Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?
Many car accidents happen and cause physical and medical expenses and time taken away from work. But, if an 18-wheeler is involved it can be even more dangerous.
In this case, victims are able to file a claim for financial compensation. This is where an attorney from New Orleans truck accident attorney can assist.
Weight Limits
18-wheelers can only carry the maximum weight of 80,000 pounds including the volume and weight of cargo. This is a tight restriction that requires trucking companies to pack their trucks to the maximum extent possible and may result in overloaded. Drivers who exceed the limit could be fined, and the penalties vary based the place they live.
If you look at the lights of an 18-wheeler you'll usually be able to determine if they're over the speed limit. A single flash of their blinkers indicates that it's safe to merge front of them, but flashes that are high or multiple mean that it's not. Truck drivers also use their lights to communicate, so keep an on the lookout for them when merging.
It is essential to leave a wide gap between your vehicle and an 18-wheeler, particularly when you pass. If you cut off the truck, it could result in an unfatal crash. Although truck drivers are commonly seen as bullies on the road 72% of crashes between cars and trucks are caused by car drivers.
Axles Axles
Unlike cars, semi-trucks require multiple axles to rotate the wheels. The most common truck has four axles, including the steer and drive axles, while a trailer typically has two tandem axles. This can make them much longer than a typical passenger vehicle and it's crucial to be aware of this when driving along with one of these vehicles.
The limits on axle weights are based on a variety of factors, including the Federal Bridge Formula and the legal limits set by each state for single axles and axle groups. The state limit could be higher than the Federal limit which is why it is crucial for truckers and drivers to know the federal and state axle weight limits before traveling.
The task of transporting cargo is difficult enough however, adding more weight increases the likelihood of an accident. A trucker who overloaded his trailer is in violation of the law and could be held accountable for any injuries that occur as a result. A truck accident lawyer can determine whether the driver of an 18-wheeler was negligent and the reason for the accident in case you were injured.
Speed Limits
Every driver knows that speeding is among the most common causes of truck accidents. This is especially applicable to large trucks, which are more likely to crash due to their weight and size. Truckers must therefore observe speed limits on all roads they travel on.
However truck drivers are frequently required to deliver their goods quickly, and they may not be able to slow down enough for the conditions. This can cause drivers to take risks when driving, which could be deadly for other drivers.
It is, however, possible to lower the chance of accidents by using speed limiters. This device is able to limit the speed of a vehicle to a level that is safe. It can be installed on various types of vehicles.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is looking at a new rule that would require truckers to use these devices. The agency has released a new notice of proposed rulemaking to solicit feedback on the idea. Previous proposals have talked about limit truck speeds to 60 or 65, or even speeds of 68 mph.
Insurance
The majority of private car owners purchase one insurance policy that covers all their vehicles. Truckers on the other hand do not own the trucks they drive. They lease their 18-wheelers from a trucking firm. Trucking companies require greater limits of liability insurance because commercial vehicles are more dangerous. They can also purchase cargo insurance and bobtail coverage for their vehicles. Cargo insurance is a way to protect the cargo that semi-trucks are hauling. Bobtail insurance covers the truck after it has delivered its load. In 18 wheeler accident law firm arlington of a crash the policies could help to compensate grieving family members for their losses.
Maintenance
It's often difficult to get an accurate estimate of maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. The maintenance costs for trucks are high and repair, particularly when major repairs are required. Some trucking companies offer maintenance schedules that estimate the cost of maintaining a vehicle.
Trucks typically have 10 brakes, not 18, and anti-lock brakes are common in newer trucks. Trucks take around 40 percent longer to stop than a car. This is due in part to the large dimensions of an 18-wheeler as well as its momentum add to the stopping distance.
The term "eighteen wheeler" has become synonymous with trucking and is even mentioned in country music tracks, such as the Red Sovine titles "Giddyup Go" and "Teddy Bear" and the thrash metal group BigRig's song "Roll on". It is crucial to remember that these trucks aren't home on the roads and must obey the same rules as other drivers. For instance, it's illegal for truck drivers to text while driving, as the smallest moment of distraction could have fatal consequences.