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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers get involved in numerous wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are more stringent than those of private vehicles. Driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents. The law limits the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep accurate logs. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail in-person and move towards online shopping, the road is becoming increasingly crowded with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers are finding it difficult to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these large vehicles. It's a problem for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger vehicles have a harder time maneuvering around these huge vehicles. Fortunately there are laws that define the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo that it carries. It is important to be aware of the legal limits so that you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are weight limits that differ for axle groupings and single axles. For example, the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds while axles spaced over 40 inches but less than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, both for single-axle vehicles and axle groups. State-by state, the penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from fines as high as $16,000. In some cases, the driver's employer may be responsible for these fines, too. Repeat offenders may also face more severe fines. Lane restrictions In addition to weight restrictions, laws of the majority of states regulate the manner in which trucks can drive on highways. Certain states, for instance prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of multilane highways. This law is designed to stop cars from following trucks that are too close and causing an accident. In these instances the truck driver has no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. In order for trucks to be able to pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able to monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for hazards 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 for serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by a truck that has violated lane restriction laws the driver could be entitled to compensation. Trucks have the most blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and need plenty of space to maneuver. In certain instances, drivers in smaller cars cut off trucks when changing lanes, which can cause them to make a jackknife. In other instances, drivers slow down to the point that the truck is unable to be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Bumper guards are a great option to shield your vehicle from damage, but you should verify the laws of your state before installing them. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards while some only permit them on cars parked. These devices are recommended for security when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities with a lot of parallel parking. They help prevent dents and scrapes which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your car or SUV. They can also avoid collisions with branches of trees. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains, and they're an integral part of off-road vehicles. They can be used to push brush and other debris aside, and even protect headlights. There are several ways to install a rubber bumper. These include mat-style protectors as well as stick-on rubber strips. The most simple to use is the stick-on design, which can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving any sticky residue. However, it isn't very secure and doesn't provide all the angles of your truck. Certain companies make mat-style protective covers that can be folded or folded for easy storage and transportation. The LuvTap, a familar model made from a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to various vehicle sizes and is a sought-after product. It also has bright silver reflectors that increase visibility in low-light conditions. It comes with two straps, which secure it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be flipped off when it is required. Insurance Accidents with trucks can cause grave injuries and even death. This is the reason federal and state regulations require trucking companies to have higher insurance premiums than regular passenger cars. These policies can cost up 40 times more than a standard policy. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do everything to avoid paying accident victims claims. They usually trick injured people into giving an official statement or employ other techniques to minimize their liability. It is important to consult a Denver truck crash attorney when submitting an 18 wheeler accident claim. Insurance requirements for trucks are complex and vary according to jurisdiction. The most frequently used type of coverage is the primary liability. This covers property damage caused by the truck in an accident. It is also recommended to consider liability insurance and cargo insurance for non-trucking. The first covers the truck as it carries loads and is usually included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. The latter is often referred to as “bobtail” insurance, and it safeguards the driver and truck between the loads. If 18 wheeler accident lawsuit wisconsin suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer crash the insurance limits required for trailers and tractors are considerably lower than those for passenger automobiles. You'll need to fight the insurance company of the trucking firm for an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney can determine who could be responsible, including the trucking company, the trucker and any dram store which may have served the driver with too much alcohol.