18 Wheeler Lawsuits
Large commercial trucks, such as 18 wheelers, can cause a lot of damage for passenger vehicles. Federal and state laws have strict guidelines on the hours of service and record-keeping to ensure that truckers are not driving too much which could result in devastating motor vehicle accidents.
A New York 18-wheeler accident lawyer who has experience can assist the victim build a case for compensation. In this article, we will review a few important aspects of the 18 wheeler law.
Weight Regulations
When trucks are loaded above their weight capacity and are deemed unsafe, they could be a danger. 18 wheeler accident attorney boulder need specialized training and certification in order to operate the vehicles and undergo extensive tests before getting behind the steering wheel. Regular maintenance is also necessary to ensure that trucks are operating in a safe way. Overloading the vehicles can cause unnecessary stress on the truck and result in mechanical problems, such as suspension or tire blowouts.
Due due to their size, trucks are larger than standard passenger vehicles, and are difficult for drivers to see. This can result in blind spots that can be deadly for smaller vehicles when truck drivers aren't paying attention or fail to inspect their mirrors. Trucks slow down faster than cars, which is why truck drivers must comply with all weight regulations.
In addition to the weight restrictions, many states have regulations regarding the length of commercial trucks. To ensure that they don't be too close to other vehicles on the road, a lot of states have regulations for the length of commercial trucks. Truck drivers can also be fined if break these laws.
While most truck drivers adhere to these guidelines However, there are some who stray from the rules and violate the law. An experienced 18 wheeler crash lawyer will examine the specifics of your case to determine if there any violations occurred and assist you in recovering compensation for your injuries.
Lane Restrictions
Many people might have seen an 18-wheeler in the left lane, and wondered if that was legal. In fact, it is illegal for trucks to drive in the left lane unless they are passing a vehicle or preparing to turn left. The laws vary from state to state and if a driver violates the rules, they could be facing serious penalties or a lawsuit from an injured car accident victim.
Connecticut General Statutes In accordance with 14-230, trucks (or vehicles that have more than 2 axels) are prohibited from driving in the left lane on highways that have 3 or more lanes, in both directions. This is the case even when a car is passing or trying to make the left turn. This lane restriction is designed with safety in mind, as large trucks can often be difficult to see smaller cars in their rear blind spots, and require more room to pass vehicles on the right.
Truck drivers are limited in how long they can drive, and also when they can. Trucking companies have this in place in order to ensure their drivers get enough rest and don't overdrive. In fact, trucking firms have to keep records of their drivers' shifts and the times they drive to be reviewed by state officials, weigh station staff or our attorneys following a collision with an unsafe trucker.
Underride Collisions
Trucks are huge vehicles that pose a major danger to other drivers on the road. Even a minor collision with a truck can result in catastrophic injuries and huge medical costs. These accidents could be caused by a variety of causes, such as negligence, malfunctioning equipment, or even bad weather conditions. A New York 18-wheeler crash lawyer can help you with constructing your case and seeking compensation for your injuries.
Underride collisions are among the most threatening accidents that can happen to large trucks. When a smaller car slides over the trailer of a big truck, the weight of the cargo inside the trailer will often cause a crush or shear off the top of the vehicle. This can lead to fatal neck or head injury.
The trucker's lack in visibility is the most common reason behind side-underride crashes. Truckers must place road flares and reflector triangles at certain distances behind their trailers in order to make it more visible on roads, especially in low-light conditions. Some drivers might also think that trucks have lights due to the bright lights in the vicinity of gas stations or at a truck stop.
If you're involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler, the trucking company and their insurance providers immediately send teams of lawyers, investigators experts, engineers, and lawyers to begin building their defense. Do not talk to any of these people until you have discussed your situation with a reputable attorney. An experienced attorney will handle all communication with liable parties while you focus on healing from your injuries.
Liability
18-wheelers, also called semi trucks, also known as tractor trailer trucks, are huge commercial trucks that pose a risk for all road users. They are difficult to maneuver, and their size could lead to fatal multi-vehicle crashes. They are at risk of rear-end collisions, and they often carry dangerous loads.
An experienced attorney for truck accidents can assist victims of accidents involving large trucks obtain fair compensation for their losses. Victims could be entitled to reimbursement for medical bills and lost wages, property damage and more. An attorney can make use of the law and facts to determine who is at fault for an accident.
Federal regulations regulate trucking companies in terms of safety, driver training and vehicle maintenance. An experienced truck accident lawyer will examine the accident to see the extent to which these rules were broken. He or she can examine the driver's logbook, download vital data from the black-box of the truck, and inspect the wrecked vehicle to uncover important evidence.
Vicarious liability laws permit victims to get compensation from their employers when the truck driver is responsible for an accident. However, the driver may be acting as an independent owner-operator in a personal injury lawsuit. In these instances, the victims may file a claim and recover damages from their own insurance policies.