Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?
A lot of car accidents happen and cause physical injuries, medical bills and time away from work. However, when an 18 wheeler is involved it can be even more dangerous.
Victims may make a claim and receive the financial compensation they deserve if this happens. This is where an attorney from New Orleans truck accident attorney can help.
Weight Limits
In general 18 wheelers are able to carry up to 80,000lbs including the weight of cargo. This is a very strict limitation that requires trucking firms to pack their vehicles with full capacity and could lead to overloaded. Truck drivers who exceed the limit could be fined. The penalties vary based on the location they reside in.
You can usually tell if an 18-wheeler is over the limit by observing their lights. A single flash of their blinkers suggests that it's safe to merge in front of them, while high beams or multiple flashes indicate that it's not. Truck drivers also utilize their lights to communicate, so keep an an eye out for them when merging.
Always leave plenty of space between your vehicle, and an 18-wheeler. This is especially important when you are passing. Trucks need plenty of room to slow down and stop If you cut them off and they are unable to stop, it could result in a fatal crash. Although truck drivers are often seen as bullies on the road 72% of collisions between passenger cars and trucks are caused by car drivers.
Number of Axles
Semi-trucks, like cars, require multiple axles to rotate the wheels. 18 wheeler accident law firm brockton -truck typically has four wheels, including the drive and steer axles. Trailers usually come with two tandem axles. It's important to keep in mind that these vehicles are bigger than the average passenger car.
The limits on axle weights are based on a variety of factors that include the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and axle group legal limit posted by each state. Limits for states can be higher than federal limits, so it is essential for truckers to verify prior to travel.
The transportation of standard freight can be difficult enough however, adding extra weight increases the chance of accidents. A trucker who overloaded his trailer is in violation of the law and could be held responsible for any injuries resulting from. A truck accident lawyer can determine if the operator of an 18-wheeler was negligent and the cause of the accident in case you were injured.
Speed Limits
Speeding is one of the main causes of truck accidents, which every driver knows. This is especially relevant for large trucks, which are more likely to crash due to their size and weight. Truckers must therefore observe the speed limits on every road they travel.
However truck drivers are often under pressure to deliver quick deliveries, and they may not be able to slow down enough for the conditions. This could lead to unsafe driving, and could also be fatal to other motorists.
Fortunately, it is possible to minimize the chance of these accidents by using speed limiters. This is a device that will automatically restrict the speed of a vehicle to a safe amount and is installed in many different types of trucks.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is currently evaluating a new rule which would require truckers use these devices. The agency has issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking, in order to collect feedback on the proposal. Previous proposals have discussed the limitation of truck speeds to 60 to 65 or the speed limit of 68 speeds.
Insurance
Most private vehicle owners purchase one insurance policy to protect their personal vehicles. Truckers however, don't own the trucks they drive. They lease their 18-wheelers from a trucking company. Because of the heightened perils that come with commercial vehicles, trucking companies generally require higher liability insurance limits. They can also purchase cargo insurance and bobtail coverage for their vehicles. Cargo coverage safeguards the cargo a semi is hauling while bobtail insurance protects the truck when it delivers its load. These policies may compensate victims and grieving family members in the event of an accident.
Maintenance
It's not always easy to get an accurate estimate of maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. They are costly to maintain and repair, particularly when major repairs are needed. Some trucking companies offer maintenance schedules that estimate the cost of maintaining a vehicle.
Trucks are usually equipped with 10 brakes, not 18 and anti-lock brakes are available in all new trucks. Trucks take around 40 percent longer to stop than a car. This is due in part to the large size of an 18-wheeler and its momentum add to the stopping distance.
The term "eighteen wheeler" has become synonymous with trucking. It's even featured in country music songs like the Red Sovine titles "Giddyup Go" and "Teddy Bear" and the thrash metal group BigRig's song "Roll on". It is important to remember that these trucks aren't at all times on the roads and must adhere to the same rules as other drivers. It is against the law for truckers, for instance to use their mobile phones while driving. One second of negligence could result in negative consequences for a driver.