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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers have been involved in numerous wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private vehicles. The majority of truck accidents are caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep accurate logs. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail in-person to online shopping, the roads are becoming increasingly filled with trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these huge vehicles in terms of speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger vehicles are finding it difficult to maneuver around these huge vehicles. Fortunately, there are laws in place to regulate the legal maximum weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to both the truck itself and the cargo it carries. It is important to know the legal limitations to avoid driving over and placing your life in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000lbs. There are different weight limits for axle groupings and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, restricts 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 weight limits for single-axle and axle groups. The penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from state to state and can include fines as high as $16,000. In certain cases, the driver's employer may be accountable for these fines, too. In the same way, repeat offenders can receive higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions Most states have laws that regulate where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. For instance, certain states exclude large trucks and restrict them from driving in the left lane on roads with multiple lanes. This law is designed to stop vehicles from following trucks too close to causing accidents. In these circumstances the truck driver will have no choice but to change lanes and run the risk of collision with cars who are behind them. To ensure that trucks are able to get by slower vehicles swiftly they must be in the right direction. Truck drivers must also be able monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for potential hazards or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn. Those who ignore these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If a motorist has been injured by a vehicle that been in violation of lane restriction laws, they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks have the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they need plenty of room to move. In some instances, motorists in smaller cars block trucks when they change lanes, and this could cause them to be jackknifed. Sometimes drivers slow down so much that the truck cannot move past them. This puts both parties in danger of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards can be a great option to shield your truck from damage, however, you must check your state laws before installing them. Some states do not allow bumper guards, and some only allow them on cars that are parked. They can also be used to protect your vehicle when you park in areas that are crowded, or in cities where parallel parking is frequent. They can prevent scrapes and dents which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your car or SUV. They can also avoid collisions with trees' branches. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains, and they're a common feature of off-road vehicles. They can be used to shove brush and other debris aside, and even protect headlights. There are several ways to install a rubber bumper guard. These include mat-style protectors as well as stick-on rubber strips. The easiest to use is the stick-on model which can be removed in only minutes without leaving any sticky residue. But, this kind of design doesn't offer much protection and doesn't protect all the corners of your truck. Some companies produce mat-style protectors that fold or folded for easy storage and transport. The LuvTap is a favored model that is made of soft padded cotton material and can be adjusted to fit various sizes of vehicles. It also has bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in low-light conditions. It comes with two included straps that connect it to the trunk of your vehicle and can be removed when necessary. Insurance Accidents involving trucks can be devastating and result in serious injuries or even the death of a loved ones. This is why federal and state regulations require trucking companies to carry much larger insurance policies than normal passenger cars. They can be worth up to 40 times more than a standard policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying the victims of accidents. They often try to trick injured people to give a recorded account or employ other strategies to limit their liability. If you are filing a claim after an 18-wheeler collision it is essential to consult with a Denver truck accident attorney. Trucking insurance requirements are complex and differ by state. The most frequent type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damage to property that the truck causes in the event of an accident. It is also important to think about liability insurance and cargo insurance for those who do not work. The former covers the truck when it's carrying a load, and it is often included in the contract of a truck driver with their carrier. The latter is often referred to as “bobtail” insurance, and it protects the truck and driver 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 is significantly lower than the limits required for passenger vehicles. You will have to fight the insurance firm of the trucking firm to secure an equitable settlement. 18 wheeler accident lawyer rockford seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine all potentially liable parties including the truck driver and the trucking company and any dram shop that might have over-served the driver.