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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers are involved in many wrecks each year. They carry dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than vehicles owned by private individuals. Truck accidents are often caused by fatigued drivers. The law limits the length of time truck drivers can be on the road and requires them to keep accurate logs of their working hours. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person retail 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 struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these massive vehicles. This is a problem that affects everyone however it's especially difficult for passenger cars and smaller trucks to maneuver around these huge vehicles. There are laws that define the legal maximum for 18-wheelers. This includes the truck as well as the cargo it carries. It's essential to know the legal limits so that you can avoid driving over them and risking your life. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, restricts the weight of a single axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles, however, 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 a violation of the weight limit vary from fines as high as $16,000. In certain instances, fines may also be ordered by the driver's employers. In the event of repeat offenders, they could receive higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions Many states have laws that regulate where trucks can drive on highways. For example, some states impose a ban on large trucks and restrict them from driving on the left side on multilane roads. This law is designed to prevent cars from following trucks too closely, and potentially causing an accident. In these instances the truck driver is left with no choice but to change lane or risk a collision. To be able to pass slower cars quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers should also be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane to look for hazards or traffic devices that require them make a turn. The consequences of not following these laws put them and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured due to a truck that has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks require plenty of space to maneuver. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when changing lanes. This can cause them the jackknife. Sometimes, drivers slow down so that the truck is unable to pass them. This puts both parties in danger of a collision. Bumper guards Bumper guards are an excellent way to protect your truck from damage, but you should verify your state laws before installing them. Some states prohibit them, while others permit them on parked vehicles. These devices are worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities that have a lot of parallel parking. These devices guard against scratches and dents caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV. They also help prevent collisions with branches of trees. Off-road vehicles often have these cowcatchers, which resemble the ones found on freight trains. 18 wheeler accident settlement waco push aside brush and other debris and they may even help by providing headlight protection. There are a variety of different ways to install bumper guards, including stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The stick-on type is the easiest to use, as it is able to be removed in minutes without leaving sticky residue. However, this style does not provide much protection and doesn't completely cover the entire length of your truck. Certain companies make mat-style protective covers that can be folded and folded for easy storage and transportation. The LuvTap, a familar model made of a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to different vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also comes with bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in low-light conditions. It comes with two straps that attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be flipped out when needed. Insurance The consequences of truck accidents can be catastrophic and cause serious injuries or even the death of a loved ones. This is why federal and state regulations require trucking companies carry more insurance policies than normal passenger cars. These policies can be worth up 40 times more than the standard insurance. Trucking insurers, however, will do whatever they can to avoid paying accident victim claims. They will often try to trick injured people to give a recorded account or employ other strategies to reduce their liability. It is crucial to work with an attorney from a Denver truck crash attorney in the event of filing an 18-wheeler accident claim. The requirements for trucking insurance are a bit complicated and differ depending on jurisdiction. The most commonly used type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damages to property that the truck causes in the event of an accident. You should also consider cargo insurance and liability coverage for other purposes. The former covers the truck when it is transporting a load and it is often included in a trucker's contract with their carrier. The latter is sometimes called “bobtail” insurance and protects the driver and the truck between loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer collision the minimum insurance limits required for trailers and tractors are much lower than those required for passenger cars. This means that you will likely be fighting the trucking company's insurance provider to get an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney will identify all parties that could be liable, including the trucking company, the driver as well as any dram establishments that could have served the driver with too much alcohol.