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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks every year. They carry dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are more stringent than the requirements for private vehicles. The majority of truck accidents are caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep precise records of their working hours. Weight limit As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person and move towards online shopping, the road is becoming more crowded with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these massive vehicles in terms of speed and maneuverability. This is a challenge for all drivers, however smaller cars and passenger vehicles are finding it difficult to maneuver around these huge vehicles. Fortunately there are laws in place to regulate the weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo it transports. You should know the legal limits to avoid driving over and risking your life. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 pounds. 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 no more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these guidelines states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single-axle and axle groups. State-by-state, penalties for exceeding the weight limit can range from fines as high as $16,000. In certain cases, fines may also be enforced by the driver's employer. In the same way, repeat offenders can be penalized more than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions Most states have laws which restrict where trucks can travel on highways. For instance, certain states impose a ban on large trucks and restrict them from driving on the left side on roads with multiple lanes. This law is designed to stop cars from following trucks too closely, and potentially causing an accident. In these circumstances the truck driver would have no choice but to change lanes and run the risk of a collision with cars that are driving in front of them. To be able to pass slower cars quickly they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers must be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane for dangers or traffic control devices that require the driver to turn. The consequences of not following these laws put them and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist gets injured by a vehicle that violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they may be entitled to compensation. Trucks require plenty of space to move around. They have the largest blind spots on the road. In some instances, motorists in smaller vehicles stop trucks when they change lanes, and this can cause them to be jackknifed. Sometimes, drivers slow down to the level where trucks are unable to be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, look up the laws of your state. Some states prohibit them, while others permit them for vehicles parked. These devices are also recommended for security when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities that have many parallel parking. These devices prevent scratches and scratches caused by taller drivers backing into your vehicle or SUV. They can also avoid collisions with branches of trees. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains and are a common feature of off-road vehicles. They can be used to shove debris and brush off and even to protect headlights. There are a number of different ways to install bumper guards, including mat-style protectors. The most simple to use is the stick-on design, which can be removed in just a few minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. This type does not offer much protection and isn't able to cover all areas of your vehicle. Certain companies offer mat-style protective covers that can be rolled up and folded for easy transport and storage. The LuvTap is a favored model, which is made of soft padded cotton fabric that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of vehicles. It also features bright silver reflectors that increase visibility in dim light conditions. It comes with two included straps that connect it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be removed as needed. Insurance Accidents involving trucks can cause serious injuries and even death. This is the reason state and federal regulations require trucking companies to have higher insurance premiums than regular passenger cars. They can be worth up to 40 times the amount of a standard policy. Trucking insurers, however, will do everything to avoid paying accident victims claims. They will often trick injured victims into signing statements that are recorded or employ other methods in order to reduce their liability. When filing a claim for an 18-wheeler wreck it is vital to consult with an attorney. Denver truck accident lawyer. The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most common coverage is primary liability. This protects property from damage caused by the truck in an accident. It is also important to think about the liability and cargo insurance for other purposes. The first protects the truck while it is hauling a load and is often included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. It is sometimes referred to as “bobtail” insurance and protects the truck and driver during the time between loads. If you've been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you need to know that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers are significantly lower than the limits required for passenger vehicles. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit omaha means that you'll be fighting with the trucking company's insurance provider to get a fair settlement. A Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify all parties that might be responsible, which includes the trucker, the trucking company and any dram shops that provided the driver with excessive alcohol.