Jackknife accidents happen when the tractor travels at a different speed than the attached trailer. Because a big rig is what we call an articulated vehicle, changes in speed can quickly lead to a jacked up situation.
The disparity in speed between the cab of the truck and the trailer can be caused by:
Basically, when the trailer does not slow down at the same rate as the cab of the vehicle, the trailer will push at the cab of the semi truck causing it to spin out of control.
One of the reasons of truck drivers must be appropriately trained is to prevent an unnecessary jackknife accident. After a big rig reaches a certain point there is little if anything a truck driver can do to avoid a jackknife.
Jackknife accidents can be extremely serious for the motoring public around the semi-truck and also for the truck driver. We have represented many victims of the object type accident and also truck drivers who were injured in the accident caused by a jackknife.
Trucking companies have a duty to make sure that the trucks in their fleet or save for the roadway. Adequate and well-maintained braking system is a key component to truck safety on our highways. If there are brake issues with the tractor and trailer the vehicle can easily jackknife and then bad things can happen.
Checkbox can also occur when the trailer swings out to a side because of either slippery road conditions or in some cases high winds. Being a properly trained truck driver is a critical component to highway safety.
If you are loved one have been injured in a truck accident where the vehicle jackknifed call the experienced truck accident attorneys for a free case evaluation consultation and to learn of your rights and options.