Why We Do We Love 18-Wheeler Wreck Lawyer (And You Should Too!)
Is an 18 Wheeler Legal? There are numerous accidents in the car that result in medical bills and physical damage, as well as time off from work. However, when an 18 wheeler gets involved it can be much more grave. In this case, victims may file a claim for financial compensation. This is where a New Orleans truck accident attorney can assist. Weight Limits In general 18 wheelers are able to transport up to 80,000 lbs including the weight of cargo. This is a very strict restriction that forces trucking companies to fill their vehicles to the max which could result in overloading. If a trucker exceeds this limit, they could be fined, which varies according to the location. You can usually tell if an 18-wheeler is going over the limit by looking at their lights. A single flash from their blinkers indicates that it's safe to merge in the front of them, whereas flashes that are high or multiple indicate that it's not. Keep an eye out for truck drivers who also use their lights as a way to communicate. It is essential to leave a significant gap between your vehicle and an 18 wheeler, particularly when you pass. If you cut off the truck, it could result in an accident that is fatal. Car drivers are at fault for 72 percent of crashes involving vehicles and trucks. 18 wheeler accident attorney lakeland -trucks, unlike cars require multiple axles to rotate the wheels. A semi-truck typically has four wheels, which includes the drive and steer axles. Trailers usually come with two tandem axles. This can make them much longer than a standard passenger vehicle and it's important to keep this in mind when driving along with one of these vehicles. The limits on axle weights are based on a variety of factors that include the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and the axle group legal limits set by each state. The limits of the state may be higher than federal limits, therefore it is important for truckers and drivers to be aware of both before traveling. The process of transporting freight is enough to be difficult but adding weight increases the risk of an accident. When truckers overload their trailer and is in violation of the law and may be held liable for the results of injuries. A lawyer for truck accidents can determine if the operator of an 18-wheeler was negligent and was the cause of the accident if you were injured. Speed Limits As any driver knows, speeding is among the most common causes of truck accidents. This is especially relevant for large trucks, which are more likely to crash due to their size and weight. This is why it is important for truckers to observe the speed limits for every highway they travel. However truck drivers are usually forced to make deliveries in a hurry and might not be able to slow down enough for the conditions. This could cause drivers to take risks when driving, which could cause harm to other drivers. Speed limiters can decrease the risk of accidents. This device automatically reduces the speed of a car to a safe level. It can be put in on various types of vehicles. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is studying the possibility of a new rule that will require truckers use these devices. The agency has issued an additional notification of the proposed rulemaking in order to get feedback on the proposal. Previous proposals have discussed limit truck speeds to 60 to 65 or 68 miles per hour. Insurance The majority of private vehicle owners purchase a single insurance policy to protect their vehicles. Truckers, on the other hand don't own the vehicles they drive. Instead, they lease their 18-wheelers from a trucking company. Due to the increased risk that come with commercial vehicles, trucking companies usually require higher liability insurance limits. In addition, they can purchase cargo and bobtail insurance for their vehicles. Cargo insurance protects the freight that semi-trucks are hauling. Bobtail insurance covers the truck after it has delivered its cargo. These policies are able to pay compensation to victims and grieving family members in the event of an accident. Maintenance It's not always easy to get an accurate estimate of the maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. It is expensive to maintain and repair, especially when major repairs are required. Some trucking companies offer maintenance schedules that estimate the cost of maintaining the vehicle. Trucks are typically equipped with 10 brakes, not 18 and anti-lock brakes have become the norm in newer vehicles. Trucks take approximately 40% longer to stop than cars. This is due to the huge size of an 18-wheeler and its speed increase the stopping distance. The term “eighteen-wheeler” is now synonymous with trucking. It has even been used in country music, like the songs “Giddyup go” and “Teddy Bear”, by Red Sovine, and “Roll on” by the thrash metal group BigRig. But it is crucial to keep in mind that these vehicles aren't home on the road, and that they must obey the same rules as other drivers. For instance, it is illegal for truckers to text while driving, as the slightest mistake could have fatal consequences.