A fully loaded truck can be huge and weigh up to 80,000 lbs. If an accident involves a truck, the situation can become scary and traumatizing. Considering how huge the truck is, there are increased chances of severe injuries.
If you or someone you know is involved in an accident, hiring the best truck accident lawyers with experience is the best way to fight for your rights. They help in gathering evidence that will help strengthen your case and increase the chances of acquiring fair compensation.
There are numerous types of truck accidents one may find themselves in. This article talks about jackknife truck accidents.
What are Jackknife Truck Accidents?
Jackknife accidents occur when a large truck folds into itself at a 90-degree angle. The accident gets the name jackknife due to the V shape the truck makes.
The primary reason for jackknife accidents is a faulty braking system or a tire blowing up during a trip. Jackknife truck accidents often happen due to poor truck maintenance, but weather can play a role as well.
In other words, the negligence of the trucking company or the driver leads to the suffering of others. However, you have the option to get in touch with an accident attorney and ask for compensation.
What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents?
There are numerous reasons why jackknife truck accidents happen. They are mentioned below.
Braking system: As mentioned above, poor braking systems can lead to jackknife collisions. So, if the brakes get locked, the trailer swings around. This can cause a jackknife accident, leading to severe damages.
Poor road or weather conditions: Weather is also another reason for jackknife truck accidents. The roads become slippery when there is excess rain. In such situations, the truck becomes hard to maneuver. This significantly increases the chances of a jackknife truck accident.
Fatigue: The number of hours a driver can work is fixed; this is to ensure that they do not suffer from fatigue. However, some drivers work longer hours. The driver may fall asleep on the wheel, increasing the chances of a truck accident.
Poor training: It is the duty of the trucking company to ensure that their drivers are properly trained and qualified. Poor training increases the risk of a jackknife truck accident.
Steps to Take If You Are Involved in a Jackknife Accident
Sometimes it becomes difficult to avoid collisions. After all, you cannot control the actions of others. But it is vital to know what steps to take if you are involved in a jackknife accident. Here is what you should do.
- The first step is to call the police. The police can manage the situation. Also, the investigating officer will draft a police report that plays a crucial role in a truck accident compensation claim. The insurance company considers the police report to be a crucial piece of evidence.
- Next, you must get medical attention right away. Even if you believe that your injuries are minor, getting medical help is recommended. Also, the extent of your injuries impacts your compensation claim. Insurance companies often use a delay in medical attention or not visiting a hospital as a reason to deny compensation claims.
- The third step is to contact a truck accident lawyer. You can take advantage of the free consultation they offer. A truck accident lawyer will be your trusted ally throughout the compensation claim.
Conclusion
If you are involved in a jackknife accident, a truck accident lawyer will be of great help. These accidents can cause devastating injuries. Filing for compensation helps you get justice.
A truck accident case helps you recover all the losses and injuries you had to suffer because of someone else’s negligence.