Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?

A lot of car accidents happen and result in physical and medical expenses and time away from work. When an 18 wheeler accidents wheeler gets involved it can be a lot more serious.

In this case, victims can file a claim for financial compensation. A New Orleans truck accident lawyer can help.

Weight Limits

In general 18 wheelers can transport up to 80,000 lbs including the weight of cargo. This is a very strict restriction that requires trucking companies to pack their vehicles as full as possible and can lead to overloading. If a truck driver exceeds the limit, they could be fined, which varies according to the location.

If you look at the lights of an 18-wheeler you'll know if they're going over the speed limit. If their blinkers flash only once it is safe to merge ahead of them. High beams and multiple flashes aren't. Be aware of truck drivers who are also using their lights to communicate.

It is essential to leave plenty of space between your vehicle and an 18 wheeler accident law firm wheeler, especially when you are passing. If you cut off the truck, it could result in an accident that is fatal. Car drivers are at fault for 72 percent of crashes involving vehicles and trucks.

The number of Axles

Semi-trucks, like cars, require multiple axles to rotate the wheels. The typical truck has four axles, which includes the steer and drive axles, while a trailer typically has two tandem axles. This can make them much longer than a standard passenger vehicle, and it's important to keep this in mind when driving alongside one of these vehicles.

The weight limits for axles are based on a variety of factors which include the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and the axle group legal limit set by each state. The state limit can often be higher than the Federal limit and this is why it is essential for truckers to be aware of the federal and state axle weight limits prior to traveling.

Moving standard freight shipments is enough of a challenge however, adding extra weight increases the chance of accidents. When the trucker overloads their trailer, they are in violation of the law and could be held accountable for the resultant injuries. If you've suffered injury in an accident involving an 18 wheeler, a lawyer for truck accidents can help determine whether the driver was carrying more than the maximum amount allowed, and also if the negligence was the reason for your injury.

Speed Limits

Speeding is one of the main causes of truck accidents, as every driver knows. This is especially applicable to large trucks, which are more likely to crash due to their weight and size. Truckers must, therefore, adhere to the speed limits on every road they travel.

However, truck drivers are often pressured to make quick deliveries and might not be able to slow down enough for the conditions. This could lead to unsafe driving, and it could also be fatal for other motorists.

Fortunately, it is possible to minimize the risk of these accidents by using speed limiters. This is a gadget that will automatically limit the speed of a vehicle to a safe amount, and it can be used in a variety of trucks.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is looking into a new rule which would require truckers to use these devices. The agency has issued a revised notice of proposed rulemaking in order to gather feedback on the idea. The previous proposals have talked about limit truck speeds to 60, 65, or even up to 68 speeds.

Insurance

The majority of private owners purchase a single insurance policy to cover their personal vehicles. Truckers on the other hand do not own the trucks they drive. Instead, they lease their 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuits-wheelers from a trucking company. Trucking companies need higher limits of liability insurance because commercial vehicles are more risky. In addition, they can purchase cargo and bobtail insurance for their vehicles. Cargo insurance covers the cargo that a semi transports and bobtail insurance protects the truck after it delivers its load. In the event of a crash, these policies can help to compensate grieving family members for the losses they suffered.

Maintenance

It can be difficult to estimate the maintenance costs of commercial vehicles. It is expensive to maintain and repair, especially when major repairs are required. However some trucking companies offer maintenance schedules that provide an estimate of the total cost of maintaining the vehicle.

Trucks are typically equipped with only ten brakes, not 18 and anti-lock brakes have become standard in newer vehicles. In general, trucks take around 40% longer than a regular car to stop. This is due to the massive dimensions of an 18-wheeler as well as its momentum add to the stopping distance.

The term "eighteen-wheeler" is now synonymous with trucking. It's even been used in country music, for instance the songs "Giddyup go" and "Teddy Bear", by Red Sovine, and "Roll on" by the thrash metal group BigRig. However, it is important to keep in mind that these trucks are not home on the road and they must adhere to the same rules as all other drivers. It is illegal for truckers, as an example to use their phones while driving. A split second of inattention could have devastating consequences.