Jackknife Accidents Are Often Complicated
Call the truck accident attorneys known nationwide
All truck accidents involving a tractor-trailer have the potential to be very dangerous and even deadly. That is definitely the case in a jackknife accident, in which the cab and trailer face different directions and the truck is prone to flipping over. Victims can suffer devastating injuries that are life-changing or fatal.
If you were hurt in a jackknife accident, your life can change in seconds. That’s why you need an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side. At Fried Goldberg LLC, the majority of our practice is devoted to trucking litigation. We know how to build strong cases that hold negligent trucking companies accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.
What is a jackknife accident?
A jackknife occurs when the trailer portion of the truck swings to the side, eventually pointing at a 90-degree angle from the cab. Think of it as a capital L, with the longer side as the trailer. The trailer is often loaded with tens of thousands of pounds of cargo.
There are many obvious dangers with this type of accident. The trailer can hit other vehicles as it swings out. The vehicle becomes wider than a single lane, potentially causing numerous accidents as it barrels down the road before stopping. Many truck accident deaths occur on non-divided, two-lane roads, where an oncoming car can hit the trailer head on.
Lastly, a jackknifing truck is at a serious risk of overturning, creating a huge hazard on the highway, potentially spilling dangerous cargo and risking catching fire.
What causes a truck to jackknife?
Jackknife accidents occur due to a drastic, sudden change in speed, such as slamming on the brakes. When the cab stops, the trailer’s momentum keeps moving forward, and it has no place to go but to pivot sideways where it connects with the cab.
The risk of a jackknife accident increases if a driver:
- Follows another vehicle too closely
- Fails to drive appropriately for weather conditions
- Becomes distracted (from texting, for example)
- Fails to brake appropriately.
Driver error is a significant factor in jackknife accidents. When driving a truck that can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, it’s impossible to be too cautious. Drivers need to follow all traffic laws and operate the tractor-trailer responsibly.
Because jackknifes most often occur when the brakes are suddenly engaged, a driver can limit the risk of a jackknife by applying the brakes, then letting off, then applying them again. Taking evasive action without using the brakes can also reduce the risk of jackknifing.
Who can be held liable in a jackknife accident?
The first potentially liable person is, of course, the driver of the truck that hit you. The driver may have been violating traffic laws or on the road more hours than allowed. It is also possible that the driver was distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. But liability for the crash may run deeper.
Trucking companies have extensive legal responsibilities when it comes to training drivers. They must document the hours drivers work and rigorously maintain the company’s vehicle fleet, among other things. Trucking companies have detailed records that they must keep in order to comply with the law.
There may other factors, also. For example, a defective part may have failed, or the trucking company may have documented repairs that were never performed.
An experienced truck accident attorney will have the resources to closely investigate all aspects of the crash and can identify the negligent parties.
We can help you pursue financial compensation
Common jackknife accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, broken bones, burns, and damage to internal organs. Treatment for these injuries can be extensive and medical bills can pile up quickly. Recovery can be a slow and difficult process, and your family may face an uncertain future.
You deserve compensation for your injuries. But negligent drivers and trucking companies often deny doing anything wrong and insurance companies will go to great lengths to pay you as little they can. They know there’s a lot at stake. That’s why it’s important to talk to an experienced truck accident attorney.
We know how to investigate accidents to build strong cases that get results. Our attorneys also determine all of the damages you have suffered and will fight for the compensation. This can include compensation for:
- ambulance rides
- hospital stays
- medical procedures
- physical rehabilitation
- follow-up care
- lost wages
- pain and suffering.
The lawyers at Fried Goldberg are known as the “Truck Accident Attorneys” for a reason. Trucking cases make up the bulk of our caseload. We’ve handled many jackknife accidents and have seen the damage they’ve caused. Our firm has a lengthy record of successfully helping families harmed by truck accidents.
The law limits the amount of time accident victims have to seek compensation for their injuries and suffering. So, it’s in your best interests to get legal advice as soon as possible. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.