History Of 18-Wheeler Wreck Lawyer: The History Of 18-Wheeler Wreck Lawyer
Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?
Many car accidents occur and cause medical bills, physical damage and time away from work. If an 18 wheeler is involved it can be even more serious.
Victims may make a claim and receive the financial compensation they deserve if this happens. A New Orleans truck accident lawyer can assist.
Weight Limits
In general 18 wheelers can carry 80,000 pounds which includes the weight of cargo. This is a very strict restriction that forces trucking firms to pack their vehicles full and can result in overloaded. Truck drivers who exceed this limit may be penalized. The fines will vary depending on where they live.
It is easy to tell if an 18-wheeler is going over the limit by watching their lights. If their blinkers flash only once, it is safe to merge ahead of them. High beams and multiple flashes aren't. Truck drivers also make use of their lights to communicate, so keep watch for them when merging.
It is important to leave a large gap between your vehicle and an 18-wheeler, especially when passing. If you cut off the truck, it could lead to fatal crashes. Car drivers are the primary cause of 72% of all crashes between trucks and cars.
Axles Axles
As opposed to cars, semi-trucks have multiple axles in order to rotate the wheels. A typical semi-truck has four wheels, which includes the drive and steer axles. Trailers typically have two tandem axles. It is important to keep in mind that these vehicles are longer than the average automobile.
The weight limits of axles are determined by a variety of factors which include the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and the axle group legal limit posted by each state. The state limit could be higher than the Federal limit that is why it is vital for truckers to know the federal and state axle weight limits before traveling.
The process of transporting freight isn't difficult enough however, adding more weight can increase the risk of an accident. When truckers overload their trailer, they are in violation of the law and could be held liable for the resulting injuries. If you've been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, a truck accident lawyer will help determine if the driver was carrying more than the maximum amount allowed, and also if the negligence was the reason for your injury.
Speed Limits
Like any driver, speeding is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. This is particularly relevant for big trucks due to their size, weight and weight. Because of this, it is vital for truckers to follow the speed limits of every road they travel.
Truck drivers are often pressured to deliver their goods quickly and may not be able slow down enough to meet the conditions. This can result in dangerous driving, and can cause harm to other motorists.
It is, however, possible to lower the chance of accidents by using speed limiters. This is a gadget that will automatically restrict the speed of a vehicle to a safe speed that can be installed in many different types of trucks.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is currently evaluating an amendment to the rulebook that would require truckers use these devices. The agency has issued a second notice of proposed rulemaking to get feedback on the rule. Previous proposals have discussed limit truck speeds to 60, 65, or even up to 68 mph.
Insurance
The majority of private owners purchase one insurance policy to protect their personal vehicles. Truckers on the other hand do not own the trucks they drive. Instead, they rent their 18-wheelers to a trucking company. Because of the risky nature that come with commercial vehicles, trucking firms typically require greater liability insurance limits. They can also purchase cargo and bobtail insurance for their vehicles. Cargo coverage protects the freight that a semi is carrying and bobtail insurance protects the truck once it has delivered its load. In the event of a collision the policies could help to compensate victims or grieving family members for their losses.
18 wheeler accident attorney lewisville is often difficult to obtain an accurate estimation of maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. This is because the trucks are very expensive to maintain and repair, especially when they need major repairs. However some trucking firms offer maintenance schedules that give an estimate of the overall cost of maintaining the vehicle.
The majority of trucks have 10 brakes, not 18 and anti-lock brakes are available in all newer vehicles. In general, trucks take about 40 percent longer than a typical car to stop. This is due to the huge dimensions of an 18-wheeler as well as its acceleration increase the stopping distance.
The term "eighteen-wheeler" is now synonymous with trucking. It's been used in country music, like the songs "Giddyup go" and "Teddy Bear" by Red Sovine, and "Roll on" by thrash metal group BigRig. However, it's important to remember that these vehicles are not home on the road and that they must follow the same rules as all other drivers. It is against the law to permit truckers, for instance to use their mobile phones while driving. A split second of inattention can have devastating consequences.