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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers get involved in numerous wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are more stringent than those for private vehicles. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by driver fatigue. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep accurate records of their hours of service. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail stores in person and shift towards online shopping, the roads are becoming increasingly filled with trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these massive vehicles their speed and maneuverability. This is a challenge for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger cars are having a difficult time maneuvering around these huge vehicles. Fortunately there are laws in place that regulate the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck as a whole and the cargo it transports. It is important to know the legal guidelines to avoid driving over and risking your life. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits 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 no more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these guidelines 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 of up to $16,000. In some cases, fines may also be enforced by the driver's employer. In the event of repeat offenders, they could face higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, laws of the majority of states regulate where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. For example, some states single out large trucks and prohibit them from the left lane on multilane highways. This law is intended to stop vehicles from following trucks too closely, and possibly causing an accident. In these circumstances the truck driver will have no choice but to change lanes and run the risk of collisions with cars that are behind them. In order for trucks to be able to pass slower cars quickly, they must be in the right-hand lane. 18 wheeler accident attorney lakewood need to be able to monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for hazards or traffic control devices that require the driver to turn. Those who ignore these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by a truck that has violated lane restriction laws, the driver could be entitled compensation. Trucks require plenty of space to move. They have the largest blind spots on the road. In some instances, drivers in smaller vehicles cut trucks off when changing lanes, and this could cause them to hit each other in a jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down that trucks are unable to move past them. This puts both parties in danger of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are a great option to shield your vehicle from damage, but you should be aware of the laws of your state prior to installing them. Some states prohibit them, while some allow them on vehicles that are parked. These devices can also be used to guard your vehicle when you park in areas that are crowded or in cities where parking parallel is common. These devices can prevent scratches and scratches caused by drivers who are taller backing up into your vehicle or SUV. They are also useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles usually have cowcatchers, which look like the ones found on freight trains. They can be used to push brush and other debris aside and even to protect headlights. There are several ways to install a rubber bumper guard. They include mat-style protectors and sticky rubber strips. The stick-on style is the easiest to install, as it can be removed within minutes without leaving the sticky residue. However, it does not provide much protection and does not protect all the corners of your truck. Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be rolled up and folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The LuvTap, a familar model made from soft cotton which can be adjusted to different sizes of vehicles is a popular item. It also comes with bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in poor lighting conditions. It comes with two straps, which secure it to the trunk of your vehicle and can be removed as it is required. Insurance Truck accidents can cause serious injuries or even death. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies purchase larger insurance policies than passenger cars. These policies can be worth up to 40 times the amount of a standard policy. The trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying accident victims claims. They often try to entice injured victims into making a recorded statement or use other tactics to reduce their liability. It is essential to consult with an experienced Denver truck crash attorney in the event of filing an 18 wheeler crash claim. The requirements for insurance on trucks are complicated and vary by jurisdiction. The most common coverage is primary liability. This protects property from damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. You should also consider the liability and cargo insurance for non-trucking purposes. The first covers the truck as it hauls a load and is often included in the contract between the driver and their carrier. The latter is often called “bobtail” insurance and safeguards the driver and truck between loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor trailer accident the minimum insurance limits required for trailers and tractors is much lower than those for passenger cars. This means that you will likely have to fight with the trucking company's insurance provider to get an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident lawyer will identify all parties that could be liable, including the trucker, the trucking firm and any dram store that may have served the driver too much alcohol.