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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 that of private vehicles. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by driver fatigue. The law restricts how long truck drivers can 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 retail and toward online shopping the roads are becoming more crowded with trucks belonging to Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers are finding it difficult to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these big vehicles. 18 wheeler accident attorney chesapeake is a problem for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger vehicles are finding it difficult to maneuver around these massive vehicles. There are laws that define the legal limit of 18-wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo it transports. It's essential to be aware of the legal limits so you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are weight limits that differ for axle groups and single axles. For instance the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these guidelines states also have their own weight restrictions for single axles and axle groups. The penalties for over-weight differ from state to state and can include fines of up to $16,000. In certain instances fines could also be issued by the driver's company. Repeat offenders may also be subject to greater fines. Lane restrictions Many states have laws that restrict where trucks can travel on highways. Some states, for example prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane on multilane highways. This law is designed to keep vehicles from following trucks too closely and could cause an accident. In these instances the truck driver will have no choice but to change lanes, and risk a collision with vehicles that are driving behind them. To make sure that trucks are able to pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers must be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane for potential hazards or traffic control devices that require the driver to turn. By not complying with these laws, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of 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 the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and require plenty of space to maneuver. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This can lead to them the jackknife. Sometimes, drivers slow down to a point where the truck can't move past them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are a fantastic way to protect your vehicle from damage, but you should be aware of the laws of your state prior to installing them. Some states prohibit them while others allow them only for vehicles that are parked. These devices are also worth investing in for protection when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or cities that have plenty of parallel parking. These devices guard against scratches and scratches caused by larger drivers backing up onto your truck or SUV. They are also useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles usually have cowcatchers, which look like the ones on freight trains. They remove brush and other debris, and they can even assist with headlight protection. There are many ways to install a rubber bumper guard. They include mat-style protectors as well as stick-on rubber strips. The stick-on style is the easiest to install since it can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving a sticky residue. This type does not offer any protection, and it does not cover all the corners of your vehicle. Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be folded up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is a popular model that is constructed of soft cotton material that can be adjusted to suit various vehicle sizes. It also features shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in poor lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps, which attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be removed as needed. Insurance Accidents involving trucks can cause serious injuries or even death. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than cars for passengers. These policies could be worth 40 times that of a standard insurance policy. However, trucking insurers will do everything they can to avoid paying accident victims. They frequently try to trick injured people to give a recorded account or use other tactics to limit their liability. When claiming a claim for an 18-wheeler wreck, it is important to consult with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer. The requirements for trucking insurance are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most commonly used type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damages to property caused by the truck in the event of an accident. You should also think about cargo insurance and liability coverage for non-trucking. The former covers the truck while it is hauling a load, and it is often included in a trucker's contract with their carrier. It is sometimes called “bobtail” insurance and protects the truck and driver between loads. If you're injured in a tractor-trailer accident the insurance limits required for trailers and tractors are significantly lower than the limits for passenger cars. This means that you will likely be fighting the trucking company's insurance provider to get a fair settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine all parties potentially responsible, including the truck driver as well as the trucking company and any dram shops that might have served the driver too much.