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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks every year. They carry dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private vehicles. Driver fatigue is a typical cause of truck accidents. The law limits the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep exact logs. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail in-person to online shopping, the roads are becoming increasingly crowded with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. In 18 wheeler accident attorney kansas city , many drivers are struggling to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these large vehicles. It's a challenge for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger cars are having a difficult time maneuvering around these large vehicles. Fortunately there are laws in place that regulate the legal maximum weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo it is carrying. It is important to know the legal limits so you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. However, there are different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, restricts the weight of an individual axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles are, however, limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these guidelines states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single axles and axle groups. The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state-to-state and can include fines of up to $16,000. In some cases, fines may also be imposed by the driver's employer. Repeat offenders may also face greater fines. Lane restrictions The majority of states have laws that regulate where trucks can drive on highways. For instance, some states exclude big trucks and block them from the left lane on multilane highways. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks too closely and possibly causing an accident. In these situations, a truck driver has no choice but change lanes or risk a collision. In order for trucks to be capable of passing slower cars quickly they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers must be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane for dangers or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn. People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by an unintentionally parked truck that violates the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled compensation. Trucks have the most blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they require plenty of space to maneuver. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This can cause them jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down much that the truck cannot be able to pass them. This puts both drivers at risk of a collision. Bumper guards Bumper guards are an excellent option to shield your truck from damage, however, you must check your state's laws prior to installing them. Some states ban them, while others allow them only on vehicles that are parked. These devices are also beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities that have many parallel parking. These devices protect your vehicle from scratches and dents caused by taller drivers backing into your SUV or truck. They are also useful in stopping collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles typically have cowcatchers, which look like those found on freight trains. They can be used to push debris and other debris away and even to protect headlights. There are many ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. They include mat-style protectors as well as sticky rubber strips. The stick-on style is the easiest to use because it is able to be removed in minutes without leaving sticky residue. This kind of cover doesn't offer any protection, and it does not cover all areas of your vehicle. Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be rolled or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a popular model made from a soft cotton material that can be adapted to different vehicle sizes, is a popular product. It also has shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in low-light conditions. It comes with two included straps, which attach it to the trunk of your car and can be flipped out when necessary. Insurance Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries and even death. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than passenger cars. They can be worth up to 40 times the amount of the standard insurance. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do everything to avoid paying victim claims. They frequently try to entice injured victims into giving a written statement or employ other techniques to minimize their liability. If you are filing a claim after an 18-wheeler crash, it is important to speak with an experienced Denver truck accident attorney. Trucking insurance requirements are complex and vary by jurisdiction. The most frequent type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damage to property that the truck causes in an accident. You should also think about the liability and cargo insurance for other purposes. The former covers the truck while it is transporting a load, and it is often included in a truck driver's contract with their carrier. The latter is sometimes called “bobtail” insurance and protects the driver as well as the truck between the loads. If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you need to know that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers are much lower than the ones required for passenger vehicles. You will have to fight the insurance firm of the trucking firm to secure an equitable settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine any potentially responsible parties including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any dram shops that might have served the driver too much.