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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year trucks, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in a variety of accidents. They transport dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are higher than those of private vehicles. Truck accidents are often caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep precise logs. Weight limit As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person and towards online shopping, the streets are becoming increasingly filled with trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these large vehicles' speed and maneuverability. This is a challenge for everyone however it's especially difficult for smaller trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles. Fortunately, there are laws in place that regulate the weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck itself as well as the cargo it carries. You must be aware of the legal limits to avoid driving over and put your life in danger. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, restricts the weight of one axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles however, are restricted to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these guidelines, states also have their own weight limits for single-axle and axle groups. State-by-state the penalties for exceeding a weight limit can range from fines to $16,000. In certain cases the driver's employer could be responsible for the fines. Repeat offenders could also be liable for greater fines. Lane restrictions Most states have laws which regulate where trucks can drive on highways. For example, some states impose a ban on big trucks and block them from driving on the left side on roads with multiple lanes. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks too close, causing an accident. In these instances the truck driver is left with no choice but to change lane or risk a collision. To make sure that trucks are able to 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 side of the lane, looking for dangers or traffic devices that require them to take an turn. Those who ignore these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by a vehicle that violated the laws governing lane restrictions, he or she may be entitled compensation. Trucks have some of the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they require plenty of space to move. In some instances, drivers in smaller vehicles block trucks when changing lanes, and this could cause them to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down so much that the truck cannot pass them. This puts both parties at risk of a collision. Bumper guards Bumper guards are a great option to shield your vehicle from damage, but you should check with your state's laws prior to installing them. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, whereas others only permit them on vehicles that are parked. They can be used to safeguard your vehicle when you park in busy areas, or in cities where parking parallel is frequent. 18 wheeler accident attorney mount vernon prevent scratches and dents caused by taller drivers backing up into your vehicle or SUV. They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains and are commonplace on off-road vehicles. They can be used to push brush and other debris aside and can even shield headlights. There are many ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. These include mat-style protectors as well as sticks-on rubber strips. The most convenient is the stick-on style, which can be removed in just minutes without leaving any sticky residue. But, this kind of design does not provide much protection and does not cover all the corners of your truck. Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be rolled up and folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made of a soft cotton material that can be adjusted to various vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also has reflective silver lights that enhance visibility under poor lighting conditions. It comes with two straps, which attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be flipped off when necessary. Insurance Accidents involving trucks can cause serious injuries or even death. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than passenger cars. These policies could be worth as much as 40 times more than a standard insurance policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do anything to avoid paying victim claims. They often try to trick injured people into giving a recorded statement or employ other methods to reduce their liability. When filing a claim in the event of an 18-wheeler accident it is crucial to consult with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer. The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction. The most common coverage is the primary liability. It 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 and non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck while it's transporting a load, and is usually included in a trucker's contract with their carrier. The latter is often referred to as “bobtail” insurance, and it protects the driver and the truck between the loads. If you're injured in a tractor-trailer accident, the minimum insurance limits for tractors and trailers are much lower than those for passenger cars. You'll have to battle the insurance company of the trucking firm to secure a fair settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer can pinpoint any potentially responsible parties, including the truck driver as well as the trucking company and any dram shops that may have served the driver too much.