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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year, trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers are involved in a variety of accidents. They carry dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are more stringent than that of private vehicles. Driver fatigue is a common reason for truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers can be on the road and requires them to keep precise records of their hours of service. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional in-person shopping and towards online commerce the roads are becoming more crowded with trucks belonging to Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers are struggling to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these big vehicles. This is a problem for everyone however it's especially difficult for smaller trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles. There are laws that define the legal limit of 18-wheelers. This applies to both the truck itself and the cargo it transports. You must be aware of the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and putting your life in danger. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are weight limits that differ for axle groupings and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, restricts the weight of a single axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles are however limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight limits, both for single-axle vehicles as well as axle groups. State-by state, the penalties for exceeding a weight limit can range from fines to $16,000. In certain cases the driver's employer could be accountable for these fines too. Repeat offenders could also face more severe fines. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of the majority of states regulate the manner in which trucks can drive on highways. Certain states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of multilane highways. This law is designed to stop cars from following trucks close to the road and causing accidents. In these circumstances the truck driver would be forced to change lanes and risk collisions with cars that are driving ahead of them. To ensure that trucks can get by slower vehicles swiftly they must be in the right direction. Truck drivers should also be able monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane to look for hazards or traffic devices that require them to take the turn. Those who ignore these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If a motorist is injured due to the truck that has violated the lane restriction laws they may be entitled to compensation. Trucks need a lot of space to maneuver. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers cut off trucks when they change lanes. This could cause them to in a jackknife. In other instances, drivers slow down to the level that allows the truck to be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are a great option to shield your vehicle from damage however, you must check your state's laws prior to installing them. Certain states ban them, while some allow them for vehicles parked. These devices are also worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities that have many parallel parking. They help prevent dents and scrapes which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your car or SUV. They can also avoid collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains, and they're commonplace on off-road vehicles. They clear away brush and other debris, and they may even help with headlight protection. There are several ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. These include mat-style protectors as well as stick-on rubber strips. Stick-on is the simplest to use, as it can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving a sticky residue. This kind of vehicle does not provide the most protection, and doesn't cover all corners of your vehicle. Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be rolled up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is a popular model that is made of gentle padded cotton fabric that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of vehicles. It also features shiny silver reflectors, which improve visibility in dim light conditions. It comes with two straps that attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be removed when needed. Insurance Accidents involving trucks can cause serious injuries, and sometimes even death. This is why federal and state regulations require trucking companies to carry far more extensive insurance policies than normal passenger cars. They can be worth up 40 times more than a standard policy. Trucking insurers, however, will do everything to prevent paying accident victim claims. They often try to entice injured victims into giving a recorded statement or use other tactics to minimize their liability. If you are filing a claim after an 18-wheeler crash, it is important to consult a Denver truck accident attorney. The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and vary by jurisdiction. The most commonly used insurance is primary liability. This will cover property damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. 18 wheeler accident lawyer wilmington is also a good idea to have cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The former protects the truck while it is hauling a load, and is usually included in the contract of a truck driver with their carrier. The latter is sometimes called “bobtail” insurance and protects the truck and driver during the time between loads. If you've been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you need to know that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers is far less than those required for passenger vehicles. You will have to fight the insurance firm of the trucking firm to get an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify all parties that could be liable, including the trucking company, the trucker and any dram store that could have served the driver with too much alcohol.