A jackknife truck accident happens when the trailer of an 18-wheeler swings out from behind the cab and folds at an angle. When that happens, the truck can block several lanes of traffic, strike nearby vehicles, or leave drivers with no safe way to avoid a crash.
These wrecks are often severe because a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. People in smaller vehicles may suffer life-changing injuries, including head injuries, spine injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, burns, or wrongful death.
Jackknife crashes are rarely “simple accidents.” They often involve questions about speed, braking, driver fatigue, following distance, road conditions, cargo loading, truck maintenance, and company safety practices. In some cases, the driver made a mistake. In others, the trucking company, maintenance provider, cargo loader, or another party may share responsibility.
That is why evidence must be preserved quickly. The truck’s black box data, electronic logging records, brake inspection history, repair records, dashcam video, cargo documents, and driver file may help show why the truck jackknifed. But some of this evidence can be lost, overwritten, repaired, or destroyed if action is not taken soon after the crash.
Attorney Greg Baumgartner has handled serious truck accident cases for more than 40 years. Our firm investigates jackknife crashes carefully, identifies all responsible parties, and fights to recover the compensation that injured victims and their families deserve.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Texas, contact us for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.
Our truck accident lawyers have successfully represented clients in numerous cases involving truck jackknife accidents. We have over 40 years of experience and have achieved numerous multi-million-dollar wins, including notable successes in jackknife lawsuits.
As most safety experts will tell you, most commercial truck wrecks and Texas car accidents are usually avoidable. Many tractor-trailer accidents occur due to the driver’s lack of awareness and the condition of the truck’s equipment. Our experienced attorneys will review the black box data and fully investigate the collision.
The reasons will vary, and sudden braking, speeding, and following too close can all contribute to a jackknife crash. Often, law enforcement, accident reconstruction experts, private investigators hired by Texas truck accident lawyers, and onboard computers will be involved in determining the root cause of such occurrences.
Some more deadly scenarios from a delayed reaction or drunk driving with an eighteen-wheeler include cell phones, prescription or illegal drugs, sleep deprivation, or just plain drinking liquor while operating such a large piece of equipment.
This spells disaster in every tractor-trailer accident, particularly when the driver tries to stop too fast. The vehicle’s onboard technology helps prevent jackknifing, but there are times when a jackknife crash is inevitable.
The many trailers pulled behind commercial tractors can cause more damage than those pulled by other vehicles. Still, any time a load of cargo weighing several tons gets out of control, the result will never be positive.
Flatbed trailers can cause more damage because the safety straps may become stressed and break during a jackknife incident. Carrying steel pipes or oil drilling equipment can cause further damage and fatalities if they are ejected from the trailer and land on average-sized personal automobiles.
Road conditions can also contribute to jackknife accidents. Particularly wet conditions where tire grip is impacted.
In a jackknife truck accident, after the trailer swings out wide, the semi-truck reaches a point of no return, and the driver loses control, heading in the direction the big rig points, regardless of his efforts to control the tractor-trailer. A jackknife collision can be devastating if a family is in the way when the trailer swings.
Driver error is a major factor in many jackknife truck crashes, often caused by inexperienced drivers.
Jackknife Case Result: Over $5 Million
In one jackknife case, our investigation showed that the crash involved more than simple driver error. We pursued claims against parties responsible for the condition and maintenance of the truck. The case resolved for the total of all policy limits on the day of trial. This result shows why a jackknife crash should be investigated quickly and thoroughly before evidence disappears.
After a jackknife truck accident, it is generally not recommended to directly communicate with the trucking company’s insurance carrier. It is essential to recognize that their primary objective is often to safeguard their own interests, which may involve minimizing their own liability and reducing any potential compensation to which they may be entitled.
Communication with the insurance company may lead them to attempt to shift blame onto you for the accident or downplay the severity of any injuries you sustained. Remembering that their main objective is to limit their financial responsibility and avoid taking full responsibility for the accident is crucial.
Seeking advice from a personal injury attorney specializing in trucking accidents can help you collect medical bills, lost wages, and other damages from your accident.
Contact a jackknife truck accident attorney for a free consultation with a leading personal injury lawyer -Call (281) 893-0760.
Other Cases We Handle:
If you have been involved in a jackknife truck accident, call us. We have helped families who have lost loved ones in truck accidents with wrongful death cases for over 40 years and have a track record of success in serious injury and wrongful death claims. Best of all, we are Undefeated!
Related Articles:
Why A Tractor Trailer Jackknifes
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