Truck Accident Terms and Definitions

Dead-Heading Operating a truck without cargo. Fixed Tandem Assembly of two axles and suspension that is attached to the chassis in one place, and cannot be moved fore and aft Kingpin Pin around which a steer axle's wheels pivot. AVL (Automated Vehicle Location) Class of technologies designed to locate vehicles for fleet management purposes and for stolen vehicle recovery Landing Gear legs which support the front of a semitrailer when it is not coupled to a tractor. Cargo Weight Combined weight of all loads, gear and supplies on a vehicle. Yard Jockey Person who operates a yard tractor. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) Maximum weight an axle is rated to carry by the manufacturer. Includes both the weight of the axle and the portion of a vehicle's weight carried by the axle. Semitrailer trailer supported at the rear by its own wheels and at the front by a fifth wheel mounted to a tractor or dolly. PTO (Power Takeoff) Device used to transmit engine power to auxiliary equipment.

Contact our lawyer now If you have experienced personal injuries or substantial income loss as a result of a truck accident in South Dakota. Our lawyers are here to give you a free case review and to fight for you in court.

	Did You Know?
	Trucking Carriers And Drivers Are Required To Comply With The New Hours-Of-Service Rules. Carriers and drivers were required to operate under the former rules through January 3, 2004. That allowed adequate time for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), regulated industry, and the enforcement community to be trained and make any systems changes required by the new rules. Compliance with the new rules was required starting January 4, 2004.