While driving down the highway, many people find it unsettling to find themselves cruising between two huge commercial semi-trucks, and for good reason. Unlike a passenger vehicle, a big truck brings not only its own weight and force to an accident, but also the weight and force of the cargo it’s towing. When accidents involving commercial trucks occur, such as when the truck jackknifes, the damage is typically worse and results in a higher rate of severe injury and loss of life, than accidents involving two or more passenger cars. If you’re involved in such an accident, then consult the personal injury attorneys at Harrell & Nowak as soon as possible. With a wealth of experience helping clients receive the compensation they deserve, our New Orleans attorneys can help ensure that your experience with a jackknife truck accident doesn’t leave you devastated and destitute.
Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents
A jackknife accident describes when a truck’s cargo rotates against the vehicle, forming an L or V-shape that resembles a half-closed jackknife. It’s a specific kind of accident that, aside from causing major property damage and possibly injury, can also impede traffic by completely blocking the road. Some of the most common causes behind jackknife truck accidents include;
- Sudden braking – A loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds or more. When the driver suddenly slams on the brakes, the momentum will carry the heavy cargo with it, and can cause the trailer to skid into a jackknife, or tumble over onto its side. Also, if the driver has to swerve suddenly to avoid another vehicle or an obstacle in the road, the trailer may jackknife before the driver can compensate and correct the vehicle.
- Brake failure – Large trucks are difficult enough to control, whether they’re loaded or unloaded, but when the brakes are worn or improperly adjusted, it can become nearly impossible to control the vehicle. If the driver fails to adjust or replace the truck’s brakes when needed, then the chances of a jackknife accident increase exponentially.
- Road conditions – Rain, snow, and ice are automatically dangerous because they make it harder for a car or truck’s tires to gain traction on the road’s pavement. If a commercial truck skids along a slippery road, the trailer may skid ahead of it and jackknife.
- Driver error – Besides road conditions and braking issues, driver error accounts for a large number of truck accidents. If the driver is speeding, then there’s a greater chance that the driver will have to brake suddenly, and may jackknife the truck and its trailer. If the driver is operating the vehicle under the influence, the response time will be seriously inhibited, and a jackknife is only one of many possible, disastrous outcomes.
If you are in an accident involving a jackknifed truck, and you sustain any injuries or property damage as a result, then have one of our truck accident attorneys assess the accident and ensure that you’re properly compensated.
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If you’d like to learn more, or to schedule an evaluation of your case, contact the law firm of Harrell & Nowak today.