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What Is 18 Wheeler Law? 18 wheeler law deals with accidents with commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles must comply with strict federal guidelines for maintenance security, safety, and training. Trucking companies often require their drivers to work for longer and manipulate logbooks. This can cause catastrophic trucking crashes. Weight Regulations It is important to understand the weight limits for semi-trucks. Most states have single axle and group axle weight limits that must be adhered to. It is not uncommon to find weigh stations along interstates, where truck drivers are weighed in order to ensure that they do not exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle and load. If a truck driver gets caught violating these limitations they may be fined or even imprisoned, based on the state they reside in and their criminal record. Axle groups have a greater weight limit because the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread across more axles. This also allows for the transport of larger cargo. For instance one tire on an axle can only weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter but when there are two tires on the same axle it could be weighted at 1300 pounds for each tire. There are restrictions on the kinds of trailers that can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer while others only allow twin or triple trailers. A majority of states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that sits over the drive wheels and couples (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs can be found. They both include a sleeping area in the tractor unit. Lane Restrictions In addition to the lane restrictions truck drivers must comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles, and when they do, they can cause accidents. In many cases, it's the truck driver who is at fault. Truck drivers may be driving for longer than they are permitted to, breaking hours-of-service regulations or simply being asleep or distracted behind the wheel. Truck drivers are also banned from driving in the left side of the road. Trucks are slower to brake than passenger cars. This could create a risky situation, particularly for smaller vehicles that could be stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop. Certain states specifically single out large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane. However, others restrict the use of the lane in specific circumstances. In some cases these laws are based on weight and axel limits, while in others, they may be based on vehicle description or directions. Even if there isn't a statewide law regarding lane restrictions you should still check the local rules and adhere to the rules. It is also recommended to move to the left if you see trucks passing in the lane, so that it does not hinder cars overtaking you. Ownership Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have a vast array of resources available to force accident victims to accept less than they should. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers, engineers, and experts who work on their behalf, even before they know whether an accident victim will pursue legal recourse. Because they are able to carry enormous loads and are much bigger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers often cause catastrophic injuries and enormous property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is especially true when these trucks collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney who has experience fighting for your rights against these massive, powerful corporations. Large truck accidents require a thorough understanding of concepts that are derived from biology, chemistry and physics and federal trucking regulations, medicine, and driving standards. Our lawyers can find any violations of these laws and show the jury what led to your accident. Multiple parties could be accountable for 18-wheeler truck crashes. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure that they are paid their fair share of your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms owners, maintenance contractors, owners and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also analyze weather conditions that might have played a part in your accident. Insurance Trucking companies can put together large teams of lawyers, adjusters, engineers and experts quickly. They start the process before they know if you intend to seek legal recourse. This is why it is vital to immediately hire an experienced attorney who can match their resources and cut them to size. A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer will alleviate the burden of dealing with these big corporations off your hands and focus on getting you the compensation you're due. This can be used to cover expenses such as high medical bills car damage, loss of wages due to absence from work, and also non-economic damages like suffering and pain. 18-wheelers are highly complex vehicles which require sophisticated, systematic maintenance to keep them on the road. 18 wheeler accident law firm palmdale to keep accurate records and perform this maintenance can result in catastrophe-causing accidents. Tractor-trailers are often used to transport hazardous substances, that require special training and licensing. The material could be flammable, explosive, radiological, or poisonous, all of which present significant dangers to other drivers on American roads. An accident that is catastrophic could occur if the cargo is not properly labelled and secured. A qualified 18-wheeler crash attorney can pinpoint the exact cause and blame the parties who are responsible. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm, the owner or the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious responsibility.