The name “truck jackknife” comes from the appearance of a truck that has folded at an angle similar to a folding pocket knife. While pocket knives are no longer common, truck jackknife accidents are frequent. The injuries caused by these accidents are all too often fatal.
There are numerous causes of trucking accidents. With jackknifed trailers, some factors include:
- Improper braking and other driver error
- Equipment failure
- Improperly weighted loads
- Poor weather conditions
- Faulty roadways
No matter the cause, these accidents are responsible for thousands of severe injuries in the United States every year.
What is a Jackknife Accident?
The tractor-trailer of an 18-Wheeler consists of a cab and a trailer. While they are linked, they can work independently of one another. A jackknife happens when the trailer and cab become out of sync, forcing them to fold up like a pocketknife.
These accidents might range from minimal to total vehicle control loss. It is challenging for drivers to recover after a violent jackknife. Driver negligence is frequently the cause of jackknife incidents. In this scenario, an injured plaintiff can sue the truck driver, their company, and an insurance company for their losses.
Common Injuries in Jackknife Accidents
A jackknifed truck can provide multiple opportunities for injury. Acting like a wall, the truck’s trailer may cause a head-on collision. In other cases, the trailer may fishtail into your lane, causing an impact. Studies indicate that you are 98% more likely to suffer a fatal injury in a truck accident than in one involving a smaller vehicle. Even when not fatal, serious injury is almost inevitable in these accidents.
Some injuries that you may sustain in an accident with a jackknifed truck include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Internal damages
Not every injury sustained in a truck accident may be immediately apparent. It is essential that you cooperate with all medical personnel on the site of the accident and seek medical assistance as soon as possible following your accident.
The injuries from these accidents can negatively impact your ability to work and cause untold emotional and physical suffering. You have a right to seek full compensation for all of your truck accident injuries, and to ensure financial security for your family in the years to come.
The truck accident attorneys at Anthony Muharib have years of experience helping victims of jackknifed truck accidents recover from their losses. We will work closely with you and your family, paying close attention to how your accident has impacted every area of your life. We will seek full damages, working to restore peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
If you have been involved in an accident with a jackknifed truck in Texas, please get in touch with the personal injury attorneys at Anthony Muharib to schedule an initial consultation.
