Common Causes of Commercial Truck Jackknife Accidents

Being involved in any accident can be traumatic, but one involving a commercial truck is an entirely different ballpark. One of the most well known and dangerous forms of truck crashes occur when the vehicle jackknifes across the road. Below, we address the impact of being involved in a jackknife accident, what to do after it happens, and how we can help you with the aftermath

What Is a Jackknife Accident?

A jackknife accident is when the cab of a big rig slides in one direction while the trailer goes in another direction. This type of collision can be deadly because of the rig’s size and the expanded impact area.

An average 18-wheeler weighs roughly 80,000 pounds (ca. 36 t), while most passenger cars weigh around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds (1.81 t). This difference in weight is indicative of a substantial possibility for damage and injury if the accident involves a smaller vehicle. 

Often, this kind of accident will cause the big truck to collide with a number of vehicles, depending on how busy the roadways are at the time of the accident. 

Why Do Jackknife Accidents Happen?

It is much more difficult for these trucks to slow down or stop because of their build. As such, there is a great risk of a collision if they try to stop abruptly.

As stated by one of the best truck accident injury lawyer in West Houston, various indicating factors can lead to an accident. They include:

  • Inclement weather: Weather conditions can alter the vision of the driver along with the road conditions.
  • Inexperienced driver: A driver unequipped with the necessary experience is much more likely to be involved in an accident than one adequately trained.
  • Blockages/conditions of the road: Excess debris and slippery pavement are common factors that can lead to a jackknife accident
  • Improper brake maintenance: One of the leading causes in these kinds of accidents, they cause an imbalance of mechanics that lead the truck to swerve.

What You Should Do After an Accident

The first and most critical thing you should do after being in an accident involving a big rig is to seek out any necessary medical attention. Due to their size and weight, it is much more likely that you may sustain injuries. These injuries could be debilitating or even life-threatening. 

You will also want to seek out the counsel of a qualified legal team. Specialized truck wreck attorneys can help you obtain evidence for any court proceedings and insurance coverage.

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West Houston Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney

Call an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in West Houston

Most accidents are traumatic, but a jackknife collision with a big rig leaves a lasting impact and sometimes even death, if you lost a loved one due to a jackknife wreck, contact an accidental death law firm in West Houston now. It’s on a scale, unlike anything most will ever experience. We understand this is traumatic and are one call away from getting you the help that you need to take on this event. We can give you the support you need so that you can focus solely on healing, while we handle the dirty work. 

Contact The Stephens Law Firm, an experienced West Houston automobile collision attorney, and receive your free consultation today.

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