What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife
truck accident occurs when the wheels of large trailer truck suddenly lock, causing it
to lose control. The trailer bed continues to move forward with more force
than the vehicle towing it. As a result, the trailer pushes past the towing-truck,
causing it to swing like a hinge about the towing joint’s axis into
a steep angle, resulting in the towing-truck
is facing backward. In other instances, instead of the towing vehicle facing
backward, the trailer swings forward to the right or left of the towing
vehicle, sweeping across the road and sometimes into opposing traffic.
The sweeping motion resembles that of a folding jackknife.
What Causes Jackknife Accidents?
The design and weight of a trailer truck predispose it to jackknife accidents.
The conditions that result in a jackknife accident mainly involve a sudden
change in speed, which can cause the momentum of the trailer to exceed
that of the towing vehicle. There are a variety of different factors that
can cause these types of accidents.
Factors that can lead to a jackknifing accident include:
- Malfunctioning brakes
- High speeds
- Slippery road conditions
- Sudden maneuvers
- Sharp turns
What Should You Do After a Jackknife Accident?
Due to the large mass of a jackknifing truck and the potential presence
of dangerous cargo , any resulting accident bears a high risk of severe
injury or even death. You should immediately call 911 after getting into
an accident with a large truck. After emergency responders arrive at the
scene of the crash, follow their directions. If you or any passengers
riding with you are injured, seek medical attention immediately.
Once emergency responders ensure it is safe, try to collect as much information
as possible. The names and contact information of the investigating police
department, the truck driver, and any witnesses will be crucial for evidentiary
and investigatory purposes. License plates and insurance information are
also important to know.
Even if you or your passengers think you’ve only sustained minor
injuries, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Sometimes injuries aren’t symptomatic until days after an accident.
Consult a Seasoned New Orleans Auto Accident Attorney
After you have completed the above steps, contact a qualified attorney
who has experience handling auto accident cases. At the Womac Law Firm,
we have dedicated over 35 years of our practice to the litigation of
personal injury cases, including truck accident cases involving large corporate defendants and
insurance companies. You can rely on our skill and sophisticated understanding
of the law to help you recover a fair settlement award to which you are
entitled under the law.
Call the Womac Law Firm at (504) 470-3935 or
contact us online to schedule a free initial case evaluation today!