Jackknife Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are some of the most damaging types of automobile accidents. Commercial trucks weigh significantly more than other vehicles on the road. When this weight is combined with high speeds of travel, the impact it creates can be catastrophic, or even deadly.
While all truck accidents have the potential to cause significant injuries and financial losses, there are various types of truck accidents, and each is unique.
A jackknife truck accident describes a collision in which the trailer of the truck folds in on the cab of the truck. The way the two parts of the trailer fold in on themselves closely resembles the hinging of a pocket knife, which is where the term jackknife comes from.
Victims of jackknife truck accidents can work with Salt Lake City, UT attorney Lynn C. Harris to seek compensation for all losses stemming from the accident.
Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents
There are multiple factors that could contribute to a jackknife truck accident, including distracted driving, driving while under the influence, or simple inexperience on the truck driver’s part.
However, there are also certain conditions that are known to increase the risk of a jackknife accident, including:
- Speeding: It is harder to stop a truck that is traveling at high speeds or speeding. If a truck driver slams on the brakes, rather than slowing to a stop, the truck could jackknife.
- Curves in the road: Slight curves should be easy for a commercial truck to maneuver, but sharper curves or turns could cause a truck to jackknife.
- Poor weather: Rain, snow, and ice can all cause the roadway to become slick. Without traction, a vehicle could go into a slide. Even a slight slide could result in a jackknife for a commercial truck.
- Equipment failure: Equipment malfunctions (or poor truck maintenance), such as brake failure, loss of steering, or hydraulic failure, could all increase the risk of a jackknife accident.
Damages in Jackknife Accidents
The damages in a jackknife accident depend on a number of different factors, so each case is unique. However, when the cab of a truck swings out and strikes another vehicle, it is likely to result in serious injuries.
The types of injuries that may be sustained in a jackknife accident include:
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck or back injury
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
In addition to physical injuries, victims of jackknife accidents experience emotional trauma and expenses associated with the accident. Typical financial losses in a jackknife accident include the cost of property damage, expenses related to medical treatment, and lost wages.
Who Is Liable?
If a truck driver made an error that led to the collision, he or she may be liable for all resulting damages.
The trucking company may also be accountable if inadequate training or poor vehicle maintenance contributed to the accident.
Attorney Lynn C. Harris will look at all the details of an accident to determine who should be held liable for losses.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been injured in a jackknife truck accident, experienced attorney Lynn C. Harris can help you seek financial compensation for damages. To discuss the details of your case and learn more about your legal options, schedule a consultation with Mr. Harris at your earliest convenience. Call (801) 521-3200 and (801) 375-9801 for a case evaluation.
