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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers are involved in many wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are higher than those for private vehicles. The majority of truck accidents are caused by driver fatigue. 18 wheeler accident law firm citrus heights limits the length of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires them to keep precise records of their work hours. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail in-person to online shopping, the roads are becoming increasingly crowded with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. As a result, 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 vehicles and passenger cars are having a tough time maneuvering around these huge vehicles. Fortunately there are laws that regulate the legal maximum weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck itself as well as the cargo it transports. It's crucial to know the legal limits to ensure you can avoid driving over them and risking your life. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For example, the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches but no 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. State-by state, the penalties for exceeding the weight limit may range from fines up to $16,000. In certain cases, the driver's employer may be responsible for these fines too. Repeat offenders may also be subject to higher fines. Lane restrictions The majority of states have laws that restrict where trucks can travel on highways. Certain states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane of the multilane highways. This law is designed to keep cars from following trucks too closely and possibly causing an accident. In these situations truck drivers have no choice but to switch lanes or risk a collision. To make sure that trucks are able to move swiftly over slower vehicles they must be in the right direction. Truck drivers should also be able observe other motor vehicles on the left side of the lane, looking for dangers or traffic devices that require them to take an turn. People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If a motorist is injured due to an unintentionally parked truck that violates the lane restriction laws, they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks have some of the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and require plenty of space to move. In some instances, drivers in smaller vehicles cut off trucks when changing the lane, which could cause them to make a jackknife. Other times drivers slow down to a point where the truck can't be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of accident. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, check the laws of your state. Certain states ban them, and others allow them on vehicles that are parked. They can be used to safeguard your vehicle when you park in areas with a lot of traffic, or in cities where parking parallel is common. They help prevent dents and scrapes which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV. They also help prevent collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles are often equipped with cowcatchers, which look like the ones on freight trains. They can be used to push debris and brush off, and even protect headlights. There are many ways to install a rubber bumper. These include mat-style protectors and sticks-on rubber strips. The stick-on design is the most convenient to use, as it can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving sticky residue. This kind of vehicle does not provide much protection, and it doesn't cover all corners of your vehicle. Certain companies offer mat-style protective covers that can be rolled or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made from soft cotton which can be adjusted to various vehicle sizes and is a sought-after product. It also features bright silver reflectors that improve visibility in low-light conditions. It comes with two included straps, which attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be removed as it is required. Insurance Accidents involving trucks can be devastating and cause serious injuries or the death of a loved one. This is why state and federal regulations require trucking companies to carry far more extensive insurance policies than typical passenger vehicles. These policies could be worth 40 times more than a standard policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do whatever they can to prevent paying accident victim claims. They often attempt to entice injured victims into giving a recorded statement or employ other methods to limit their liability. It is crucial to consult with an attorney from a Denver truck crash attorney when filing an 18-wheeler accident claim. The requirements for insurance for trucks are complex and differ by the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most common coverage is the primary liability. This will cover property damage caused by the truck in an accident. It is also important to think about cargo insurance and liability coverage for non-trucking. The former covers the truck while it's carrying a load, and is usually included in the contract of a driver of a truck with their carrier. The latter, often referred to as “bobtail” coverage, safeguards both the truck and its driver during the time between loads. If you're injured in a tractor trailer accident the insurance limits for tractors and trailers are considerably lower than those for passenger cars. You will have to fight the insurance firm of the trucking firm to negotiate an equitable settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine all parties potentially responsible including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any dram shop that might have over-served the driver.