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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year truck, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in a variety of accidents. They carry dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than vehicles owned by private individuals. Driver fatigue is a common reason for truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep accurate records. Weight limit As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail stores in person and shift towards online commerce the road is becoming more packed with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers struggle to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these large vehicles. It's a problem for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger cars have a harder time maneuvering around these large vehicles. Fortunately there are laws in place that regulate the weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to both the truck itself and the cargo it transports. It is important to know the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and risking your life. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are different weight limits for axle groupings and single axles. For instance the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, for single-axle vehicles and axle groups. The penalties for over-weight vary from state to state, but can include fines of up to $16,000. In some cases fines could be enforced by the driver's employer. Repeat 18 wheeler accident case fayetteville could also be liable for higher fines. Lane restrictions Most states have laws which regulate where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. Some states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane of a multilane highway. This law is intended to keep cars from following trucks too closely and potentially causing an accident. In such situations the truck driver has no choice but to change lane or risk a collision. To ensure that trucks can move swiftly over slower vehicles they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers must be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane for dangers or traffic control devices that require them to turn. In the absence of these laws, they place themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist gets injured by a vehicle that has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they may be entitled compensation. Trucks need a lot of space to move. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. Some drivers cut off trucks when they change lanes. This can cause them to jackknife. Other times drivers slow down to a point where the truck can't move past them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, you should check the laws of your state. Some states ban them, and others allow them on parked vehicles. These devices are worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities with many parallel parking. These devices prevent scratches and dents caused by drivers who are taller backing up into your truck or SUV. They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains and are a common feature of off-road vehicles. They help clear brush and other debris, and they may even help by securing the headlights. There are a number of different ways to put up a bumper guard, including mat-style protectors. The most simple to use is the stick-on model that can be removed in just minutes without leaving any sticky residue. However, it doesn't offer much protection and doesn't cover all the corners of your truck. Certain companies make mat-style protective covers that can be folded or folded for easy storage and transport. The Luv-Tap is a popular model made of a soft cotton material that can be adapted to various vehicle sizes It is a well-loved product. It also has bright silver reflectors that increase visibility in low-light conditions. It has two straps that can be used to attach it to the trunk of your vehicle and flip it up whenever needed. Insurance Truck accidents can cause grave injuries and even death. This is why state and federal regulations require trucking companies carry far more extensive insurance policies than regular passenger cars. They can be worth up to 40 times more than a standard policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying victims of accidents. They often bribe injured people into making an official statement or employ other techniques to limit their liability. It is essential to consult an experienced Denver truck crash lawyer when filing an 18 wheeler crash claim. The requirements for insurance for trucks are a bit complicated and differ depending on the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most commonly used coverage is primary liability. It protects property from damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. You should also consider liability insurance and cargo insurance for non-trucking. The former protects the truck while it is transporting a load, and it is often included in a trucker's contract with their carrier. It is sometimes referred to as “bobtail” insurance, and it safeguards the driver and truck between the loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer crash, the minimum insurance limits for trailers and tractors is considerably lower than those for passenger cars. You'll have to battle the insurance company of the trucking company for an equitable settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify all potentially liable parties including the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shops who may have over-served the driver.