What Is 18 wheeler accident lawsuit Wheeler Law?

18 Wheeler Accident lawsuit wheeler law covers accidents which involve commercial truck drivers as well as their rigs. These huge vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety, and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently pressure their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can cause catastrophic trucking crashes.

Weight Regulations

It is essential to be aware of the weight limitations of semi trucks. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by most states. It is commonplace to see weigh stations on interstates where drivers are weighed to make sure they do not exceed maximum limits of their vehicle and 18 Wheeler accident lawsuit load. If a trucker is caught in violation of these limits, they could be fined and even sentenced to jail subject to their criminal history and the state.

Axle groups have a higher limit on weight because the vehicle is more secure when the weight is distributed over more axles. This also allows for the carriage of more cargo. A single tire on an wheel can weigh up to 665 pounds per inch but when two tires are mounted on the same axle, they could be weighed up to 1300 pounds.

There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states only allow one trailer while some states allow twin or triple trailers. Some states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer that is a piece of metal that sits above the drive wheels and connects (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractors and sleeper cabs, which incorporate a sleeping area into the tractor unit. They are designed to be used for hauling over the road.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to limitations on lane width truck drivers also must follow speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't able to travel at the same speed as cars, and should they do, they can cause accidents. In many instances, it is the driver of the truck who is responsible. This is because truck drivers often drive longer than they are allowed to, break hours-of-service rules, or become sleepy or distracted behind the vehicle.

Truck drivers are also banned from driving in the left right lane. Trucks are slower to brake than cars for passenger use. This can be a serious issue, especially for those in smaller cars who may be stranded behind the truck when it suddenly stops or slows down.

Certain states prohibit the use of lanes under certain circumstances, and some restrict the use of lanes for large trucks. In some instances the laws are based on weight and axel limits, while in others, they may be based on vehicle description or direction signs.

Even if there's no state-wide law regarding lane restrictions you should still be aware of local rules and abide by the rules. It is also recommended to move to the right when you notice a truck blocking the passing lane.

Ownership

The trucking and 18-wheeler businesses have many resources they can use in order to force accident victims to accept less than what they're entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who work on their behalf before they know if the accident victim will take legal action.

Because they carry huge loads and are much bigger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers can cause a lot of injuries and huge property damage in accidents. This is especially the case when they collide with motor vehicles. It is crucial to have an attorney who is experienced in fighting for your rights against these massive, powerful corporations.

Accidents involving large vehicles require a thorough understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry, federal regulations for trucking and medical practices, driving regulations and other related fields. Our lawyers are able to discover violations of these laws and explain to the jury how it led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck crashes are typically caused by the negligence or reckless actions of several parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties accountable and ensure that they are held accountable for your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking companies, owners and maintenance contractors, and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that may have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

The trucking industry has a wealth of options available and are able to quickly deploy teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts to create a defense against accident victims. They start this process before they know if you intend to seek legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and helping them decrease in size.

A lawyer who has expertise in dealing with 18-wheeler accidents will ease your burden and help you get the compensation you're entitled to. This money can be used to pay medical expenses, vehicle damages as well as lost income from missing work as well as other non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

18-wheelers are a complex vehicle that require a high-level, structured maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Inability to keep detailed logs and perform the necessary maintenance can cause catastrophic accidents.

Tractor-trailers often are used to transport hazardous materials that require special training and licenses. This material can be explosive, flammable, radiological or poisonous, and all of these present significant dangers to other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could result in a fatal accident.

A qualified 18 wheeler accident lawyer can determine the exact causes of your accident and hold accountable any other parties who are responsible. This could include the truck driver as well as the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious liability.