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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 those of private vehicles. Truck accidents are often caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts how long truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their hours of service. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person shopping and toward online shopping the roads are 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 challenge for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger cars have a harder time maneuvering around these large vehicles. There are laws that regulate the legal maximum for 18-wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo it is carrying. It is essential to know the legal limitations to avoid driving over and risking your life. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of one axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles are however limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, for single-axle vehicles as well as axle groups. The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state to state but could include fines of up to $16,000. In some instances the driver's employer could be responsible for these fines, too. In addition, repeat offenders could face higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions Most states have laws that regulate where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. For instance, some states single out big trucks and block 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 such situations, a truck driver has no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. To be capable of passing slower vehicles quickly, they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers should also be able to observe other motor vehicles on the left side of the lane, looking for traffic hazards or other dangers which require them to make turns. People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist gets injured by a vehicle that has been in violation of lane restriction laws, he or she may be entitled to compensation. Trucks have the biggest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and need plenty of room to move around. In some instances, motorists in smaller vehicles cut trucks off when they change lanes, which can cause them to be jackknifed. In other instances, drivers slow down to the level that allows the truck to move past them, and this puts both parties at risk of accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are an excellent way to protect your vehicle from damage, but you should verify your state laws before installing them. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, and some only permit them on cars that are parked. These devices can also be used to protect your vehicle when you park in busy areas or in cities where parallel parking is common. These devices prevent scratches and scratches caused by drivers who are taller backing up into your SUV or truck. They can also avoid collisions with tree branches. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains and are an integral part of off-road vehicles. They can be used to push brush and other debris aside, and even protect headlights. There are a variety of different ways to install bumper guards, such as mat-style protectors. The easiest to use is the stick-on model that can be removed in only minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. This kind of vehicle does not provide much protection and does not cover all the corners of your vehicle. Some companies produce mat-style protectors that fold or put into a roll for easy storage and transportation. The Luv-Tap is a well-loved model, constructed of soft cotton material that can be adjusted to fit various vehicle sizes. It also comes with reflective silver lights that brighten up visibility in dim lighting. It has two straps that can be used to connect it to the trunk of your vehicle and then flipped back up at any time. Insurance Truck accidents can be catastrophic and cause serious injuries or even the death of a loved one. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies carry more insurance policies than cars for passengers. These policies can be worth as much as 40 times that of an ordinary policy. Trucking insurers, however, will do whatever they can to prevent paying accident victim claims. They will often try to entice injured victims to give a recorded account or employ other strategies to reduce their liability. It is important to work with a Denver truck crash lawyer when filing an 18 wheeler crash claim. The requirements for trucking insurance are a bit complicated and differ depending on jurisdiction. The most frequently used type of coverage is primary liability. 18 wheeler accident case little rock 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 first covers the truck when it transports loads and is typically included in the contract between the driver and their carrier. The latter, sometimes referred to “bobtail” coverage, shields both the truck and its driver during the time between loads. If you are injured in a tractor-trailer accident the minimum insurance limits required for trailers and tractors is considerably lower than those for passenger automobiles. This means that you will likely be fighting with the insurance company of the trucking company for an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify all parties that might be responsible, which includes the trucking company, the driver as well as any dram establishments which may have provided the driver with excessive alcohol.