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Is an 18 Wheeler Legal? A lot of car accidents happen and result in physical and medical expenses and time away from work. If an 18-wheeler is involved, the consequences are far more severe. If this happens, the victims may file a claim for financial compensation. This is where a New Orleans truck accident attorney can assist. Weight Limits In general 18 wheelers can carry up to 80,000lbs which includes the weight of cargo. This is a very tight restriction that forces trucking companies to fill their vehicles to the maximum extent possible, which can result in overloaded. If a truck driver exceeds the limit, they could be subject to fines that vary depending on the place of operation. You can tell when 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. Keep an eye out for truck drivers who also use their lights as a way to communicate with each other. It is important to leave a large gap between your vehicle and an 18-wheeler, especially when passing. Trucks require plenty room to slow down and stop when they stop, and if you cut them off and they are unable to stop, it could result in a deadly crash. Although truck drivers are often viewed as bullies on the road, 72% of crashes between cars and trucks are caused by car drivers. Axles Axles Semi-trucks are different from cars in that they require multiple axles to rotate the wheels. The typical semi-truck has four axles, which includes the drive and steer axles, whereas trailers typically have two tandem axles. It is important to keep in mind that these vehicles are bigger than the average automobile. The weight limits for axles are determined by a variety of factors, including the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and the axle group legal limit posted by each state. The state limit could be higher than the Federal limit and this is why it is essential for truckers to understand the state and federal axle weight limits prior to traveling. Moving standard freight shipments can be difficult enough and a heavier load increases the risk of accidents. A trucker who overloads his truck is in violation of law and may be held responsible for any injuries that occur as a result. If you've been injured in an accident involving an 18 wheeler, a lawyer for truck accidents can determine if the driver was carrying more than the maximum amount allowed, and if that negligence caused your injury. Speed Limits As any driver knows, speeding is among the leading causes of truck accidents. This is particularly true for large trucks, which are more likely to crash due to their weight and size. Because of this, it is vital for truckers to observe the speed limits of every highway they travel. Truck drivers are often pressured to deliver their goods quickly and may not be able to slow down enough to match the conditions. This can result in dangerous driving, and could cause harm to other motorists. Speed limiters can reduce the chance of accidents. This is a device that can automatically restrict the speed of a vehicle to a safe amount and can be fitted in a variety of types of trucks. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is studying the possibility of a new rule that will require truckers use these devices. The agency has issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking to solicit feedback on the idea. In earlier proposals, it was suggested that truck speeds should be restricted to 60, 65 or even 68 miles per hour. Insurance The majority of private vehicle owners purchase one insurance policy that covers all their vehicles. 18 wheeler accident attorney richmond don't own the vehicles they drive. They rent their 18-wheelers instead from a trucking company. Trucking companies require higher limits for liability insurance as commercial vehicles are more dangerous. They can also purchase cargo insurance and bobtail coverage for their vehicles. Cargo coverage safeguards the cargo that a semi is carrying and bobtail insurance safeguards the truck after it delivers its load. In the event of a crash such policies can assist to compensate victims or grieving family members for their losses. Maintenance It's difficult to come up with an accurate estimate of the maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. This is due to the fact that trucks are extremely expensive to repair and maintain particularly when they require major repairs. However, some trucking companies provide maintenance schedules that will give an estimate of the total cost of maintaining the vehicle. Trucks have ten brakes rather than 18 and anti-lock breaks are currently standard on new trucks. Trucks take around 40% longer to stop than a car. This is due to the massive dimensions of an 18-wheeler as well as its acceleration add to the stopping distance. The term “eighteen-wheeler” is now synonymous with trucking. It's even used in country music, for instance the songs “Giddyup go” and “Teddy Bear” by Red Sovine, and “Roll on” by the thrash metal group BigRig. It is nevertheless important to remember that these trucks are not at home on the road, and they must adhere to the same rules as all other drivers. For example, it is illegal for truck drivers to text while driving as the split second of inattention could result in fatal consequences.