10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has Regarding 18-Wheeler Wreck Lawyer
Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?
There are many accidents involving cars that cause physical and medical bills, as well as the need to take time off from work. But, if an 18 wheeler is involved, it can be much more grave.
Victims are able to file a claim to receive financial compensation when this occurs. This is where an attorney from New Orleans truck accident attorney can assist.
Weight Limits
18-wheelers are limited to carrying up to 80,000 pounds including the weight and volume of cargo. This is a very strict restriction that forces trucking companies to pack their vehicles to the maximum extent possible and may result in overloading. Truck drivers who exceed this limit may be fined, and the penalties differ based on the location they reside in.
You can generally tell if an 18-wheeler is over the limit by watching their lights. A single flash from their blinkers means that it's safe to merge in ahead of them, whereas flashes with multiple lights indicate that it's not. Be alert for truck drivers who are also using their lights to communicate with each other.
It is important to leave plenty of space between your vehicle and an 18-wheeler, particularly when you pass. Trucks require plenty of room to slow down and stop and if you cut them off, it could lead to a deadly crash. Car drivers are the primary cause of 72 percent of all crashes between cars and trucks.
Number of Axles
In contrast to cars, semi-trucks require multiple axles to rotate their wheels. The typical semi-truck has four axles, including the steer and drive axles, while a trailer typically has two tandem axles. This makes them longer than a typical passenger car and it's essential to keep this in mind when driving in the vicinity of one of these vehicles.
The weight limits for axles are based on a variety of factors, including the Federal Bridge Formula and the legal limits set by each state for single axles as well as axle groups. The state limit can often be higher than the Federal limit, which makes it essential for truckers to know the state and federal limit on axle weight before they travel.
Hauling standard freight shipments can be difficult enough but adding additional weight increases the chance of accidents. A trucker who overloaded his trailer is in violation of law and could be held liable for any injuries that result. A lawyer for truck accidents will determine if the driver of an 18-wheeler was at fault and was the cause of the accident if you were injured.
Speed Limits
Every driver knows that speeding is among the main causes of truck accidents. This is particularly the case for larger trucks, which are more likely to crash due to their weight and size. Truckers must, therefore, adhere to speed limits on all roads they travel.
However truck drivers are often pressured to make quick deliveries, and they may not be able slow down enough to cope with the conditions. This could cause drivers to drive dangerously, which can be fatal for other drivers.
Speed limiters can decrease the risk of accidents. This device automatically limits the speed of a vehicle to a safe limit. It can be installed on a variety of types.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is examining an amendment to the rulebook that would require truckers use these devices. The agency has issued a second notice of proposed rulemaking to get feedback on the proposal. In earlier proposals, it was suggested that truck speeds should be restricted to 60, 65 or even 68 miles per hour.
Insurance
The majority of private vehicle owners purchase a single policy to cover all their vehicles. Truckers, on the other hand don't own the truck they drive. Instead, they rent their 18-wheelers from a trucking firm. Trucking companies need higher limits for liability insurance as commercial vehicles are more dangerous. Additionally, they may purchase bobtail and cargo insurance for their vehicles. Cargo coverage safeguards the cargo a semi is hauling while bobtail insurance protects the truck once it has delivered its load. These policies are able to provide compensation to grieving victims and family members in the event of an accident.
Maintenance
It can be difficult to estimate the maintenance costs of commercial vehicles. It is expensive to maintain and repair, especially when major repairs are needed. Some companies that operate in the field of trucking offer maintenance schedules to estimate the cost of maintaining the vehicle.
The majority of trucks have only ten brakes, not 18 and anti-lock brakes are now the norm in new trucks. In general, trucks take about 40 percent longer than a normal car to stop. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit daly city is due to the huge size and acceleration of an 18-wheeler.
The term "eighteen-wheeler" is now synonymous with trucking. It's even been used in country music, for instance the songs "Giddyup go" and "Teddy Bear" by Red Sovine, and "Roll on" by the thrash metal group BigRig. It is important to keep in mind that these trucks aren't their own on the road and must adhere to the same guidelines as other drivers. For instance, it's illegal for truckers to text while driving because a single second of negligence could have fatal consequences.