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Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?

There are numerous accidents involving cars that cause physical and medical costs in addition to absence from work. But, if an 18 wheeler gets involved it can be a lot more dangerous.

When this happens, victims may file a claim for financial compensation. A New Orleans truck accident lawyer can assist.

Weight Limits

In general 18 wheelers are able to carry 80,000 pounds, including the weight of cargo. This is a very strict limitation that requires trucking companies to pack their vehicles with full capacity and could lead to overloading. Drivers who exceed this limit may be penalized. The fines will vary depending on the location they reside in.

You can generally tell if an 18-wheeler is over the limit by observing their lights. A single flash from their blinkers signifies that it's safe to merge front of them, while flashes of high intensity or multiple flashes indicate that it's not. Truck drivers also use their lights to communicate, so keep on the lookout for them when merging.

It's important to always leave a large gap between your vehicle and an 18-wheeler, especially when passing. Trucks require plenty of room to slow down and stop If you cut them off, it could lead to fatal crashes. Although truck drivers are often considered to be bullies on the road 72% of accidents between passenger cars and trucks are caused by drivers of cars.

Axles Axles

Semi-trucks, unlike cars require multiple axles to rotate the wheels. The most common truck has four axles, including the steer and drive axles, while trailers typically have two tandem axles. This can make them much longer than a typical passenger car and it's crucial to be aware of this when driving alongside one of these vehicles.

The weight limits for axles are based on a variety of factors, such as the Federal Bridge Formula and the legal limits set by each state for single axles as well as axle groups. The state limit can often be higher than the Federal limit which is why it is crucial for truckers to be aware of the federal and state axle weight limits prior to traveling.

The process of transporting freight is already difficult enough and adding additional weight increases the risk of an accident. If a trucker overloads their trailer and is in violation of the law and could be held accountable for the resulting injuries. If you've been injured as a result of an accident caused by an Baton Rouge 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney-wheeler, a truck accident lawyer can help determine whether the driver was carrying more than the maximum weight allowed, and Baton Rouge 18 wheeler accident attorney whether this negligence was the reason for the injury.

Speed Limits

As any driver knows, speeding is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. This is particularly the case for larger trucks, which are much more likely to crash due to their weight and size. Truckers must therefore observe speed limits on all roads they travel.

However truck drivers are often under pressure to deliver quick deliveries and may not be able slow down enough to cope with the conditions. This can cause drivers to drive dangerously, which can be fatal for other drivers.

It is possible to minimize the risk of these accidents by using speed limiters. This is a gadget that will automatically restrict the speed of a vehicle to a safe level that can be fitted in a variety of types of trucks.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is examining the possibility of a new rule that will require truckers to utilize these devices. The agency has released a supplemental notification of proposed rulemaking in order to get feedback about the proposal. In earlier proposals it was suggested that truck speeds should be limited to 60, 65 or even 68 miles per hour.

Insurance

The majority of private vehicle owners purchase one insurance policy to protect their vehicles. The truckers do not own the trucks that they drive. They rent their 18-wheelers instead from a trucking firm. Due to the increased risk of commercial vehicles, trucking companies typically require higher liability insurance limits. They can also purchase cargo insurance and bobtail coverage for their vehicles. Cargo insurance safeguards the cargo that a semi-truck is carrying. Bobtail insurance covers the truck after it has delivered its load. In the event of an accident the policies could help to compensate grieving victims or family members for their losses.

Maintenance

It is often difficult to estimate the maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. They are costly to maintain and repair, particularly when major repairs are required. Some companies that operate in the field of trucking offer maintenance schedules that estimate the cost of maintaining a vehicle.

Trucks are usually equipped with 10 brakes, not mississippi 18 wheeler accident lawyer and anti-lock brakes are now available in all newer vehicles. They take about 40 percent longer to stop than cars. This is because the large size of an 18-wheeler and its acceleration add to the stopping distance.

The term "eighteen wheeler" has become synonymous with trucking and is even mentioned in country music tracks like the Red Sovine titles "Giddyup Go" and "Teddy Bear" and the thrash metal group BigRig's song "Roll on". It is important to remember that these trucks aren't at their own on the road and must adhere to the same guidelines as other drivers. It is illegal for truckers, as an example to use their phones while driving. A split second of inattention could have fatal consequences.