Truck accidents are among the most dangerous of all types of crashes on our roadways. Because of their weight, commercial vehicles can cause terrifying crashes. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 3,800 people died in 2016 as a result of a truck accident, and about 1 in 10 highway crashes involves a large commercial truck. Truck crashes often leave everyone involved with severe or fatal injuries.
About Jackknife Accidents
Most have seen at least an image of a jackknifed truck crash. A giant commercial vehicle spread across multiple lanes of highway traffic; usually, cars piled up on one side or the other. Jackknife accidents occur when the cab of the truck skids in one direction while the trailer goes in another, and in many of these crashes, the truck overturns because it is completely out of control. Jackknife crashes can happen in an instant, and if you are behind the truck, you could end up getting caught up in the accident.
Jackknife crashes can occur for a variety of reasons. One of the most common problems that may cause a truck to jackknife is improper brake maintenance or adjustment. When the brakes are not functioning properly, it causes the axles to lock up, particularly when braking hard. Then, the truck is dragging the trailer with locked brakes, and it gets pushed out to the side of the cab.
Another reason is the driver is traveling too fast. Commercial vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Sudden braking can be too much for a loaded trailer to handle, and the result is that the truck stops at a different rate of speed than the trailer, causing them to go in two different directions.
Road conditions may also cause trucks to jackknife. Roads that are slippery cause trucks to lose traction and slide. The driver is then unable to gain control and the result is a jackknife accident. Road curves and trying to maneuver around debris on the roadway can also cause a truck to jackknife.
Driver inexperience may be a contributing factor to some jackknife accidents. An inexperienced driver or one who is fatigued is not able to properly handle the truck, especially when encountering an unexpected or challenging situation.
What to do Following a Trucking Accident
Most of the time, when a truck jackknifes it involves multiple vehicles. If you have been injured in an accident with a truck, always seek medical treatment immediately after the crash. Afterward, contact an experienced truck accident attorney. There may be evidence only they can secure, like the truck’s black box.
If you’ve been in a trucking accident, contact The Pottenger Law Firm. We know that trucking accidents are devastating, and you don’t walk away from them unscathed. We have over 25 years of experience, and we will do everything to get you proper compensation. Make sure your claim is good hands, contact us at 816-531-6006 or send us a message to arrange a free consultation.
