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18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks each year. They carry dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private vehicles. Driver fatigue is a common reason for truck accidents. The law limits how long truck drivers can drive and also requires them to keep accurate records of their working hours. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person retail and toward online shopping, the road is becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers are struggling to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these huge vehicles. It's a problem for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger cars are finding it difficult to maneuver around these huge vehicles. Fortunately there are laws in place that regulate the weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo that it carries. It is important to know the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and putting your life in danger. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 lbs. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For 18 wheeler accident case riverside sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds when axles spaced greater than 40 inches but less than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, for single axle vehicles and axle groups. State-by-state the penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from fines up to $16,000. In certain instances, fines may also be issued by the driver's company. In the event of repeat offenders, they could face higher fines than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions Most states have laws that regulate where trucks can drive on highways. For example, some states single out large trucks and restrict them from the left lane on multilane roads. This law is intended to prevent vehicles from following trucks too closely, and the risk of causing an accident. In such situations, a truck driver has no choice but to change lane or risk a collision. To be able to pass slower cars quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers must 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. By not complying with these laws, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by a vehicle that has been in violation of lane restriction laws, they may be entitled to compensation. Trucks have the most blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they require plenty of space to move around. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This can result in them in a jackknife. Other times, drivers slow down to the point where the truck can't be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, review the laws in your state. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, whereas others only allow them on vehicles that are parked. These devices can be used to safeguard your vehicle when you park in areas that are crowded, or in cities where parking parallel is common. They help prevent dents and scrapes which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV. They also help prevent collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains, and they're an essential feature of off-road vehicles. They remove the debris and brush, and can also assist with headlight protection. There are several ways to install a rubber bumper. These include mat-style protectors and sticks-on rubber strips. The stick-on design is the easiest to use and is able to be removed in minutes without leaving a sticky residue. However, this type doesn't offer much protection and does not provide all the angles of your truck. 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 soft cotton which can be adjusted to different sizes of vehicles and is a sought-after product. It also has reflective silver lights that brighten up visibility in low lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps, which attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be removed when it is required. Insurance Truck accidents can be traumatic and result in serious injuries or even the loss of a loved one. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies purchase larger insurance policies than cars for passengers. These policies can be worth up to 40 times the amount of the standard insurance. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do whatever they can to avoid paying accident victim claims. They frequently try to trick injured people into giving a written statement or use other tactics to minimize their liability. When filing a claim for an 18-wheeler collision it is essential to speak with a Denver truck accident attorney. The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most common coverage is the primary liability. This will cover property damage caused by the truck in an accident. It is also a good idea to carry cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The former protects the truck while it's hauling a load, and is usually included in a trucker's contract with their carrier. The latter is often referred to as “bobtail” insurance, and it protects the driver and the truck during the time between loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer crash the minimum insurance limits for tractors and trailers are much lower than those for passenger automobiles. This means that you'll be fighting with the trucking company's insurance provider for an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine who could be responsible, including the trucking company, the driver and any dram store that provided the driver with excessive alcohol.