When an 80,000-pound truck is coming down the highway, there’s a lot that can go wrong. The dangers are amplified when this vehicle is traveling on the same road as other passenger vehicles that are much smaller in size and weight.
Truck accidents come in all different shapes and sizes. One of the most terrifying of these crashes is known as a “jackknife” accident. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 205 fatal large truck crashes involving jackknifing in 2017, and another 4,000 non-fatal accidents that same year.
Common Causes and Prevention
Jackknife accidents often consist of a trailer and cab and occur when the trailer swings out to the side and forms an acute angle with the cab. At this point, the truck looks like a partially-folded pocket knife, hence how it gets its name.
This type of accident is particularly dangerous because the truck driver can lose all control of the vehicle and the swinging trailer can move into adjacent lanes and collide with other vehicles. Since passenger vehicles are lower, they can often be wedged under the entire trailer.
There are a variety of factors that can ultimately lead to a jackknife accident, including:
-
Sharp curves and tight maneuvers
-
Speeding
-
Equipment or brake malfunction
-
Improperly loaded cargo that throws the trailer off balance
-
Dangerous weather conditions
-
Road debris
-
Slippery surfaces
While you can’t always prevent truck collisions due to the negligence of other parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, parts manufacturer, or cargo loader, you can take the following steps to keep yourself and your passengers safe:
-
Keep a safe distance from large trucks
-
Try to pass them when you can
-
Avoid “no-zone” areas (blind spots)
-
Give clear warnings with your blinkers
Recovering Damages After a Jackknife Accident
For 30 years, our firm has been fighting on behalf of those wrongfully injured in large truck accidents. We truly understand the devastation that can arise after these crashes and know just how much your recovery is dependent on obtaining maximum compensation.
The Law Offices of Tyler & Peery are standing by ready to assist you and your family in this difficult time. We will work with you to develop the best legal strategy for your case.
Contact The Law Offices of Tyler & Peery 210-340-0900 to get started today.