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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers are involved in numerous wrecks each year. They carry dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are higher than that of private vehicles. The majority of truck accidents are caused by driver fatigue. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep accurate records of their hours of service. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person retail and towards online commerce the roads are becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these massive vehicles' speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for all drivers, but it's particularly difficult for small and passenger car trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles. There are laws that regulate the legal maximum limit for 18-wheelers. This applies to both the truck itself and the cargo it transports. It is important to be aware of the legal limit so you can avoid driving over them and risking your life. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. For instance, the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, while axles spaced more than 40 inches but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these guidelines, states also have their own weight restrictions for single-axle and axle groups. State-by state, the penalties for exceeding a weight limit can range from fines to $16,000. In some instances the driver's employer could be responsible for these fines as well. Repeat offenders may also be subject to higher fines. Lane restrictions Most states have laws that regulate where trucks can drive on highways. Certain states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of the multilane highways. This law is designed to keep vehicles from following trucks too closely and possibly causing an accident. In such a situation the truck driver is left with no choice but change lanes or risk a collision. To ensure that trucks are able to pass slower vehicles quickly, they need to be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers must also be able to monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for potential hazards or traffic control devices that require the driver to turn. If they do not adhere to these laws, they put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If a motorist has been injured by a vehicle that has violated lane restriction laws the driver could be entitled to compensation. Trucks have the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and require plenty of space to move around. Some drivers block trucks when changing lanes. This can lead to them in a jackknife. Sometimes, drivers slow down to a level where trucks are unable to be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of accident. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, look up the laws of your state. Some states do not allow bumper guards, and some only allow them on parked cars. These devices can be used to safeguard your vehicle when you park in crowded areas, or in cities where parking parallel is frequent. They stop dents and scrapes that often result from taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV. They also can be helpful in stopping collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains and are a common feature of off-road vehicles. They clear away the debris and brush, and they can even help by providing headlight protection. There are a number of different ways to put up a bumper guard, such as stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The most straightforward is the stick-on style that can be removed in just a few minutes without leaving any sticky residue. However, this style doesn't provide much protection and doesn't cover all the corners of your truck. 18 wheeler accident law firm tucson produce mat-style protectors that can be folded or roll-up for storage and transportation. The LuvTap is a favored model, which is made of soft padded cotton fabric that can be adjusted to suit various vehicle sizes. It also comes with shiny silver reflectors, which improve visibility in low-light conditions. It comes with two straps that can be used to fix it to the trunk of your car and then flipped back up when needed. Insurance Accidents involving trucks can cause serious injuries or even death. This is why federal and state regulations require trucking companies to carry higher insurance premiums than normal passenger cars. These policies can be worth up to 40 times the amount of a standard policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying compensation to victims of accidents. They frequently trick injured people into making statements that are recorded, or use other tactics to limit their liability. If you are filing a claim after an 18-wheeler accident it is essential to consult an experienced Denver truck accident attorney. The requirements for trucking insurance are complicated and vary based on the jurisdiction. The most common coverage is primary liability. This covers property damage caused by the truck in an accident. It is recommended to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The first covers the truck when it transports a load and is often included in the contract between the driver and their transporter. The latter, often referred to as “bobtail” coverage, shields both the driver and the truck when it is between loads. If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you should know that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers are considerably lower than those that are required for passenger vehicles. You will have to fight the insurance company of the trucking company to get a fair settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney can determine who might be responsible, which includes the trucker, the trucking firm, and any dram stores that may have served the driver excessive amounts of alcohol.