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Is an 18 Wheeler Legal? There are numerous car accidents that cause medical bills and physical damage in addition to absence from work. However, when an 18 wheeler gets involved it could be more grave. In this case, victims can file a claim for financial compensation. This is where an attorney from New Orleans truck accident attorney can assist. Weight Limits In general 18 wheelers are able to carry 80,000 pounds, including the weight of cargo. This is a strict restriction that forces trucking companies to fill their vehicles to the maximum extent possible and can lead to overloaded. If a truck driver is in excess of this limit, they may be penalized, and the penalties vary depending on the location. You can tell when an 18 wheeler is over the limit by observing their lights. A single flash of their blinkers signifies that it's safe to merge in front of them, but flashes with multiple lights mean that it's not. Truck drivers also use their lights to communicate, so keep on the lookout for them when merging. It is crucial to always leave plenty of space between your vehicle and an 18 wheeler, particularly when you pass. Trucks need plenty of room to slow down and stop If you cut them off, it could lead to fatal crashes. Although truck drivers are often seen as bullies on the road 72% of accidents between passenger cars and trucks are caused by drivers of cars. The number of Axles Semi-trucks are different from cars in that they require multiple axles to rotate the wheels. The typical semi-truck has four axles, including the drive and steer axles, while trailers typically have two tandem axles. This makes them longer than a typical passenger car and it's crucial to be aware of this when driving alongside one of these vehicles. The limits on axle weights are based on a range of factors, like the Federal Bridge Formula and the legal limits posted by each state for single axles as well as axle groups. Limits for states can be higher than federal limits, which is why it is essential for truckers to know before they travel. The transportation of standard freight isn't difficult enough, but adding more heft increases the chance of accidents. A trucker who overloaded his trailer is in violation of the law and could be held liable for any injuries that result. If you've been injured as a result of an accident caused by an 18-wheeler an attorney for truck accidents can help determine whether the driver was carrying more than the maximum amount allowed, and also if the negligence caused your injury. Speed Limits Speeding is a major cause of truck accidents, as any driver knows. This is especially applicable to large trucks, which are more likely to crash due to their size and weight. Therefore, truckers must adhere to the speed limits on every road they travel on. However truck drivers are usually under pressure to deliver quick deliveries and may not be able to slow down enough to meet the conditions. This can result in dangerous driving, and it can also be deadly for other motorists. It is, however, possible to decrease the chance of these accidents by using speed limiters. This is a device which will automatically restrict the speed of a vehicle to a safe limit and can be installed in various types of trucks. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is currently evaluating an amendment to the rulebook that would require truckers to use these devices. The agency has released a supplemental notification of proposed rulemaking in order to solicit feedback on the rule. In earlier proposals it was suggested that truck speeds be restricted to 60 or 65 miles per hour. Insurance The majority of private car owners buy a single insurance policy to protect their personal vehicles. Truckers however do not own the trucks they drive. They lease their 18-wheelers from a trucking firm. Because of the higher risk of commercial vehicles, trucking firms typically require greater liability insurance limits. They can also purchase cargo and bobtail insurances for their vehicles. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit south dakota that semi-trucks are hauling. Bobtail insurance covers the truck after it has delivered its cargo. In the event of a collision the policies could help to compensate grieving family members for their losses. Maintenance It can be difficult to estimate the cost of maintenance for commercial vehicles. Trucks are expensive to maintain and repair, especially when major repairs are needed. Some trucking companies offer maintenance schedules that estimate the cost of maintaining the vehicle. Trucks are typically equipped with 10 brakes, not 18 and anti-lock brakes are now the norm in new trucks. They take about 40% longer to stop than cars. This is due in part to the large size and acceleration of an 18-wheeler. The term “eighteen-wheeler” is now synonymous with trucking. It's even used in country music, such as 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 rules as other drivers. It is illegal for truckers, for instance to text while driving. One second of negligence could result in negative consequences for a driver.