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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 absence from work. However, when an 18-wheeler is involved it can be a lot more grave. When this happens, victims can file a claim for financial compensation. This is where an attorney from New Orleans truck accident attorney can be of assistance. Weight Limits 18-wheelers are limited to carrying an maximum of 80,000 lbs including the volume and weight of cargo. This is a strict limitation that requires trucking companies to load their vehicles as full as possible and can lead to overloading. Drivers who exceed this limit may be penalized, and the penalties vary based the place they live. You can tell when an 18 wheeler is over the limit by observing their lights. A single flash of their blinkers indicates that it's safe to merge front of them, but high beams or multiple flashes indicate that it's not. Truck drivers also use their lights to communicate, so keep an an eye out for them when merging. Always leave a wide gap between your car and an 18-wheeler. This is particularly important when you are passing. Trucks require plenty of room to slow down and stop, and if you cut them off, it could lead to a fatal crash. Car drivers are at fault for 72 percent of all crashes between vehicles and trucks. Number of Axles Unlike cars, semi-trucks require multiple axles to rotate the wheels. The most common truck has four axles, including the drive and steer axles, while a trailer typically has two tandem axles. This can make them much longer than a typical passenger vehicle and it's crucial to be aware of this when driving along with one of these vehicles. Axle weight limits are based on several factors including the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and axle group legal limits set by each state. Limits for states can be higher than federal limits, so it is essential for truckers to know prior to travel. The process of transporting freight is enough to be difficult however, adding more weight increases the risk of an accident. When a trucker overloads their trailer and is in violation of the law and could be held accountable for resultant injuries. A truck accident lawyer can determine if the driver of an 18-wheeler was at fault and the reason for the accident in case you were injured. Speed Limits Speeding is a major cause of truck accidents, as every driver is aware. This is particularly true for large trucks, which are more likely to crash due to their weight and size. This is why it is important for truckers to observe the speed limits on every road they travel. However truck drivers are often forced to make deliveries in a hurry, and they may not be able to slow down enough to accommodate the conditions. This could lead to unsafe driving, and it could also be fatal to other motorists. 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 level. It can be put in on many different types. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is considering an amendment to the rulebook that would require truckers to use these devices. The agency has released an additional notification of the proposed rulemaking in order to get feedback about the proposal. In previous proposals it was suggested that truck speeds be limited to 60, 65 or even 68 miles per hour. Insurance The majority of private car owners buy an insurance policy that will protect their vehicles. Truckers however do not own the trucks they drive. Instead, they lease their 18-wheelers to a trucking company. Trucking companies need higher limits of liability insurance because commercial vehicles are more dangerous. They can also purchase cargo insurance and bobtail coverage for their vehicles. Cargo insurance protects the cargo a semi is hauling and bobtail insurance safeguards the truck when it delivers its load. In the event of a wreck these policies can be used to compensate victims or grieving family members for the losses they suffered. 18 wheeler accident settlement simi valley can be difficult to estimate the maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. They are costly to maintain and repair, especially when major repairs are required. Some trucking companies provide maintenance schedules that estimate the cost of maintaining the vehicle. The majority of trucks have ten brakes, not eighteen and anti-lock brakes have become available in all newer trucks. In general, trucks require around 40 percent longer than a standard car to stop. This is due to the large size and acceleration of an 18-wheeler. The term “eighteen wheeler” has become synonymous with trucking. It is mentioned in country music tracks, such as the Red Sovine titles “Giddyup Go” and “Teddy Bear” and the thrash metal group BigRig's track “Roll on”. It is important to keep in mind that these trucks aren't at driving on the streets and must obey the same guidelines as other drivers. For instance, it's illegal for truckers to text while driving, as the smallest moment of distraction could result in fatal consequences.