What Is 18 wheeler accident law firm Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law covers accidents which involve commercial truck drivers as well as their rigs. These huge vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently press their drivers to complete longer hours and manipulate log books. This can cause accidents involving trucks to be devastating.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits of semi trucks is essential. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are determined by the majority of states. It is common to see weigh stations along interstates, where truck drivers are weighed in order to confirm that they aren't exceeding the maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If a truck driver is discovered to be violating these limits, they could be fined or even jailed depending on the location and criminal record.

Axle groups are granted an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight over a wider range of axles makes the vehicle safer and allows for more cargo to be transported. For instance a single tire mounted on an axle can only be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter but when there are 2 tires on that same axle it could be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are restrictions on the kind of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while other states only permit twin or triple trailers. In addition, some states require five wheels on the trailer. This is a circular plate over the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractors and sleeper cabs that have sleeping areas inside the tractor unit and are designed to haul over the road.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to the lane restrictions, truck drivers must also follow speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as vehicles for passengers and even if they do, they might cause accidents. In most cases, the truck driver is the culprit in these accidents. This is due to truck drivers being able to drive for longer than allowed or break the rules of hours-of-service, or become tired or distracted behind the vehicle.

Another important restriction on lane usage is that truck drivers are not permitted to drive in the left or right. Trucks brake at a much lower speed than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This could result in a risky situation, particularly for cars that are smaller and could be stranded behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

Some states limit the use of lanes in specific situations, while other states restrict it for big trucks. These laws can be based on the weight of the vehicle or axel limits. In other instances they could be based solely on the vehicle description.

Even if there is no law that is statewide however, you must check local rules regarding the lane restrictions and adhere to them. It is also recommended to move to the left if you spot trucks in the passing lane, so that it does not hinder faster vehicles from taking over.

Ownership

Companies operating 18 wheelers and trucking have huge resources to force victims of accidents into accepting far less than they deserve. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, engineers, and experts who advocate on their behalf even before they know whether the victim of the accident will seek legal remedy.

In accidents 18-wheelers are usually responsible for a number of serious injuries and property damage because they carry such heavy load and are so massive relative to passenger vehicles. This is particularly so when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is crucial to have an attorney who is experienced in fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations.

Large-scale accidents require an understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics and biology, chemistry as well as federal regulations for trucking and medical practices, driving regulations and many other related areas. Our lawyers are able to uncover violations of these laws and show the jury why it led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the careless or reckless actions of a variety of parties. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure they are liable for their fair part of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that may have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies are able to provide large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, and experts quickly. They begin this process before they know whether you will to seek legal recourse. This is why it's crucial to hire an experienced lawyer who can match their resources and bring them down to size.

An experienced 18 wheeler crash lawyer will take the burden of dealing with these large corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on securing the compensation you're due. This money can be used to pay medical expenses, vehicle damage as well as lost income from missing work as well as other non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

18-wheelers are extremely complex vehicles that require high-level, systematized maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Inability to keep detailed records and to perform maintenance can cause catastrophe-causing accidents.

Tractor-trailers often carry hazardous material, which requires special training and specialized licenses to transport. The material could be explosive, flammable, radiological, or toxic, all of which pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. An accident that is catastrophic could happen if the load is not properly labeled and secured.

A competent attorney for 18 wheeler accident lawsuits-wheelers can determine the cause and blame the individuals responsible. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm as well as the owner of the trailer, as well as the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is also known as vicarious liability.