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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers are involved numerous wrecks each year. They carry dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than vehicles owned by private individuals. Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts how long truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires them to keep accurate records of their work hours. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional in-person shopping and towards online commerce the roads are becoming more crowded with trucks belonging to Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers struggle to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these huge vehicles. This is a problem that affects everyone however it's especially difficult for small and passenger car trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles. Fortunately there are laws that regulate the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck itself as well as the cargo it transports. It's crucial to know the legal limit so you can avoid driving over them and put yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000lbs. However, there are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For instance, the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches but no more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, both for single axle vehicles and axle groups. State-by-state, the penalties for exceeding the weight limit can range from fines of up to $16,000. In some cases, the driver's employer may be accountable for these fines as well. In addition, repeat offenders could be penalized more than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions The majority of states have laws that restrict where trucks can travel on highways. Some states, for example prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane of a multilane highway. This law is intended to prevent cars from following trucks too close to causing accidents. In such situations the truck driver is left with no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. In order for trucks to be able to pass slower vehicles quickly, they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers must also be able to observe other motor vehicles on the left lane to look for dangers or traffic devices which require them to make turns. In the absence of these laws, they place themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by the truck that has violated the lane restriction laws they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks have some of the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they need plenty of room to maneuver. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This can cause them in a jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down so that the truck is unable to pass them. This puts both drivers at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards can be a great way to protect your truck from damage, but you should be aware of the laws of your state before installing them. Some states don't allow bumper guards, and some only permit them on parked cars. These devices are also beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities that have lots of parallel parking. These devices prevent scratches and scratches caused by taller drivers backing into your vehicle or SUV. They can also avoid collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains, and are a common feature of off-road vehicles. They can be used to shove brush and other debris aside and even to protect headlights. There are several ways to install a rubber bumper. These include mat-style protectors as well as sticky 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 isn't very secure and doesn't completely cover the entire length of your truck. Certain companies offer mat-style protective covers that can be rolled or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The LuvTap, a familar model made from a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to different sizes of vehicles, is a popular product. It also features reflective silver lights that brighten up visibility in poor lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps that attach it to the trunk of your car and can be flipped off when required. Insurance The consequences of truck accidents can be catastrophic and can cause serious injuries or even the death of a loved ones. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies carry more insurance policies than passenger vehicles. They could be worth 40 times more than the standard insurance policy. Trucking insurers, however, will do anything to avoid paying victim claims. They will often trick injured victims into signing statements that are recorded or employ other methods to limit their liability. When claiming a claim for an 18-wheeler wreck it is vital to speak with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer. The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by state. The most common coverage is the primary liability. This will cover property damage caused by the truck in an accident. It is recommended to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. 18 wheeler accident lawyer bryan covers the truck when it transports loads and is typically included in the contract between the driver and their transporter. The latter is sometimes referred to as “bobtail” insurance, and it protects the driver as well as the truck between loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer collision the minimum insurance limits for trailers and tractors is much lower than those for passenger cars. This means that you will likely have to fight with the insurance company of the trucking company for a fair settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can pinpoint all potentially liable parties which include the truck driver, the trucking company, and any dram shops who may have over-served the driver.