How To Explain 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers To A 5-Year-Old
What Is 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuit Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law regulates accidents that involve commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These huge vehicles must be subject to strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training.
Trucking companies often force their drivers to work for longer and manipulate logbooks. This can lead trucking accidents to be catastrophic.
Weight Regulations
It is important to understand the weight limitations of semi-trucks. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by most states. It is typical to see weigh stations along interstates where truck drivers are weighed in order to ensure that they aren't exceeding the maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If a truck driver gets found to be in violation of these limits, they could be fined or even imprisoned, based on the state they reside in and their criminal record.
Axle groups have an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight over a wider range of axles makes the vehicle safer and allows more cargo to be carried. A single tire on a wheel can only be weighed up to 650 pounds per inch however, if two tires are on the same axle, it could be weighed up to 1300 pounds.
There are limitations on the types of trailers which can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states permit only one trailer, while other states allow twin or triple trailers. Many states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a plate which sits over the drive wheels and couples (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractors and sleeper cabs that have sleeping areas inside the tractor unit. They are designed for over-the-road hauling.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to lane restrictions Truck drivers must also be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks aren't allowed to drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles. If they do, accidents could occur. In a lot of cases, it's the truck driver who is responsible. Truck drivers may be driving longer than they are entitled to, violating hours-of-service rules or simply being distracted or asleep behind the driving.
Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers are not permitted to drive in the left lane. Trucks brake more slowly than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This could create a risky situation, particularly for smaller cars that may be stranded behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.
Certain states specifically single out big trucks and block them from using the left lane, whereas others only restrict the use of the lane only in certain circumstances. These laws could be based either on weight or axel limit. In other cases they may be based solely on vehicle's description.
Even if there is no statewide law, you should check local rules on lane restrictions and follow the rules. You should also shift to the right if you spot a truck in the pass lane so that it does not block faster cars from passing you.
Ownership
The trucking and 18-wheeler companies have many resources they can employ to pressure accident victims to accept less than they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who work on their behalf before they even know whether the victim of an accident will pursue legal action.
In accidents 18-wheelers are usually responsible for a plethora of injuries and 18 Wheeler accident Lawsuit property damage because they carry such hefty loads and are huge in comparison to passenger vehicles. This is especially so when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations.
Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complex concepts that are derived from biology, chemistry, physics and federal trucking regulations, medical standards, and driving. Our lawyers have the knowledge to uncover violations of these laws and explain to the jury the circumstances that led to your accident.
Many parties could be at fault for the 18-wheeler truck crash. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the responsible parties and ensure that they are held accountable for your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking companies, owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also analyze weather conditions that could have contributed to the accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies are able to put together large teams of lawyers, adjusters, engineers and experts quickly. They start the process before they know whether you will to pursue legal recourse. That is why it is crucial to hire a capable attorney who can match their resources and cut them to size.
An attorney who has expertise in dealing with 18 wheeler accident lawyer-wheeler accidents will ease your burden and help you receive the compensation you're entitled to. The money will cover costs such as high medical bills or vehicle damage, the loss of earnings due to a lack of work, and other injuries like pain and suffering.
18 wheelers are extremely complex vehicles and require high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Inability to maintain this maintenance and maintain accurate logs can lead to disastrous accidents.
Tractor-trailers frequently carry hazardous materials that requires specialized training and specialized licensing to transport. This material can be explosive, flammable, or poisonous, all of which can pose serious dangers for other drivers on American roads. A catastrophic accident could also occur if the load is not properly labeled and secured.
A skilled 18 wheeler accidents-wheeler crash lawyer can determine the exact cause and blame the individuals accountable. These could include the truck driver and the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious obligation.
