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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers get involved in numerous wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than vehicles owned by private individuals. Driver fatigue is a frequent cause of truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep accurate records. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional retail and towards online commerce, the road is getting crowded by trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these huge vehicles with their speed and maneuverability. It's a challenge for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger cars have a harder time maneuvering around these large vehicles. Fortunately, there are laws in place to regulate the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to both the truck itself and the cargo it transports. It is important to know the legal limitations to avoid driving over and placing your life in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. However, there are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For example, the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds while axles spaced over 40 inches but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, both for single-axle vehicles and for axle groups. State-by-state, penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from fines to $16,000. In some cases the driver's employer could be responsible for these fines too. In the same way, repeat offenders can be subject to higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions Many states have laws that restrict where trucks can travel on highways. For instance, certain states exclude large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane on multilane roads. This law is designed to stop cars from following trucks too closely and could cause an accident. In these situations truck drivers have no choice but to switch lanes or risk a collision. To be capable of passing slower vehicles quickly, they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers should also be able observe other motor vehicles on the left lane in order to look for traffic hazards or other dangers that require them make an turn. The consequences of not following these laws put them and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If someone is injured by an unintentionally parked truck that violates the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks have some of the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and need plenty of space to move. In some cases, drivers in smaller cars stop trucks when changing the lane, which could cause them to be jackknifed. In other instances, drivers slow down to a level where trucks are unable to pass through them, which puts both parties at risk of accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are a fantastic way to protect your truck from damage, but you should check with the laws of your state before installing them. Certain states ban them, while others allow them only for vehicles that are parked. They can be used to safeguard your vehicle when you park in busy areas, or in cities where parallel parking is frequent. These devices protect your vehicle from scratches and dents caused by drivers who are taller backing up into your SUV or truck. 18 wheeler accident lawyer eugene help prevent collisions with branches of trees. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains, and are commonplace on off-road vehicles. They can be used to push brush and other debris aside and can even shield headlights. There are many ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. These include mat-style protectors and stick-on rubber strips. The stick-on type is the easiest to install because it can be removed within minutes without leaving a sticky residue. This kind of cover doesn't offer any protection, and it does not cover all areas of your vehicle. Certain companies produce mat-style protectors that can be folded up or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made from a soft cotton material that can be adapted to different vehicle sizes It is a well-loved product. It also features bright silver reflectors that improve visibility in low-light conditions. It comes with two included straps that connect it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be removed as it is required. Insurance Truck accidents can result in grave injuries and even death. This is why state and federal regulations require trucking companies to have far more extensive insurance policies than standard passenger cars. These policies can be worth up 40 times more than a standard policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying victims of accidents. They will often trick injured people into signing an official statement, or use other tactics to minimize their liability. If you are filing a claim after an 18-wheeler collision, it is important to consult an attorney. Denver truck accident attorney. The requirements for trucking insurance are a bit complicated and differ depending on the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most popular type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damage to property caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also a good idea to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The former protects the truck when it's hauling a load, and is usually included in a trucker's contract with their carrier. The latter, also referred to “bobtail” coverage, safeguards both the truck and its driver in between loads. If you are injured in a tractor trailer accident the minimum insurance limits required for tractors and trailers are much lower than those for passenger cars. This means that you will likely be fighting with the insurance company of the trucking company for an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney can identify all parties who might be responsible, which includes the trucking company, the trucker as well as any dram establishments that may have served the driver too much alcohol.