What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents?
Accidents involving large commercial trucks often result in devastating injuries for victims in smaller passenger vehicles sharing the road. There are many different types of truck accidents and many causes, but jackknife accident can result in catastrophic injuries and worse. Jackknife accidents occur for a number of different reasons, and recognizing why a truck might jackknife on the road may help you avoid an accident. At Mitch Grissim & Associates in Nashville, our team is here to help you after an accident involving a large semi-truck or other vehicle. Call or contact us today to schedule a free consultation of your case.
What Does it Mean When a Truck Jackknifes?
A jackknife accident is specific to large commercial trucks with a cab in the front for the driver and a connected cargo area behind it. A jackknife accident occurs when the cab of a truck skids across the road in one direction while the trailer behind it goes in another direction. The name comes from what a truck looks like after an accident – it can appear to look like a small opening knife in a V or L-shape when both ends come to a stop. Often, jackknife accidents can sprawl across multiple lanes of traffic and can overturn, as well. A jackknife accident has the potential to injure multiple people and destroy more than one car in the same crash.
Causes of Jackknife Accidents
There are many causes for jackknife accidents with large commercial trucks on the roads in Tennessee. One of the main causes is driver error. Distracted driving, driving drowsy, and speeding all contribute to situations where the driver of a large truck must attempt to avoid a situation or conditions and end up jackknifing the vehicle. Mechanical problems also cause jackknife accidents, particularly when the brakes are not properly maintained or faulty. When defective or faulty parts are to blame, the trucking company or manufacturer of the parts may be liable for any injuries resulting from a jackknife accident.
Inclement weather also can be a contributing cause of jackknife accidents in Tennessee. However, the driver of the truck is still ultimately liable for any injuries, as it is their responsibility to slow down and drive safely in bad weather. Finally, driving under the influence of either alcohol or stimulants can lead to jackknife accidents, as it impairs the driver’s ability to respond safely to conditions while behind the wheel. To learn more about jackknife accidents and your legal options after being injured in an accident on the road, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney today.
Talk to Mitch Grissim & Associates Today
Jackknife trucking accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injury and death to those impacted by this type of crash. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident, call the office or contact us at Mitch Grissim & Associates today to schedule a free consultation of your case with one of our knowledgeable Nashville truck accident attorneys now.
Resource:
nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/18esv-000252.pdf
https://mitchgrissim.com/pedestrian-dies-after-being-struck-by-large-truck/
