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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are higher than those of private vehicles. Driver fatigue is a typical reason for truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers can drive and also requires them to keep accurate records of their working hours. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person shopping and towards online commerce, the road is becoming crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these huge vehicles' speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for all drivers however it's especially difficult for small and passenger car trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles. Fortunately there are laws in place that define the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to both the truck itself and the cargo it carries. It's crucial to know the legal limits to ensure you can avoid driving over them and putting yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of single axles to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles however, are restricted to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, which apply to single axle vehicles and axle groups. State-by state, the penalties for a violation of the weight limit vary from fines as high as $16,000. In some cases fines could also be enforced by the driver's employer. In addition, repeat offenders could face higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions Most states have laws which regulate the location of trucks on highways. Certain states, like prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane of a multilane highway. This law is designed to prevent vehicles from following trucks too closely and possibly causing an accident. In these scenarios, the truck driver would have no choice but to change lanes and risk a collision with cars that are driving in front of them. To be capable of passing slower cars quickly, they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers also need to be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane for hazards or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn. The consequences of not following these laws put them and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by a truck that has violated the lane restriction laws they may be entitled to compensation. Trucks require plenty of space to move. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This could cause them to in a jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down their speed so that trucks cannot be able to pass them. This puts both parties in danger of a collision. Bumper guards Bumper guards are an excellent option to shield your vehicle from damage, but you should verify your state laws before installing them. Some states don't allow bumper guards, and some only allow them on cars that are parked. These devices can also be used to guard your vehicle when you park in busy areas or in cities where parking parallel is frequent. They can prevent scrapes and dents that can result from taller drivers backing into your car or SUV. They also can be helpful in preventing collisions with tree branches. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains, and they're a common feature of off-road vehicles. They can be used to push debris and other debris away, and even protect headlights. There are a variety of ways to install a rubber bumper. They include mat-style protectors and stick-on rubber strips. Stick-on is the easiest to install, as it can be removed within minutes without leaving the sticky residue. This type does not offer much protection, and it does not cover all the corners of your vehicle. Certain companies make mat-style protective covers which can be folded or roll-up for storage and transportation. The LuvTap, a familar model made of soft cotton that can be adjusted for different sizes of vehicles and is a sought-after product. It also features reflective silver lights that enhance visibility in low-light conditions. It includes two straps that can be used to secure it to the trunk of your vehicle and can be turned upside down at any time. Insurance Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries, and sometimes even death. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than passenger cars. They can be worth 40 times more than a standard policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do whatever they can to avoid paying victim claims. They often bribe injured people into signing a written statement, or use other tactics to minimize their liability. When filing a claim for an 18-wheeler wreck it is vital to speak with an attorney. 18 wheeler accident settlement federal way . The requirements for insurance on trucks are complicated and vary based on the jurisdiction in which they are located. The most popular type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damages to property caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is an excellent idea to carry cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The former protects the truck when it's hauling a load, and is usually included in the contract of a driver of a truck with their carrier. The latter is often called “bobtail” insurance, and it protects the driver as well as the truck between the loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer collision the insurance limits required for trailers and tractors are significantly lower than the limits for passenger cars. You'll need to fight the insurance firm of the trucking firm to secure an equitable settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify all parties potentially responsible, including the truck driver and the trucking company and any dram shops that may have served the driver too much.