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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks every year. They carry dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private vehicles. Driver fatigue is a frequent cause of truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep accurate logs. Weight limit As Americans continue to move away from traditional retail in-person and towards online commerce the road is becoming more overrun by trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these huge vehicles. It's a challenge for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger cars have a harder time maneuvering around these huge vehicles. Fortunately, there are laws in place that regulate the weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck itself as well as the cargo it carries. You must be aware of the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and putting your life in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for instance, limits the weight of an individual axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles are however limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these rules states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single-axles and axle groups. The penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from state to state but could include fines as high as $16,000. In some cases the driver's employer could be accountable for these fines, too. In the same way, repeat offenders can face higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of the majority of states regulate how trucks can travel on highways. For example, some states single out big trucks and block them from the left lane on multilane roadways. This law is designed to stop cars from following trucks that are too close, causing an accident. In these situations the truck driver has no choice but to change lane or risk a collision. To be capable of passing slower vehicles quickly, they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers must also be able monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane and look for any traffic devices or hazards that require them to make an turn. Those who ignore these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist has been injured by a truck which has been in violation of lane restriction laws, he or she may be entitled compensation. Trucks require a lot space to move around. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. In certain instances, drivers in smaller cars cut trucks off when changing the lane, which could cause them to hit each other in a jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down that trucks cannot be able to pass them. This puts both parties in danger of a crash. Bumper guards Bumper guards are a great way to protect your truck from damage, but you should verify the laws of your state prior to installing them. Some states do not allow bumper guards, whereas others only permit them on cars parked. They can be used to safeguard your vehicle when you park in areas with a lot of traffic, or in cities where parking parallel is frequent. These devices protect your vehicle from scratches and scratches caused by taller drivers backing into your SUV or truck. They can also avoid collisions with branches of trees. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains and are a common feature of off-road vehicles. They can be used to push debris and other debris away, and even protect headlights. There are several ways to install a rubber bumper. They include mat-style protectors as well as stick-on rubber strips. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit aurora -on style is the most convenient to use, as it can be removed in just a few minutes without leaving the sticky residue. However, this type doesn't provide much protection and doesn't provide all the angles of your truck. Some companies produce mat-style protectors that can be folded or put into a roll for easy storage and transport. The LuvTap is a favored model that is made of soft padded cotton material that can be adjusted to suit different sizes of vehicles. It also has shiny silver reflectors, which improve visibility in low-light conditions. It comes with two included straps that connect it to the trunk of your car and can be removed as it is required. Insurance Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries or even death. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies purchase larger insurance policies than passenger cars. These policies could be worth up to 40 times more than a standard policy. Trucking insurers, however, will do everything to avoid paying victim claims. They frequently try to trick injured people into giving a written statement or employ other techniques to limit their liability. When filing a claim for an 18-wheeler collision it is vital to consult an attorney. Denver truck accident lawyer. The requirements for trucking insurance are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction. The most common coverage is the primary liability. It will cover property damage caused by the truck in an accident. It is also important to think about liability insurance and cargo insurance for those who do not work. The first covers the truck as it hauls a load and is often included in the contract between a driver and their carrier. The latter, sometimes referred to “bobtail” protection, covers both the driver of the truck as well as the truck when it is between loads. If you've been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you need to know that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers is significantly lower than the limits required for passenger vehicles. You will have to fight the insurance firm of the trucking company to secure an equitable settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer can pinpoint all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any dram shops who may have over-served the driver.