Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?
There are a lot of car accidents that result in physical and medical bills, as well as absence from work. If an 18-wheeler is involved, the consequences are far more serious.
Victims can 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 restricted to carrying an maximum of 80,000 lbs including the volume and weight of cargo. This is a very strict restriction that forces trucking companies to fill their vehicles full and could lead to overloaded. Drivers who exceed this limit may be penalized, and the penalties vary based on where they reside.
If you take a look at the lights of an 18-wheeler you'll be able to tell if they're exceeding the speed limit. If their blinkers flash once, it is safe to merge ahead of them. High beams and multiple flashes aren't. Truck drivers also use their lights to communicate, so keep an on the lookout for them when merging.
It is essential to leave plenty of space between your vehicle and an 18 wheeler, especially when you are passing. If you cut off the truck, it could lead to an accident that is fatal. Although truck drivers are often viewed as bullies on the road, 72% of crashes between cars and trucks are caused by drivers of cars.
The number of Axles
Semi-trucks, unlike cars require multiple axles in order to rotate the wheels. A typical truck has four wheels, including the steer and drive axles. Trailers usually come with two tandem axles. 18 wheeler accident lawyer pittsburgh makes them longer than a standard passenger vehicle and it's important to keep this in mind when driving in the vicinity of one of these vehicles.
The weight limits for axles are based on a number of factors, like the Federal Bridge Formula and the legal limits set by each state for single axles and axle groups. The limit for each state can be higher than the Federal limit which is why it is crucial for truckers and drivers to know the federal and state limit on axle weight before they travel.
Hauling standard freight shipments can be challenging enough and a heavier load increases the chance of accidents. When truckers overload their trailer and is in violation of the law and may be held accountable for the consequences of the injuries. A truck accident lawyer can determine whether the driver of an 18-wheeler was at fault and the cause of the accident if you were injured.
Speed Limits
Like any driver, speeding is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. This is especially applicable to large trucks, which are more likely to crash due to their size and weight. Truckers must therefore observe speed limits on all roads they travel.
However truck drivers are usually pressured to make quick deliveries, and they might not be able to slow down enough to cope with the conditions. This could cause drivers to drive dangerously, which can cause harm to other drivers.
Speed limiters reduce the risk of accidents. This device automatically limits the speed of a car to a safe level. It is able to be installed on many different types.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is examining a new rule which would require truckers to use these devices. The agency has issued an additional notice of proposed rulemaking in order to gather feedback on the rule. In previous proposals, it was suggested that truck speeds be restricted to 60 or 65 miles per hour.
Insurance
The majority of private car owners buy an insurance policy that will protect their personal vehicles. Truckers however do not own the trucks they drive. Instead, they rent their 18-wheelers from a company that transports trucks. Because of the heightened perils of commercial vehicles, trucking companies generally require higher liability insurance limits. They can also purchase cargo insurance and bobtail coverage for their vehicles. Cargo coverage protects the freight the semi is transporting and bobtail insurance protects the truck after it delivers its load. These policies are able to help grieving families and victims members in the event of an accident.
Maintenance
It is often difficult to obtain an accurate estimation of maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. Trucks are expensive to maintain and repair, especially when major repairs are required. However, some trucking companies provide maintenance schedules that will give an estimate of the total cost of maintaining the vehicle.
Trucks have ten brakes rather than 18 and anti-lock break breaks are being offered on new trucks. Trucks take approximately 40% longer to stop than cars. This is because the large size of an 18-wheeler and its momentum add to the stopping distance.
The term "eighteen wheeler" has become synonymous with trucking and is even featured in country music songs, such as the Red Sovine titles "Giddyup Go" and "Teddy Bear" and thrash metal band BigRig's hit song "Roll on". It is crucial to keep in mind that these trucks aren't all times on the roads and must adhere to the same guidelines as other drivers. It is against the law for truckers, as an example to text while driving. A moment of inattention can have fatal consequences.