What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents?
For the most part, truck drivers move from one place to another without an accident happening. However, truck accidents are on the rise. According to the National Safety Council, in 2020, 107,000 large trucks were involved in accidents that resulted in an injury, and 4,965 people were killed in large-truck crashes. A jackknife truck accident is one type of truck accident that can cause severe or even fatal injuries. Fortunately, after a jackknife truck accident, an injured victim or surviving family members of a deceased person can pursue compensation from a liable party or liable parties. A qualified personal injury attorney may be able to help you determine the cause of the accident and prove negligence.
What Is Jackknifing?
A jackknife truck accident happens when the trailer of an 18-wheeler begins to swing to one side. Jackknifing occurs when the backside of a truck (the trailer) moves inward toward the cab, pushing the cab to one side. When a jackknife truck accident occurs, the truck ends up (either partly or fully) in the way of other lanes of traffic or off the road. Usually, when a truck jackknifes, it collides with other vehicles or at least blocks traffic. Sometimes, a truck might even overturn or roll, which can result in fires or cargo spills.
Jackknifing usually occurs quickly and unexpectedly. However, the effects of a jackknife accident can last for a long time.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife truck accident can occur for any number of reasons. However, most jackknife truck accidents occur because of negligence.
Below are some of the most common causes of jackknife truck accidents;
Improper Braking
A truck has several braking mechanisms. Therefore, truck drivers need to be well-trained to operate their trucks. For example, truck drivers need to be well-trained in braking techniques for a variety of conditions, such as if the truck requires emergency braking or if the road is slippery. If a truck driver lacks the proper training, they may brake improperly, causing the truck to skid.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a common cause of jackknife accidents. When a truck driver is, for example, texting while driving, it becomes easy for them to make a poor decision in applying the brakes when a sudden stop is needed.
Speeding
Indeed, it is possible for a driver operating a truck at a speed that exceeds the legal limit to stop the truck quickly when they notice a hazard. However, after the front part of the truck slows down or stops, the trailer continues moving. The trailer does not slow down as quickly as the cab.
Imbalanced or Heavy Loads
If a truck is too heavy or not properly balanced, a jackknife accident can occur. A cargo owner or trucking company may be held liable for a jackknife truck accident that occurs due to heavy or imbalanced loads.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you sustained injuries or lost someone in a jackknife accident in Florida because of another party’s negligence, contact our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Ocala, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Tampa, and Jacksonville areas.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/
