One of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents is a jackknife accident involving a tractor-trailer. These accidents are often caused by driver error, such as sudden braking. If you were injured in a jackknife accident, the truck accident lawyers with Salango Law, PLLC, can investigate your case, determine the factors that contributed to it, identify all parties responsible for your injuries, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today to get started with a free case review.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings to one side of the cab, resembling the shape of a folding pocketknife. As the cab is slowing down, the tractor-trailer is moving with the same momentum. The trailer can hit vehicles in its path, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that 3.5% of all fatal truck accidents are jackknife accidents.
Common Injuries Involved in Jackknife Truck Accidents
Due to the speed and direction of impact involved in jackknife truck accidents, common injuries include:
- Crush injuries, including internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis and nerve damage
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Amputations
- Burns
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash and herniated discs
- Psychological trauma
- Wrongful death
For any injury that you suffered in a jackknife accident, our experienced legal team is here to support you.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents
Like with many truck accidents, jackknife accidents can involve various factors that contribute to the events. Common causes of jackknife accidents include:
- Inexperienced drivers: Commercial trucks are notoriously difficult to operate. Inexperienced drivers may slam on their brakes, take corners too quickly, or commit other driver errors that lead to jackknifing.
- Distracted driving: When drivers are distracted by cell phones or other sources, their reaction to a safety hazard is delayed. This can lead to sudden braking and a jackknife incident.
- Fatigued driving: Driver fatigue mimics many of the symptoms of impaired driving. Tired drivers have delayed response times, which can lead to the sudden braking that triggers a jackknife accident.
- Improper loading: Overloading a truck, not evenly distributing the weight, or not securing cargo properly can lead to shifts during transit, which can cause the truck to jackknife.
- Mechanical issues: Some jackknife accidents occur due to tire blowouts, brake failures, or other mechanical problems.
Legal Responsibility for Jackknife Truck Accidents
Our legal team will work diligently to determine who is responsible for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, that could include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading company
- The maintenance provider
- The auto part manufacturer
Call an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Jackknife accidents can lead to serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and significant adjustments to your daily life. The experienced truck accident lawyers at Salango Law, PLLC, can fight for you. Call us today at (304) 342-0512 for a free, no-obligation case consultation.