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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year, trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers are involved in numerous accidents. They transport dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private cars. Driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents. The law limits the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep accurate records. Weight limit As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail stores in person and shift towards online shopping, the streets are becoming more overrun by trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. In the process, many drivers struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these massive vehicles. This is a challenge for all drivers, however smaller cars and passenger vehicles are having a difficult time maneuvering around these massive vehicles. Fortunately there are laws in place to regulate the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck as a whole and the cargo it transports. It's essential to know the legal limits to ensure you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. However, there are different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of a single axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles however, are restricted to 34,000 lbs. In addition to these regulations states also have their own specific weight limits for single-axle and axle groups. The penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from state to state however, they can be accompanied by fines up to $16,000. In some cases fines can also be issued by the driver's company. Repeat offenders may also be subject to greater fines. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of a majority of states govern how trucks can travel on highways. Certain states, like, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of a multilane highway. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks too closely and could cause an accident. In these situations truck drivers have no choice but to change lane or risk a collision. To be able to pass slower cars quickly, they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers must also be able to watch other motor vehicles on the left lane and look for traffic hazards or other dangers that require them to make an turn. Anyone who does not comply with these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by the truck that has violated the lane restriction laws they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks have the biggest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and require plenty of space to move. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This could cause them to jackknife. Sometimes, drivers slow down so that trucks cannot get by them. This puts both parties in danger of an accident. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, you should check the laws of your state. Some states prohibit them and others allow them on parked vehicles. These devices can be used to safeguard your vehicle when you park in busy areas, or in cities where parallel parking is frequent. They help prevent dents and scrapes that can result from taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV. They are also useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles are often equipped with cowcatchers, which resemble the ones on freight trains. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit cary clear away the debris and brush, and they may even help by providing headlight protection. There are a variety of ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. They include mat-style protectors and sticks-on rubber strips. The easiest to use is the stick-on style, which can be removed in just a few minutes without leaving any sticky residue. This kind of cover doesn't offer any protection, and it isn't able to cover all areas of your vehicle. Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be folded or put into a roll for easy storage and transport. The Luv-Tap is a popular model, composed of soft padded cotton material and can be adjusted to fit various vehicle sizes. It also comes with bright silver reflectors for better visibility in low-light conditions. It has two straps that can be used to connect it to your vehicle's trunk and then flipped back up at any time. Insurance Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries or even death. This is the reason federal and state regulations oblige trucking companies to carry far more extensive insurance policies than regular passenger cars. These policies can be worth 40 times more than the standard insurance. However, trucking insurers will do everything they can to avoid paying compensation to victims of accidents. They frequently trick injured people into making a written statement or employ other methods in order to reduce their liability. It is essential to work with an experienced Denver truck crash attorney when filing an 18 wheeler claim. The requirements for trucking insurance are a bit complicated and differ depending on 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 cargo insurance and liability coverage for those who do not work. The former protects the truck while it is carrying a load, and it is often included in the contract of a driver of a truck with their carrier. The latter is often called “bobtail” insurance, and it protects the driver as well as the truck between the loads. If you've been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you must be aware that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers are much lower than the ones required for passenger vehicles. You will have to fight the insurance company of the trucking company to secure a fair settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer can pinpoint any potentially responsible parties, including the truck driver and the trucking company and any dram shops that may have over-served the driver.