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Is an 18 Wheeler Legal? There are many car accidents that result in physical and medical bills and time away from work. If an 18-wheeler is involved, the consequences can be more severe. If this happens, the victims can file a claim for financial compensation. A New Orleans truck accident lawyer can help. Weight Limits In general, 18 wheelers can only carry up to 80,000lbs, including the weight of cargo. This is a tight restriction that forces trucking companies to pack their vehicles as full as possible and can lead to overloaded. Drivers who exceed the limit could be penalized, and the fines vary depending on where they live. It is easy to tell if an 18 wheeler is going over the limit by checking their lights. If 18 wheeler accident lawyer lynchburg flash one time it is safe to merge ahead of them. High beams and multiple flashes aren't. Be on the lookout for truck drivers who also use their lights as a way to communicate. Always leave plenty of space between your car and an 18-wheeler. This is crucial when you are passing. If you cut off the truck, it could lead to fatal crashes. Car drivers are the primary cause of 72% of all crashes between vehicles and trucks. Number of Axles Semi-trucks, unlike cars require multiple axles to rotate the wheels. The most common truck has four axles, which includes the drive and steer axles, while trailers typically have two tandem axles. It's important to keep in mind that these vehicles are bigger than the average automobile. The limits on axle weights are based on a variety of factors including the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and axle group legal limit set by each state. The limits of the state may be higher than federal limits, and it is crucial for truckers to check prior to traveling. Moving standard freight shipments can be difficult enough but adding additional weight increases the chance of accidents. A trucker who overloaded his trailer is in violation of the law and could be held responsible for any injuries that occur as a result. If you've been injured as a result of an accident caused by an 18 wheeler an attorney for truck accidents can determine if the driver was carrying more than the maximum weight allowed, and also if the negligence was the cause of your injury. Speed Limits As any driver knows, speeding is one of the most frequent causes of truck accidents. This is particularly the case for big trucks due to their weight, size and size. Therefore, it is important for truckers to observe the speed limits for every route they travel. However truck drivers are often pressured to make quick deliveries and might not be able to slow down enough to meet the conditions. This can cause drivers take risks when driving, which could be deadly for other drivers. It is, however, possible to minimize the chance of accidents by using speed limiters. This device automatically limits the speed of a vehicle to a safe speed. It can be put in on many different types. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is considering an updated rule that would require truckers to use these devices. The agency has issued a revised notice of proposed rulemaking to get feedback on the proposal. The previous proposals have talked about limiting truck speeds to 60 to 65 or the speed limit of 68 speeds. Insurance The majority of private car owners buy one insurance policy to protect their personal vehicles. The truckers do not own the trucks they drive. They rent their 18-wheelers instead from a trucking company. Because of the heightened perils associated with commercial vehicles, trucking firms typically require greater liability insurance limits. Additionally, they may purchase bobtail and cargo coverage for their vehicles. Cargo insurance covers the cargo a semi is hauling, while bobtail insurance covers the truck after it delivers its load. In the event of an accident these policies can be used to compensate grieving victims or family members for their losses. Maintenance It is often difficult to estimate the costs of maintenance for commercial vehicles. It is expensive to maintain and repair, especially when major repairs are required. However some trucking firms offer maintenance schedules that will give an estimate of the total cost of maintaining the vehicle. Trucks are usually equipped with 10 brakes, not 18, and anti-lock brakes are available in all new trucks. Trucks take approximately 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” is now synonymous with trucking. It's even been used in country music, like the songs “Giddyup go” and “Teddy Bear” by Red Sovine, and “Roll on” by the thrash metal group BigRig. It is crucial to keep in mind that these trucks aren't at driving on the streets and must follow the same guidelines as other drivers. For example, it is illegal for truckers to text while driving because the split second of inattention could have deadly consequences.