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Is an 18 Wheeler Legal? There are many car accidents that cause medical bills and physical damage as well as time away from work. If an 18-wheeler vehicle is involved, the consequences could be more serious. Victims can make a claim and receive financial compensation if this happens. This is where an attorney from New Orleans truck accident attorney can be of assistance. Weight Limits In general 18 wheelers can transport up to 80,000 lbs, including the weight of cargo. This is a very strict limitation that requires trucking companies to fill their vehicles to the maximum extent possible and could result in overloaded. If a truck driver is in excess of this limit, they could be subject to fines that vary depending on the place of operation. If you look at the lights of an 18-wheeler you'll usually be able to determine if they are going over the speed limit. A single flash of their blinkers suggests that it's safe to merge front of them, while flashes with multiple lights indicate that it's not. Be alert for truck drivers who also use their lights as a way to communicate. It is crucial to always leave plenty of space between your vehicle and an 18 wheeler especially when you are passing. If you cut off the truck, it could result in fatal crashes. Car drivers are responsible for 72 percent of crashes involving vehicles and trucks. Axles Axles Unlike cars, semi-trucks require multiple axles to rotate their wheels. The most common truck has four axles, which includes the drive and steer axles, while a trailer typically has two tandem axles. It's important to note that these vehicles are much longer than the average car for a passenger. The limits on axle weights are based on various factors that include the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and the axle group legal limits set by each state. The limits of the state may be higher than federal limits, therefore it is important for truckers and drivers to be aware of both before traveling. Hauling standard freight shipments can be challenging enough however, adding extra weight increases the risk of accidents. If truckers overload their trailer and is in violation of the law and may be held accountable for results of injuries. If you've been injured as a result of an accident involving an 18-wheeler, a truck accident lawyer will help determine if the driver was carrying more than the maximum weight allowed, and whether this negligence was the reason for your injury. Speed Limits Like any driver, speeding is among the main causes of truck accidents. This is especially the case for big trucks due to their size, weight and size. Because of this, it is important for truckers to adhere to the speed limits for every highway they travel. However truck drivers are frequently forced to make deliveries in a hurry and might not be able to slow down enough to cope with the conditions. This could lead to unsafe driving, and it could also be deadly for other motorists. Speed limiters can decrease the risk of accidents. This device automatically limits the speed of a car to a level that is safe. It can be put in on many different types. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is examining a new rule which would require truckers use these devices. The agency has released a new notice of proposed rulemaking, in order to collect feedback on the proposal. In earlier proposals, it was suggested that truck speeds should be limited to 60 or 65 miles per hour. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit washington of private vehicle owners purchase an insurance policy that will protect their vehicles. Truckers, on the other hand don't own the truck they drive. Instead, they rent their 18-wheelers from a company that transports trucks. Because of the higher risk of commercial vehicles, trucking firms typically require greater liability insurance limits. In addition, they can purchase cargo and bobtail insurance for their vehicles. Cargo coverage safeguards the cargo that a semi is carrying and bobtail insurance safeguards the truck after it has delivered its load. These policies can help grieving families and victims members in the event of an accident. Maintenance It can be difficult to estimate the maintenance costs of commercial vehicles. This is because trucks are extremely expensive to repair and maintain, especially when they need major repairs. However some trucking firms offer maintenance schedules that provide an estimate of the total cost of maintaining the vehicle. Trucks are usually equipped with only ten brakes, not 18, and anti-lock brakes are now standard in newer vehicles. They take about 40% longer to stop than a car. This is because the large dimensions of an 18-wheeler as well as its momentum add to the stopping distance. The term “eighteen wheeler” has become synonymous with trucking. It's even used in country music songs like the Red Sovine titles “Giddyup Go” and “Teddy Bear” and thrash metal band BigRig's track “Roll on”. However, it is important to remember that these vehicles aren't home on the road, and they are subject to the same rules as all other drivers. For instance, it's illegal for truckers to text while driving as the split second of inattention could lead to fatal consequences.