Jackknife Truck Accidents in Rockaway Beach
Whenever a big truck is involved in an accident, the risk of severe injuries skyrockets. Big trucks are massive, and their weight dramatically increases the force involved in an accident. It is not unusual for those wrecks to result in injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, amputations, and similar life-changing harm. The risk of severe injuries may be the greatest in jackknife truck accidents in Rockaway Beach.
Jackknife truck accidents are unique to big trucks. Their cab and trailer construction enables these specific types of accidents, which are not possible in other vehicles. Jackknives result in a trucker losing control of the vehicle and have the potential to move across multiple lanes of traffic, involving many vehicles. The truck can hit you directly or send other vehicles crashing into you. Instead of trying to navigate these accidents on your own, get an experienced attorney’s help with jackknife truck accidents in Rockaway Beach.
Understanding Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident gets its name from pocketknives. These knives have blades that fold into their handles. A jackknife accident involves a similar movement. It starts with the stopping or slowing of the cab in an attempt to stop the entire vehicle. The cab’s brakes lock up, causing it to stop, but the trailer’s brakes fail to engage. When the trucker tries to release the brakes on the cab to stop the accident, they discover the cab’s brakes are locked. The cab initially sits still as the back of the trailer continues to move, swinging around to the side of the cab. The force of the swinging trailer can result in the cab moving.
Jackknife accidents impact huge areas. Truckers are generally moving at a substantial speed just before a jackknife accident. Once they try to stop and lose control, the trailer begins to swing forward. In many cases, the cab continues to move, though it is not moving forward. The accident takes hundreds of feet, increasing the chance that the truck will hit other vehicles while the driver is out of control. Rockaway Beach jackknife truck accidents may cause multiple accidents by hitting other vehicles.
Conditions Leading to Jackknife Truck Collisions
Responsible driving is one of the primary keys to preventing jackknife truck accidents. While most truck driving schools teach truckers how to handle the circumstances of any loss of control—including jackknives—most truckers will never experience them. That may be due to a combination of skill and luck.
Some conditions that can contribute to jackknives include inclement weather that can cause slippery roads, abrupt braking, and uneven loads. Poorly maintained vehicles are also more likely to be in jackknife accidents. When brakes are not properly maintained, they can fail or lock up, and both of those things increase the risk that the axle wheels and truck wheels will not lock at the same time.
Determining what caused the jackknife is essential. It can help an attorney in Rockaway Beach determine potential liability in a jackknife truck accident claim.
Talk to a Lawyer About Jackknife Truck Accidents in Rockaway Beach
Being involved in a truck wreck can be a terrifying experience. You may suffer extreme injuries, face financial devastation, and be confused about how to pursue claims and get the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can help you unwind the complexities of Jackknife truck accidents in Rockaway Beach. They can help you identify the responsible parties, negotiate settlements, and take your claim to court when necessary. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
