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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers are involved many wrecks every year. They transport dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than vehicles owned by private individuals. Driver fatigue is the most frequent cause of truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep precise logs. Weight limit As Americans continue to move away from traditional retail in-person to online shopping, the road is becoming increasingly filled with trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. In the process, many drivers are finding it difficult to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these massive vehicles. This is a problem for all drivers however it is particularly challenging for passenger cars and smaller trucks to maneuver around these huge vehicles. Fortunately there are laws that regulate the legal maximum weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck as a whole and the cargo it transports. It's important to be aware of the legal limits to ensure you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are weight limits that differ for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, restricts the weight of a single axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles are however limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these rules, states also have their own specific weight limits for single-axle and axle groups. The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state to state, but can include fines as high as $16,000. In certain cases fines could 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 a majority of states govern where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. For example, some states exclude large trucks and prohibit them from driving on the left side on roads with multiple lanes. This law is intended to prevent cars from following trucks too closely, and potentially causing an accident. In such a situation the truck driver is left with no choice but to change lane or risk a collision. To be capable of passing slower cars quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers should also be able to observe other motor vehicles in the left lane and look for dangers or traffic devices which require them to make the turn. In the absence of these laws, they place themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by a truck that has violated the lane restriction laws they may be entitled to compensation. Trucks require plenty of space to move. They have the largest blind spots on the road. In some instances, motorists in smaller cars cut trucks off when changing lanes, and this could cause them to make a jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down that the truck is unable to be able to pass them. This puts both drivers at risk of a crash. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, you should look up the laws of your state. Certain states ban them, while others permit them on vehicles that are parked. These devices are also recommended for security when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities with plenty of parallel parking. These devices prevent scratches and dents caused by taller drivers backing up into your vehicle or SUV. They also help prevent collisions with trees' branches. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains, and they're an integral part of off-road vehicles. They help clear dirt and other debris and they may even help by providing headlight protection. There are several ways to install a rubber bumper. They include mat-style protectors as well as stick-on rubber strips. The easiest to use is the stick-on model that can be removed in only minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. However, this style doesn't offer much protection and doesn't completely cover the entire length of your truck. Certain companies offer mat-style protective covers that can be rolled up or folded for easy transport and storage. The LuvTap is a favored model that is composed of soft padded cotton material and can be adjusted to fit different sizes of vehicles. It also comes with shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in poor lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps, which secure it to the trunk of your vehicle and can be removed when it is required. Insurance Truck accidents can be catastrophic and can cause serious injuries or the death of a loved one. This is the reason state and federal regulations oblige trucking companies to carry higher insurance premiums than typical passenger vehicles. These policies may be worth 40 times that of a standard insurance policy. However, trucking insurers will do everything they can to avoid paying the victims of accidents. They usually trick injured people into signing statements that are recorded or employ other techniques to minimize their liability. If you are filing a claim after an 18-wheeler collision it is vital to speak with an experienced Denver truck accident attorney. Trucking insurance requirements are complex and differ by state. The most common coverage is the primary liability. This protects property from damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. 18 wheeler accident law firm virginia is also important to think about the liability and cargo insurance for non-trucking. The first protects the truck as it hauls loads and is typically included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. The latter is often referred to as “bobtail” insurance, and it protects the driver and the truck between the loads. If you've been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, it is important to understand that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers is far less than those required for passenger vehicles. This means that you'll need to negotiate with the insurance company for the trucking business for an equitable settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer can pinpoint all potentially liable parties including the truck driver as well as the trucking company and any dram shops who may have over-served the driver.