Jackknifed Truck
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Car Accident Lawyer
Jackknifed Truck
Get a Free Consultation
What should you know about jackknifed trucks?
A jackknifed truck refers to a large truck with a cab and trailer that has swung around and folded into a V formation. This accident can be extremely dangerous for truck drivers and also for other vehicles involved in the collision. Severe injuries and deaths are common in this type of vehicle accident.
Jackknifed Truck Statistics
In 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that large truck accidents by jackknife resulted in 55,000 accidents. The percentage of these that were fatal was 38.4%. To qualify as a large truck, the truck must be greater than 10,000 pounds.
What Causes a Jackknifed Semi Truck?
A number of different factors can cause a jackknife truck accident. Some of the most common underlying factors involve the following:
Brake failure/improper braking
Braking too abruptly or forcefully can lock the wheels, make the truck skid and cause it to jackknife. Trucks are particularly vulnerable when driving on slick or icy highways, when turning into a curve or traveling downhill. If a truck is tailing another vehicle too closely, sudden braking could trigger the jackknife. Also, worn out brakes or faulty adjustment can lead to poor braking.
Driver Errors
Based on the speed you’re traveling, stopping requires a certain amount of time and distance. The faster you’re going the more time and distance you require to stop. The increase could make it danger to avoid a driver in front of you who suddenly brakes. Or, it might make it difficult to steer clear of road debris.
Poor Cargo Loading
When workers do not properly load the cargo onto a truck, it can make the vehicle difficult to control and put the driver at risk. Examples include:
- A loaded truck that is top-heavy
- Failure to secure a load
- Cargo that is unbalanced or shifts when driving
- An truck overloaded beyond the weight standard
Poor Weather
Slick road surfaces make driving treacherous. When a truck loses traction, the trailer can slide towards the cab. Ice, snow, rain and muddy roads can set up a driver for
driving difficulties. This is especially true if they have to brake quickly or turn the wheel suddenly.
Brake failure/improper braking
Braking too abruptly or forcefully can lock the wheels, make the truck skid and cause it to jackknife. Trucks are particularly vulnerable when driving on slick or icy highways, when turning into a curve or traveling downhill. If a truck is tailing another vehicle too closely, sudden braking could trigger the jackknife. Also, worn out brakes or faulty adjustment can lead to poor braking.
Driver Errors
Any number of human errors can cause a truck to jackknife. Inexperienced drivers may misjudge the speed or the distance between other vehicles. A sudden turn or lane change can make the truck off balance. In addition, distracted driving or driving under the influence can result in bad driving decisions. Speeding in addition to fatigue are also factors that can lead to dangerous driving.
Poor Cargo Loading
When workers do not properly load the cargo onto a truck, it can make the vehicle difficult to control and put the driver at risk. Examples include:
- A loaded truck that is top-heavy
- Failure to secure a load
- Cargo that is unbalanced or shifts when driving
- A truck overloaded beyond the weight standard
Poor Weather
Statistics show the relationship between drunk drivers, age and speeding accidents (according to the NSC):
- Alcohol impaired drivers involved in fatal accidents under the age of 21 were 28%
- From ages 21-54, 41% of fatal crashes involved alcohol impaired drivers
- For drivers in the 55-64 age group fatal accidents declined, only reaching 35%
Who might be liable
in a jackknife truck accident?
- Truck driver. Generally there is some degree of truck driver error involved. A truck driver who had been drinking, fell asleep at the wheel or violated traffic laws, would bear some legal responsibility.
- Trucking company. Trucking companies must abide by federal and state trucking industry regulations. Any failure to do so that results in an accident could made the company liable.
- Truck manufacturers. If a defective part led to a jackknifed truck, then the manufacturer could be liable. Examples include a defective tire that blew out or brake failure due to a defective brake.
What can you do to prevent being
a victim of a jackknifed truck?
Who might be liable
in a jackknife truck accident?
- Truck driver. Generally there is some degree of truck driver error involved. A truck driver who had been drinking, fell asleep at the wheel or violated traffic laws, would bear some legal responsibility.
- Trucking company. Trucking companies must abide by federal and state trucking industry regulations. Any failure to do so that results in an accident could made the company liable.
- Truck manufacturers. If a defective part led to a jackknifed truck, then the manufacturer could be liable. Examples include a defective tire that blew out or brake failure due to a defective brake.
What can you do to prevent being
a victim of a jackknifed truck?
Get Legal Help
Consult with an experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
We can help determine who was at fault for the accident and protect your rights. Truck companies retain attorneys to litigate in their favor, but you can level the playing field by obtaining your own lawyer. Under the law, you deserve to receive the compensation you need to cover your injuries and damages. The same is true for families who have lost a loved one in a truck accident.
Schedule a free consultation by calling (210) 225-HURT (4878) or toll free (800) 645-8553. At Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz, we will discuss what happened in your accident, explain the legal steps we’ll take, and help you recover fair compensation.
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Michael R. De La Paz
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The Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz has its principal office in San Antonio, Texas, however, we can represent your personal injury case no matter where you live in Texas, the U.S., or Mexico.
