitations on lane width Truck drivers must also be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks are not allowed to drive at the same speeds as cars for passengers. If they do, accidents may occur. In many cases the truck driver is the culprit in these accidents. This is due to truck drivers being able to be driving for longer than is permitted and break hours-of service rules or get sleepy or distracted behind the driving. Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left side of the lane. Trucks brake much slower than cars for passenger use. This could be a dangerous situation, particularly for smaller vehicles that could be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop. There are some states that specifically exclude big trucks and block them from using the left lane, whereas others limit the use of the lane only in specific situations. These laws can be based on the weight of the vehicle or axel limits. In other situations they could be solely based on the vehicle description. Even if there's no state-wide law regarding lane restrictions you should still look over the local rules and adhere to the rules. Also, you should move to the right when you spot trucks in the passing lane, so that it does not block faster cars from approaching you. Ownership Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have a wealth of resources available to pressure accident victims to accept a lesser amount than they should. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who advocate on their behalf before they even know whether the accident victim will take legal action. Because they carry huge loads and are larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers frequently cause catastrophic injuries and enormous property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is especially relevant when these trucks collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations. Large truck accidents require a deep understanding of concepts that are derived from physics, chemistry, biology as well as federal trucking regulations medical regulations, and driving rules. Our lawyers can uncover any violations of these laws, and then show the jury the factors that led to your accident. 18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the negligent or reckless actions of several parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the responsible parties and ensure that they pay their fair share for your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking companies, owners and maintenance contractors, and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that may have played a part in the accident. Insurance Trucking companies can deploy large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, and experts quickly. They begin the process before they know if you intend to seek legal recourse. It is crucial to hire an attorney who can match their resources and bringing them down in size. A lawyer who has experience handling 18-wheeler collisions will ease your burden and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. This money can cover costs like medical bills that are expensive car damage, the loss of earnings due to a lack of work, and non-economic injuries like suffering and pain. 18-wheelers are a complex vehicle which require sophisticated, systematic maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and keep accurate records could lead to disastrous accidents. Tractor-trailers frequently carry hazardous materials that requires specialized training and specialized licensing to transport. The material could be explosive, flammable, radiological or poisonous, and all of these present significant dangers for other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could also cause a devastating accident. A qualified 18 wheeler crash lawyer can pinpoint the exact causes of your accident and hold accountable any other parties who may be responsible. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm as well as the owner of the trailer, as well as the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is called vicarious liability.