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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers have been involved in many wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are more stringent than the requirements for private vehicles. Driver fatigue is the most frequent reason for truck accidents. The law limits how long truck drivers can be on the road and requires them to keep accurate logs of their work hours. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail in-person and towards online shopping, the roads are becoming increasingly crowded with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these massive vehicles their speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger vehicles are finding it difficult to maneuver around these huge vehicles. Fortunately, there are laws in place that regulate the weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck as well as the cargo it is carrying. It's important to be aware of the legal limits so that you can avoid driving over them and putting yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 lbs. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For example the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches, but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, both for single axle vehicles and axle groups. The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state-to-state and can include fines as high as $16,000. In certain instances fines could be issued by the driver's company. Repeat offenders could also be liable for higher fines. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, laws of most states regulate how trucks can travel on highways. Some states, for example prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane of the multilane highways. This law is intended to stop vehicles from following trucks too close to causing accidents. In these instances the truck driver would have no choice but to change lanes, and risk collision with cars who are driving ahead of them. In order for trucks to be able to pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers should also be able to observe other motor vehicles in the left lane in order to look for any traffic devices or hazards that require them make a turn. Those who ignore these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by the truck that has violated the lane restriction laws they could be entitled compensation. Trucks require plenty of space to move around. 18 wheeler accident attorney loveland have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This can result in them jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down their speed so that trucks are unable to get by them. This puts both drivers at risk of a collision. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, consult your state's laws. Some states prohibit them, while others allow them only for vehicles that are parked. These devices can also be used to protect your vehicle when you park in crowded areas or in cities where parallel parking is frequent. These devices prevent scratches and dents caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV. They also help prevent collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles are often equipped with cowcatchers that resemble the ones found on freight trains. They push aside dirt and other debris and they can even help by securing the headlights. There are a variety of different ways to put up bumper guards, including mat-style protectors. The most straightforward is the stick-on design, which can be removed in just minutes without leaving any sticky residue. However, it doesn't provide much protection and doesn't cover all the corners of your truck. Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be folded up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is a popular model made from soft cotton which can be adjusted to different vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also has bright silver reflectors that increase visibility under poor lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps that connect it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be removed as required. Insurance Accidents involving trucks can cause serious injuries, and sometimes even death. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than passenger vehicles. These policies can be worth as much as 40 times the amount of a standard policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying victims of accidents. They usually trick injured people into making an official statement or employ other techniques to minimize their liability. When filing a claim for an 18-wheeler collision it is crucial to speak with a Denver truck accident attorney. The requirements for insurance for trucks are a bit complicated and differ depending on jurisdiction. The most commonly used insurance is primary liability. It is a protection for property damage that is caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is recommended to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The first covers the truck when it transports an item and is often included in the contract between the driver and their transporter. The latter, also referred to “bobtail” coverage, safeguards both the truck and its driver in between loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer collision the insurance limits for trailers and tractors are significantly lower than the limits for passenger automobiles. You will have to fight the insurance company of the trucking firm for an equitable settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine all parties potentially responsible, including the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shops that might have over-served the driver.