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18 Wheeler Legal RequirementsEvery year truck, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in a variety of accidents. They transport dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are higher than those for private vehicles.Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by driver fatigue. The law limits the length of time truck drivers can be on the road and requires them to keep precise records of their working hours.Weight limitAs Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person and move towards online shopping, the streets are becoming more filled with trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. In the process, many drivers are struggling to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these massive vehicles. 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 that define the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes both the truck itself and the cargo it carries. You should know the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and putting your life in danger.The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are weight limits that differ for axle groups and single axles. For instance the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds while axles spaced more than 40 inches, but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these rules, states also have their own weight restrictions for single-axle and axle groups.State-by-state, the penalties for exceeding the weight limit can range from fines as high as $16,000. In certain cases the driver’s employer could be accountable for the fines. Repeat offenders may also be subject to greater fines.Lane restrictionsMost states have laws that restrict where trucks can travel on highways. Some states, for example, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of a multilane highway. This law is designed to prevent cars from following trucks close and causing an accident.In these instances, the truck driver would have no choice but to change lanes, and risk collisions with cars that are driving ahead of them. To make sure that trucks are able to get by slower vehicles swiftly they must be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers should also be able to monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for potential hazards or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn.In the absence of these laws, they place themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by a truck that has been in violation of lane restriction laws, the driver could be entitled compensation.Trucks have the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they require plenty of room to maneuver. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This can lead to them jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down to the level that allows the truck to be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident.Bumper guardsBefore installing bumper guards, check the laws of your state. Certain states do not permit bumper guards while some only allow them on parked cars. These devices are recommended for security when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities that have many parallel parking. They can prevent scrapes and dents that are often caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains and are an integral part of off-road vehicles. They clear away dirt and other debris and they can even help in securing headlights.There are a number of different ways to install bumper guards, such as stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The most convenient is the stick-on style that can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving any sticky residue. However, it doesn’t offer much protection and doesn’t cover all the corners of your truck.Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be folded up or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is a well-loved model, composed of soft padded cotton material and can be adjusted to fit various vehicle sizes. It also comes with bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in low lighting conditions. It has two straps that can be used to connect it to your vehicle’s trunk and can be flipped up when needed.InsuranceAccidents involving trucks can be devastating and can cause serious injuries or the death of a loved one. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than those for passenger cars. These policies can be worth up to 40 times the amount of a standard policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying accident victims. They will often trick injured victims into signing a recorded statement or employ other methods to limit their liability. It is important to work with an attorney from a Denver truck crash attorney when submitting an 18 wheeler claim.The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most frequently used type of coverage is primary liability. This will cover property damage caused by the truck in an accident. It is an excellent idea to carry cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The first protects the truck when it transports loads and is usually included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. The latter, often referred to as “bobtail” coverage, safeguards both the truck and its driver during the time between loads.If you’ve been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, it is important to understand that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers is considerably lower than those that are required for passenger vehicles. You’ll need to fight the insurance firm of the trucking company to secure a fair settlement. 18 wheeler accident claim south bend can identify all parties that could be responsible, including the trucker, the trucking company as well as any dram establishments that may have served the driver with too much alcohol.