What Is 18 wheeler accident law firm milpitas ?
18 wheeler law deals with accidents that involve commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training.
Unfortunately, trucking companies often pressure their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can lead to devastating trucking accidents.
Weight Regulations
It is important to understand the weight limits for semi trucks. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are determined by the majority of states. It is not uncommon to find weigh stations on interstates where drivers are weighed in order to verify that they do not exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is discovered to be violating these limits, they could be fined, or even imprisoned based on the state of their residence and criminal record.
Axle groups have a higher weight limit because the vehicle is safer when the weight is distributed across more axles. This also allows for the transportation of more cargo. A single tire on a wheel can only weigh up to 700 pounds per inch, however, if two tires are on the same axle, they can be weighed up to 1300 pounds.
There are restrictions on the kinds of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states only allow one trailer while some states permit triple or twin trailers. A lot of states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that is placed over the drive wheels and connects (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs, which incorporate an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit. They are designed for over the road hauling.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to lane restrictions Truck drivers must also comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't able to travel at the same speed as cars and, when they do, they might cause accidents. In a lot of instances, it is the truck driver at fault. This is due to the fact that truck drivers can drive longer than the limit and break hours-of service rules or become sleepy or distracted behind the steering wheel.
Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left right lane. Trucks brake at a much lower speed than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This can pose a danger problem, particularly for those in cars that are smaller and could be stranded behind the truck when it slows or stops suddenly.
Certain states prohibit the use of lanes in specific circumstances, and some restrict it to large trucks. In certain cases these laws are determined by weight and axel limits, while in others they may be based upon vehicle description or directions.
Even if there's no statewide law it is important to check local rules about the lane restrictions and adhere to the rules. You should also shift to the right when you see trucks blocking the lane.
Ownership
Companies operating 18 wheelers and trucking have a wealth of resources to force victims of accidents into accepting far less than they deserve. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who work on their behalf before they even know if the accident victim will take legal action.
Because they can carry massive loads and are much larger than passenger automobiles, 18 wheelers typically cause severe injuries and massive property damage in accidents. This is especially so when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to find a lawyer who has experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations.
Accidents involving large trucks require a deep understanding of concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and federal trucking regulations, medical and driving regulations. Our lawyers are able uncover any violations of these laws, and show the jury what led to your accident.
Multiple parties could be accountable for the 18-wheeler truck crash. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties at fault and ensure that they pay their fair share for your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking companies, owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that could have contributed to your accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies are able to deploy large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, and experts quickly. They start this process before they even know whether you will to pursue legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who can match their resources and reducing them in size.
An experienced 18-wheeler crash lawyer can help you deal with these big corporations off your hands and focus on getting you the compensation you are entitled to. The money will cover costs such as high medical bills car damage, loss of wages due to absence from work, and also non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
18-wheelers are highly complex vehicles which require sophisticated, systematic maintenance to keep them on the road. Inability to keep detailed logs and perform the necessary maintenance can result in devastating accidents.
Tractor-trailers frequently carry hazardous materials, which requires special training and special licensing for transport. These materials may be explosive or flammable and radiological as well as poisonous. They all pose a significant risk to other drivers on American highways. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could result in a catastrophic accident.
A qualified 18-wheeler crash attorney can determine the exact cause and blame any individuals responsible. These may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is known as vicarious liability.