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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 have higher insurance requirements than private vehicles. Driver fatigue is a typical cause of truck accidents. The law restricts how long truck drivers can be on the road and requires them to keep precise records of their hours of service. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person retail and toward online shopping the roads are becoming crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers are finding it difficult to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these massive vehicles. This is a challenge for everyone, but it's particularly difficult for passenger cars and smaller trucks to maneuver around these huge vehicles. Fortunately there are laws that regulate the weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck itself as well as the cargo it carries. 18 wheeler accident settlement houston is important to be aware of the legal limit so you can avoid driving over them and put yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are different weight limits for axle groupings and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, restricts the weight of an individual axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles are, however, limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these rules, states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single-axles and axle groups. State-by-state, penalties for exceeding the weight limit can range from fines up to $16,000. In some cases, the driver's employer may be accountable for these fines as well. Repeat offenders may also be subject to higher fines. Lane restrictions Most states have laws that regulate the location of trucks on highways. For example, some states separate big trucks and block them from using the left lane on multilane roadways. This law is intended to prevent vehicles from following trucks too close to the road and causing accidents. In such a situation truck drivers have no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. In order for trucks to be capable of passing slower vehicles quickly, they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers must also be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane for hazards or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn. If they do not adhere to these laws, they put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If an individual is injured by the truck that has violated the lane restriction laws, they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks require a lot of space to move around. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when changing lanes. This could cause them to the jackknife. In other instances drivers slow down to a point where the truck can't be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of accident. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, check the laws of your state. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, whereas others only permit them on cars parked. These devices are worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities with lots of parallel parking. They stop dents and scrapes that often result from taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV. They are also useful in stopping collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains and are an essential feature of off-road vehicles. They help clear brush and other debris and they can even assist with headlight protection. There are a number of different ways to install a bumper guard, such as stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The easiest to use is the stick-on model which can be removed in only minutes without leaving any sticky residue. However, it doesn't provide much protection and does not cover all the corners of your truck. Certain companies make mat-style protectors which can be folded or rolled for easy storage and transportation. The Luv-Tap is one of the most popular model, made of soft padded cotton fabric that can be adjusted to suit various vehicle sizes. It also comes with bright silver reflectors that improve visibility in dim lighting. It includes two straps that can be used to secure it to your vehicle's trunk and can be flipped up in the event of need. Insurance Accidents involving trucks can cause serious injuries and even death. This is the reason federal and state regulations require trucking companies to carry much larger insurance policies than standard passenger cars. These policies could be worth as much as 40 times the amount of a standard policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do whatever they can to avoid paying accident victims claims. They will often trick injured victims into signing an official statement or employ other techniques to limit their liability. When filing a claim in the event of an 18-wheeler crash it is vital to consult with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer. The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most popular insurance is primary liability. This protects property from damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also important to think about cargo insurance and liability coverage for non-trucking purposes. The first covers the truck while it is hauling loads and is usually included in the contract between the driver and their carrier. It is sometimes referred to as “bobtail” insurance, and it protects the driver and the truck between loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer crash the insurance limits required for trailers and tractors are considerably lower than those for passenger cars. This means that you'll be fighting with the trucking company's insurance provider for an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney can determine who are liable, including the trucker, the trucking firm and any dram store that provided the driver with excessive alcohol.