Why We Enjoy 18-Wheeler Wreck Lawyer (And You Should Also!)
Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?
Numerous car accidents occur and cause medical bills, physical damage and time lost from work. If an 18-wheeler is involved, the consequences could be more severe.
When this happens, victims may file a claim for financial compensation. This is where an attorney from New Orleans truck accident attorney can be of assistance.
Weight Limits
In general, 18 wheelers can only carry up to 80,000 pounds, including the weight of cargo. This is a strict limit that requires trucking companies to fill their vehicles full and could lead to overloading. If a truck driver is in excess of this limit, they could be subject to fines that vary by location.
If you look at the lights of an 18-wheeler you can usually tell whether they are going over the speed limit. A single flash from their blinkers means that it's safe to merge in front of them, while flashes with multiple lights indicate that it's not. Truck drivers also make use of their lights to communicate, so keep watch for them when merging.
It is crucial to always leave a wide gap between your vehicle and an 18 wheeler, particularly when you pass. Trucks need plenty of room to slow down and stop If you cut them off, it could lead to fatal crashes. Car drivers are responsible for 72% of all crashes between cars and trucks.
Number of Axles
Semi-trucks are different from cars in that they require multiple axles in order to rotate the wheels. A semi-truck typically has four wheels, including the drive and steer axles. Trailers typically come with two tandem axles. This makes them longer than a typical passenger car and it's essential to keep this in mind when driving alongside one of these vehicles.
Limits on axle weights are based upon a variety of factors, like the Federal Bridge Formula and the legal limits posted by each state for single axles and axle groups. State limits may be higher than federal limits, and it is essential for truckers to verify before they travel.
Moving standard freight shipments isn't difficult enough and a heavier load increases the risk of accidents. If truckers overload their trailer, they are in violation of the law and can be held accountable for the resulting injuries. If you've been injured as a result of an accident that involved an 18 wheeler an attorney for truck accidents can determine if the driver was carrying more than the maximum amount allowed, and whether this negligence caused the injury.
Speed Limits
Speeding is a major cause of truck accidents, as every driver knows. This is particularly the case for big trucks due to their weight, size and size. Truckers should therefore adhere to speed limits on all roads they travel on.
However, truck drivers are often pressured to make quick deliveries and may not be able slow down enough to cope with the conditions. This can lead to risky driving, and could cause harm to other motorists.
It is, however, possible to reduce the chance of these accidents by using speed limiters. This device is able to limit the speed of a car to a level that is safe. It is able to be installed on many different types.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is currently evaluating the possibility of a new rule that will require truckers to use these devices. The agency has issued a revised notice of proposed rulemaking in order to gather feedback on the proposed rule. In earlier proposals it was suggested that truck speeds should be restricted to 60, 65 or even 68 miles per hour.
Insurance
The majority of private car owners purchase one insurance policy that covers all their vehicles. Truckers on the other hand do not own the trucks they drive. Instead, they rent their 18-wheelers to a trucking company. Trucking companies require higher limits for liability insurance as commercial vehicles are more hazardous. Additionally, 18 wheeler accident claim maryland may purchase cargo and bobtail insurance for their vehicles. Cargo insurance is a way to protect the cargo that semi-trucks transport. Bobtail insurance protects the truck once it has delivered its load. In the event of a collision the policies could help to compensate victims or grieving family members for their losses.
Maintenance
It's not always easy to get an accurate estimation of maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. They are costly to maintain and repair, especially when major repairs are required. However certain trucking companies offer maintenance schedules that will give an estimate of the overall cost of maintaining the vehicle.
Trucks have ten brakes instead of 18 and anti-lock breaks are currently standard on new trucks. Trucks take around 40 percent longer to stop than a car. This is due in part to the large size and momentum of an 18-wheeler.
The term "eighteen-wheeler" is now synonymous with trucking. It's been used in country music, for instance the songs "Giddyup go" and "Teddy Bear" by Red Sovine, and "Roll on" by thrash metal group BigRig. It is important to keep in mind that these trucks aren't at home on the roads and must obey the same rules as other drivers. For instance, it's illegal for truck drivers to text while driving since a single second of negligence could lead to fatal consequences.
