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Is an 18 Wheeler Legal? There are numerous accidents in the car that result in physical and medical expenses, as well as time off from work. If an 18 wheeler gets involved it can be much more serious. Victims can file a claim to receive financial compensation when this occurs. This is where a New Orleans truck accident attorney can be of assistance. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit riverside In general 18 wheelers are able to carry 80,000 pounds which includes the weight of cargo. This is a very strict restriction that requires trucking companies to fill their vehicles with full capacity, which can lead to overloaded. Drivers who exceed the limit could be penalized. The fines vary depending on the location they reside in. You can generally tell if an 18-wheeler is going over the limit by watching their lights. A single flash from their blinkers suggests that it's safe to merge in the front of them, whereas flashes of high intensity or multiple flashes mean that it's not. Truck drivers also utilize their lights to communicate, so keep alert for them when merging. It is essential to leave a large gap between your vehicle and an 18 wheeler, especially when you are passing. Trucks require plenty of room to slow down and stop, and if you cut them off it could result in an unfathomable crash. While truck drivers are often thought of as bullies on road 72% of collisions between passenger cars and trucks are caused by car drivers. Number of Axles Like cars, semi-trucks need multiple axles to turn the wheels. The typical semi-truck has four axles, including the drive and steer axles, while trailers usually have two tandem axles. This makes them longer than a typical passenger car and it's essential to be aware of this when driving in the vicinity of one of these vehicles. The weight limits for axles are based on a number of factors, like the Federal Bridge Formula and the legal limits set by each state for single axles as well as axle groups. The limit for each state can be higher than the Federal limit and this is why it is essential for truckers to know the state and federal limit on axle weight before they travel. The task of transporting freight is difficult enough but adding weight can increase the risk of an accident. A trucker who overloads his truck is in violation of the law and could be held responsible for any injuries resulting from. If you've been injured as a result of an accident that involved an 18 wheeler, a truck accident lawyer can help determine whether the driver was carrying more than the maximum amount allowed, and also if the negligence caused your injuries. Speed Limits As any driver knows, speeding is among the leading causes of truck accidents. This is particularly applicable to large trucks, which are much more likely to crash due to their weight and size. For this reason, it is essential for truckers to obey the speed limits on each route they travel. However truck drivers are often required to deliver their goods quickly, and they may not be able slow down enough to accommodate the conditions. This can lead drivers to take risks when driving, which could cause harm to other drivers. Speed limiters reduce the risk of accidents. This is a device which will automatically limit the speed of a vehicle to a safe limit, and it can be used in a variety of trucks. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is examining an amendment to the rulebook that would require truckers use these devices. The agency has issued a second notice of proposed rulemaking, in order to collect feedback on the rule. The previous proposals have talked about the limitation of truck speeds to 60 or 65, or even up to 68 mph. Insurance The majority of private car owners buy one insurance policy to cover their personal vehicles. Truckers however, don't own the trucks they drive. Instead, they rent their 18-wheelers from a company that transports trucks. Trucking companies require greater limits of liability insurance due to the fact that commercial vehicles are more risky. They can also purchase cargo and bobtail insurance for their vehicles. Cargo insurance is a way to protect the cargo that a semi-truck is hauling. Bobtail insurance covers the truck after it has delivered its load. These policies can provide compensation to grieving victims and family members in the event of an accident. Maintenance It can be difficult to estimate the maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. It is expensive to maintain and repair, especially when major repairs are needed. Some trucking companies have maintenance schedules to estimate the cost of maintaining a vehicle. Trucks have ten brakes rather than eighteen, and anti-lock brakes are currently standard on new trucks. They take about 40 percent longer to stop than cars. This is due in part to the large dimension and speed of an 18-wheeler. The term “eighteen-wheeler” is now synonymous with trucking. It has even been used in country music, including the songs “Giddyup go” and “Teddy Bear” by Red Sovine, and “Roll on” by thrash metal group BigRig. It is nevertheless important to keep in mind that these trucks aren't home on the road, and that they must adhere to the same rules as other drivers. It is against the law to permit truckers, for instance to use their mobile phones while driving. A moment of inattention can have devastating consequences.