The 12 Best 18-Wheeler Wreck Lawyer Accounts To Follow On Twitter
Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?
There are numerous car accidents that cause physical and medical bills in addition to absence from work. When an 18-wheeler vehicle is involved, the consequences could be more serious.
When this happens, victims can file a claim for financial compensation. This is where an attorney from New Orleans truck accident attorney can be of assistance.
Weight Limits
18-wheelers are restricted to carrying the maximum weight of 80,000 pounds including the volume and weight of cargo. This is a very strict limit that requires trucking companies to fill their vehicles to the max which could result in overloading. Truck drivers who exceed this limit may be fined. The penalties vary based on where they reside.
If you look at the lights of an 18-wheeler you'll know if they're going over the speed limit. A single flash of their blinkers signifies that it's safe to merge front of them, while flashes with multiple lights indicate that it's not. Be on the lookout for truck drivers who are also using their lights as a way to communicate with each other.
Always leave a wide gap between your vehicle and an 18-wheeler. This is particularly important when you're driving by. If you cut off the truck, it could cause fatal crashes. Car drivers are at fault for 72 percent of all collisions between trucks and cars.
Axles Axles
Semi-trucks, unlike cars require multiple axles in order to rotate the wheels. 18 wheeler accident lawyer st petersburg has four axles, including the steer and drive axles, while trailers usually have two tandem axles. It's important to note that these vehicles are larger than the typical automobile.
Limits on axle weights are based on a variety of factors, such as the Federal Bridge Formula and the legal limits posted by each state for single axles and axle groups. Limits for states can be higher than federal limits, so it is important for truckers and drivers to be aware of both before traveling.
The task of transporting cargo is difficult enough but adding weight increases the chance of an accident. A trucker who overloads his truck is in violation of the law and could be held responsible for any injuries that occur as a result. If you've been injured as a result of an accident involving an 18-wheeler, a lawyer for truck accidents can help determine whether the driver was carrying more than the maximum load allowed, and also if the negligence was the cause of your injury.
Speed Limits
As any driver knows, speeding is among the most common causes of truck accidents. This is especially the case for large trucks due to their size, weight and size. This is why it is essential for truckers to observe the speed limits on every highway they travel.
Truck drivers are often under pressure to deliver quickly and may not be able to slow enough to accommodate the conditions. This can lead to dangerous driving, and can also be deadly for other motorists.
It is possible to decrease the risk of these accidents by using speed limiters. This is a device that will automatically restrict the speed of a vehicle to a safe limit that can be installed in various types of trucks.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is currently evaluating an updated rule that would require truckers to utilize these devices. The agency has released a new notice of proposed rulemaking in order to gather feedback on the idea. In previous proposals, it was suggested that truck speeds should be restricted to 60, 65 or even 68 miles per hour.
Insurance
Most private vehicle owners purchase one insurance policy to protect their personal vehicles. Truckers however do not own the trucks they drive. They rent their 18-wheelers instead from a trucking company. Because of the higher risk that come with commercial vehicles, trucking companies generally require higher liability insurance limits. In addition, they can purchase bobtail and cargo coverage for their vehicles. Cargo insurance covers the cargo that a semi is carrying and bobtail insurance protects the truck after it delivers its load. These policies will provide compensation to grieving victims and family members in the event of an accident.
Maintenance
It is often difficult to obtain an accurate estimate of maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. It is expensive to maintain and repair, especially when major repairs are required. Some trucking companies offer maintenance schedules to estimate the cost of maintaining the vehicle.
Trucks come with ten brakes instead of 18 and anti-lock breaks are nowadays standard on all new trucks. In general, trucks take 40 percent longer than a standard car to stop. This is because the large size of an 18-wheeler and its acceleration increase the stopping distance.
The term "eighteen-wheeler" is now synonymous with trucking. It's been used in country music, such as the songs "Giddyup go" and "Teddy Bear" by Red Sovine, and "Roll on" by thrash metal group BigRig. However, it is important to remember that these trucks aren't home on the road, and that they are subject to the same rules as other drivers. It is illegal to permit truckers, for instance to use their phones while driving. A split second of negligence could result in negative consequences for a driver.