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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year truck, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in numerous accidents. They carry dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are more stringent than the requirements for private vehicles. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep accurate records. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail stores in person and shift towards online shopping, the roads are becoming more packed with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. In the process, many drivers are finding it difficult to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these large vehicles. This is a problem for all drivers, however smaller cars and passenger vehicles have a harder time maneuvering around these massive vehicles. There are laws that define the legal maximum for 18-wheelers. This includes the truck itself as well as the cargo it transports. It is important to be aware of the legal limits to ensure you can avoid driving over them and put yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are weight limits that differ for axle groupings and single axles. For example the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds while axles spaced over 40 inches, but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight restrictions, both for single axle vehicles and axle groups. The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state to state however, they can be accompanied by fines up to $16,000. In certain cases fines could also be issued by the driver's company. Repeat offenders could also face higher fines. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of many states regulate where trucks may drive on highways. Some states, for example, prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane on multilane highways. This law is designed to stop cars from following trucks too closely and possibly causing an accident. In these instances the truck driver is left with no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. To be capable of passing slower cars quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able to monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for hazards or traffic control devices that require the driver to turn. People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by a truck that has violated the lane restriction laws they may be entitled to compensation. Trucks have the biggest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they require plenty of space to move. In some cases, drivers in smaller vehicles block trucks when they change lanes, and this could cause them to make a jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down much that the truck cannot move past them. 18 wheeler accident attorney garden grove puts both drivers at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are an excellent way to protect your truck from damage, but you should be aware of your state's laws prior to installing them. Some states ban them, while others allow them only on vehicles that are parked. These devices can also be used to protect your vehicle when you park in areas that are crowded or in cities where parallel parking is frequent. They stop dents and scrapes that can result from taller drivers backing into your car or SUV. They can also avoid collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains and are an integral part of off-road vehicles. They can be used to shove debris and brush away and can even shield headlights. There are a variety of different ways to put up a bumper guard, such as mat-style protectors. The stick-on design is the easiest to use, as it can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving sticky residue. However, it doesn't offer much protection and doesn't cover all the corners of your truck. Certain companies offer mat-style protective covers that can be folded up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made of a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to different sizes of vehicles is a popular item. It also comes with bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in poor lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps, which secure it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be flipped out when required. Insurance Truck accidents can cause serious injuries, and sometimes even death. This is why state and federal regulations oblige trucking companies to carry far more extensive insurance policies than normal passenger cars. They could be worth 40 times as much as an ordinary policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do everything to prevent paying accident victim claims. They frequently try to entice injured victims into giving a written statement or employ other methods to minimize their liability. It is important to consult with an attorney from a Denver truck crash lawyer when submitting an 18 wheeler claim. The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most popular coverage is primary liability. It will cover property damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is an excellent idea to have cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The former protects the truck while it is transporting a load, and it is often included in a trucker's contract with their carrier. The latter, often referred to as “bobtail” coverage, safeguards both the driver and the truck when it is between loads. If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you must be aware that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers is far less than those required for passenger vehicles. You'll have to battle the insurance firm of the trucking firm for an equitable settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine any potentially responsible parties including the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shops that may have over-served the driver.