Write About Everything

Is an 18 wheeler accident law firms Wheeler Legal?

Many car accidents happen and can result in physical and medical expenses and time away from work. If an 18-wheeler is involved the consequences can be more severe.

If this happens, the victims can file a claim for financial compensation. This is where an attorney from New Orleans truck accident attorney can help.

Weight Limits

In general 18 wheelers are able to carry up to 80,000lbs which includes the weight of cargo. This is a very strict limitation that requires trucking companies to pack their vehicles with full capacity and can result in overloading. If a truck driver is in excess of this limit, they may be subject to fines that vary by location.

It is easy to tell if an 18-wheeler is over the limit by observing their lights. A single flash of their blinkers indicates that it’s safe to merge 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 an alert for them when merging.

It is essential to leave a wide gap between your vehicle and an 18 wheeler especially when passing. Trucks require plenty room to slow down and stop and if you cut them off it could result in a deadly crash. Car drivers are the cause of 72 percent of all collisions between cars and trucks.

The number of Axles

Unlike cars, semi-trucks require multiple axles to rotate their wheels. A typical semi-truck has four wheels, which includes the steer and drive axles. Trailers typically come with two tandem axles. It’s important to note that these vehicles are longer than a typical passenger car.

The weight limits of axles are determined by a variety of factors that include the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and axle group legal limits set by each state. State limits may be higher than federal limits, and it is essential for truckers and drivers to be aware of before they travel.

The challenge of hauling freight is difficult enough and adding additional weight increases the likelihood of an accident. When truckers overload their trailer is in violation of the law and could be held accountable for resultant injuries. A lawyer for truck accidents can determine whether the driver of an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuits (S40.Cubecl.Com)-wheeler was negligent and the cause of the accident in case you were injured.

Speed Limits

As any driver knows, speeding is among the main causes of truck accidents. This is especially the case for larger trucks, which are more likely to crash due to their size and weight. Because of this, it is vital for truckers to obey the speed limits on each road they travel.

Truck drivers are often under pressure to deliver quickly and may not be able to slow down enough to suit the conditions. This could cause drivers to take risks when driving, which could be fatal for other drivers.

Speed limiters reduce the risk of accidents. This device is able to limit the speed of a vehicle to a safe speed. It can be put in on a variety of types.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is currently evaluating a new rule which would require truckers use these devices. The agency has issued a revised notice of proposed rulemaking to get feedback on the proposed rule. In earlier proposals, it was suggested that truck speeds be limited to 60, 65 or even 68 miles per hour.

Insurance

Most private vehicle owners buy one policy to cover all their vehicles. Truckers on the other hand do not own the trucks they drive. Instead, they rent their 18 wheeler accident lawsuit-wheelers to a trucking company. Due to the increased risk of commercial vehicles, trucking companies usually require higher liability insurance limits. In addition, they can purchase bobtail and cargo insurance for their vehicles. Cargo insurance covers the cargo a semi is hauling, while bobtail insurance covers the truck after it has delivered its load. These policies are able to provide compensation to grieving victims and family members in the event of an accident.

Maintenance

It is often difficult to obtain an accurate estimation of maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. Trucks are expensive to maintain and repair, particularly when major repairs are required. However some trucking companies offer maintenance schedules which provide an estimate of the total cost of maintaining the vehicle.

Trucks have ten brakes instead 18 and anti-lock break breaks are nowadays standard on all new trucks. Trucks take approximately 40% 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” has become synonymous with trucking. It is mentioned in country music tracks like the Red Sovine titles “Giddyup Go” and “Teddy Bear” and thrash metal band BigRig’s track “Roll on”. However, it is important to keep in mind that these vehicles aren’t at home on the road and that they must follow the same rules as other drivers. It is illegal for truckers, as an example, to text while driving. A split second of inattention could result in disastrous consequences.