When a big rig jackknifes, it puts everyone on the road in grave danger. A jackknife event occurs when the truck-trailer rig goes out of alignment, causing the trailer to swing left or right and crossing other lanes of travel. When that happens, the truck driver loses control to the point that, eventually, the entire 18-wheeler turns over.
Injuries sustained during a massive loaded-truck jackknife crash can be extremely painful and result in expensive medical bills and serious injuries. If you have been a victim of a jackknife truck wreck, get in contact with a dedicated personal injury attorney today.
Common causes of jackknifing
If a trucker suddenly brakes to stop the 18-wheeler during an emergency, it can cause the trailer to swing outward, unable to stop as quickly as it should. As the wheels stop and the momentum of the trailer continues, the semi will fishtail, resulting in a truck jackknife wreck.
A variety of situations can cause crashes like this, often leading to severe damage or even death to the drivers and passengers in nearby vehicles. Jackknifed truck wrecks frequently occur on exit ramps or curved roads and are especially common during icy or rain-slicked conditions. These collisions could be caused by several issues, including but not limited to:
- Speeding
- Malfunctioning brakes
- Poor road or adverse weather conditions
- Drunk driving
- Overloaded or wrongly loaded trailers
- Equipment malfunctioning
Who is liable in a truck jackknife accident?
The liability for these types of crashes may involve different parties, depending on the circumstances of the collision. For example, if the driver of the 18-wheeler was using his phone while driving when he jackknifed, he is responsible for this collision. But if brakes malfunctioned while a driver was trying to stop, the manufacturer or repair shop of the faulty control part is likely liable. Additionally, the trucking company can be held responsible for these types of incidents if the trucker was adequately trained. When you get in touch with a practiced injury attorney, they will help you investigate the cause of your wreck and find out who is likely at fault.
Our Dallas-Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Are Here To Help You
Being in a collision with a big rig can be terrifying, resulting in severe and even life-threatening injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured in a jackknifed truck accident in the Farmer’s Branch, Carrollton, or Dallas-Fort Worth area, our highly skilled and dedicated truck accident attorneys can help you receive compensation for lost income, medical bills, and injuries. Contact us online today, or call (469) 466-2600 (Dallas) / (817) 605-1505 (Fort Worth) to schedule your free consultation right away. Remember — you don’t pay unless we win!
