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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year, trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers are involved in a variety of accidents. They carry dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are higher than those for private vehicles. Driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents. The law limits how long truck drivers can drive and also requires them to keep accurate logs of their hours of service. Weight limit As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person to online commerce the road is becoming more overrun by trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers are struggling to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these massive vehicles. This is a problem that affects everyone however it is particularly challenging for passenger cars and smaller trucks to maneuver around these huge vehicles. There are laws that govern the legal maximum limit for 18-wheelers. This applies to the truck as a whole and the cargo it carries. It's essential to know the legal limits so that you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000lbs. There are weight limits that differ 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. In addition to these regulations states also have their own weight restrictions for single-axles and axle groups. State-by-state, penalties for a violation of the weight limit may range from fines to $16,000. In certain instances fines can also be enforced by the driver's employer. Repeat offenders may also be subject to higher fines. Lane restrictions Most states have laws which regulate where trucks can drive on highways. Some states, for instance prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane on multilane highways. This law is designed to stop cars from following trucks too closely and potentially causing an accident. In these instances the truck driver would be forced to change lanes or risk a collision with cars that are behind them. In order for trucks to be capable of passing slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers should also be able monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for potential hazards or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn. Ignoring these laws puts themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is hurt by a truck that has violated lane restriction laws, the driver could be entitled compensation. Trucks need a lot of space to move around. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This can result in them to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down their speed so that the truck is unable to pass them. This puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are an excellent option to shield your truck from damage, but you should check with the laws of your state prior to installing them. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards while some only permit them on cars parked. These devices are worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in busy areas or cities with plenty of parallel parking. These devices protect your vehicle from scratches and dents caused by taller drivers backing up into your SUV or truck. They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles often have these cowcatchers, which resemble the ones on freight trains. They can be used to push brush and other debris aside, and even protect headlights. There are a variety of ways to install a rubber bumper guard. They include mat-style protectors and sticky rubber strips. Stick-on is the simplest to use, as it can be removed within minutes without leaving the sticky residue. However, this type doesn't provide much protection and doesn't provide all the angles of your truck. Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be folded up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is a popular model made of soft cotton that can be adapted to various vehicle sizes and is a sought-after product. It also comes with bright silver reflectors that improve visibility in low-light conditions. It comes with two included straps, which attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be removed when necessary. Insurance Truck accidents can result in serious injuries and even death. This is why state and federal regulations require trucking companies to have higher insurance premiums than typical passenger vehicles. These policies could be worth up to 40 times more than a standard policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying compensation to victims of accidents. They often attempt to trick injured people into giving a written statement or employ other methods to minimize their liability. It is crucial to consult with an attorney from a Denver truck crash lawyer when submitting an 18-wheeler accident claim. The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction. The most frequent type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damage to property caused by the truck in an accident. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit waterbury is also recommended to consider the liability and cargo insurance for non-trucking purposes. The former protects the truck when it's carrying a load, and it is often included in a trucker's contract with their carrier. The latter is sometimes referred to as “bobtail” insurance and protects the driver and the truck between the loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer crash the minimum insurance limits for tractors and trailers are much lower than those required for passenger automobiles. You'll have to battle the insurance firm of the trucking company to secure a fair settlement. A Memphis truck accident lawyer will identify all parties that might be responsible, which includes the trucking company, the driver and any dram store that may have served the driver too much alcohol.