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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year, trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers are involved in many accidents. They transport dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private vehicles. Driver fatigue is a typical cause of truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep accurate records. Weight limit As Americans continue to move away from traditional retail in-person and move towards online commerce the road is becoming more packed with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these large vehicles. This is a challenge for everyone however it's especially difficult for small and passenger car trucks to maneuver around these huge vehicles. There are laws that govern the legal limit of 18-wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo that it carries. It's crucial to know the legal limit so you can avoid driving over them and put yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for instance, limits the weight of single axles to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles however, are restricted to 34,000 lbs. In addition to these regulations, states also have their own weight restrictions for single axles and axle groups. The penalties for over-weight differ from state-to-state however, they can be accompanied by fines of up to $16,000. In certain instances, fines may also be imposed by the driver's employer. Repeat offenders could also be liable for higher fines. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of most states regulate the manner in which trucks can drive on highways. For instance, some states exclude large trucks and prohibit them from driving on the left side on multilane highways. This law is designed to keep vehicles from following trucks too closely and the risk of causing an accident. In such situations the truck driver is left with no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. In order for trucks to be able to pass slower cars quickly they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers should also be able observe other motor vehicles in the left side of the lane, looking for any traffic devices or hazards that require them make the turn. People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If a motorist is injured due to the truck that has violated the lane restriction laws they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks require a lot space to maneuver. They have the largest blind spots on the road. In some instances, motorists in smaller cars block trucks when changing lanes, and this could cause them to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down so that the truck is unable to pass them. This puts both drivers at risk of a crash. Bumper guards Bumper guards are an excellent option to shield your truck from damage, but you should be aware of your state's laws prior to installing them. Some states don't allow bumper guards, whereas others only permit them on vehicles that are parked. These devices are also worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities that have lots of parallel parking. These devices can prevent scratches and scratches caused by larger drivers backing up onto your truck or SUV. They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains, and they're an integral part of off-road vehicles. They can be used to push brush and other debris aside, and even protect headlights. There are a number of different ways to install bumper guards, such as mat-style protectors. The easiest to use is the stick-on type, which can be removed in only minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. This kind of vehicle does not provide the most protection, and does not cover all areas of your vehicle. Certain companies make mat-style protectors that fold or put into a roll for easy storage and transport. The Luv-Tap is a well-loved model, which is made of gentle padded cotton fabric that can be adjusted to fit various vehicle sizes. It also features shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in dim lighting. It includes two straps that can be used to fix it to your vehicle's trunk and then flipped back up in the event of need. Insurance Truck accidents can be traumatic and cause serious injuries or the loss of a loved one. This is the reason state and federal regulations oblige trucking companies to carry higher insurance premiums than regular passenger cars. 18 wheeler accident settlement billings can cost up 40 times more than a standard policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do everything to avoid paying accident victim claims. They will often try to trick injured people into giving a written statement or employ other techniques to minimize their liability. It is important to work with an experienced Denver truck crash lawyer when submitting an 18 wheeler crash claim. The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and vary based on the jurisdiction in which they are located. The most commonly used type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damages to property that the truck causes in the event of an accident. It is also a good idea to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck when it is carrying a load, and is usually included in the contract of a driver of a truck with their carrier. The latter is often referred to as “bobtail” insurance and safeguards the driver and truck during the time between loads. If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, it is important to understand that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers are considerably lower than those that are required for passenger vehicles. This means that you'll be fighting with the insurance provider of the trucking company for an equitable settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any dram shop that might have served the driver too much.