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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year, trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers are involved with a lot of accidents. They transport dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private vehicles. The majority of truck accidents are caused by fatigued drivers. The law limits how long truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their working hours. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional in-person retail and toward online shopping the roads are becoming crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers are struggling to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these huge vehicles. This is a problem for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger vehicles are having a difficult time maneuvering around these huge vehicles. There are laws governing the legal maximum limit for 18-wheelers. This includes both the truck itself and the cargo it transports. You must be aware of the legal limitations to avoid driving over and risking your life. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. However, 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 over 40 inches but no more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these guidelines states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single-axles and axle groups. State-by state, the penalties for a violation of the weight limit vary from fines as high as $16,000. In some instances fines could also be enforced by the driver's employer. In addition, repeat offenders may face higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of most states regulate where trucks may drive on highways. For 18 wheeler accident case boynton beach , certain states impose a ban on large trucks and ban them from the left lane on multilane roadways. This law is intended to prevent vehicles from following trucks too closely and potentially causing an accident. In these instances, the truck driver would be forced to change lanes and risk a collision with vehicles that are driving ahead of them. To make sure that trucks can pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers must also be able monitor other motor vehicles on the left lane and look for any traffic devices or hazards that require them to take the turn. Those who ignore these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is hurt by a truck which has violated lane restriction laws the driver could be entitled compensation. Trucks have some of the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and require plenty of room to move around. In some cases, drivers in smaller vehicles cut off trucks when they change lanes, and this can cause them to jackknife. Other times drivers slow down to the point where the truck can't pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are an excellent way to protect your vehicle from damage but you should be aware of the laws of your state before installing them. Some states do not allow bumper guards while some only permit them on cars parked. These devices are also beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities that have many parallel parking. These devices can prevent scratches and dents caused by larger drivers backing up onto your truck or SUV. They are also useful in stopping collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains, and they're commonplace on off-road vehicles. They remove brush and other debris and they can even help in securing headlights. There are a variety of different ways to put up bumper guards, including stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The stick-on type is the easiest to use since it can be removed within minutes without leaving the sticky residue. The stick-on style doesn't provide the most protection, and does not cover all the corners of your vehicle. Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be rolled up or folded for easy transport and storage. The LuvTap, a familar model made from soft cotton which can be adjusted to different vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also features bright silver reflectors for better visibility in low lighting conditions. It includes two straps that can be used to secure it to the trunk of your vehicle and can be flipped up in the event of need. Insurance Truck accidents can result in serious injuries and even death. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than passenger vehicles. These policies may be worth as much as 40 times the amount of a standard insurance policy. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do anything to avoid paying accident victims claims. They often bribe injured people into signing statements that are recorded or employ other methods to minimize their liability. It is essential to consult with an attorney from a Denver truck crash attorney when filing an 18 wheeler accident claim. The requirements for insurance on trucks are complicated and vary by jurisdiction. The most popular coverage is the primary liability. This is a protection for property damage that is caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also a good idea to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck while it is transporting a load and is usually included in the contract of a truck driver with their carrier. The latter, often referred to as “bobtail” coverage, shields both the driver and the truck in between loads. If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you need to know that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers are far less than those required for passenger vehicles. This means that you'll be fighting the insurance company for the trucking business for an equitable settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine any potentially responsible parties including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any dram shops that may have served the driver too much.