Every year, jackknife truck accidents and other truck accidents cause thousands of injuries and deaths on American highways. If you were injured in a jackknife truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and suffering. Thus, it is critical to understand who can be held accountable for your injuries if you are involved in a jackknife truck accident. Depending on what happened during the incident, the truck driver or the company that owns the vehicle may both be held liable.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
There are many types of truck collisions. One of them is a jackknife accident. A truck jackknifes when it brakes suddenly, stopping the cab but not the trailer. As a result, the trailer swings to one side, folding it into a “V” shape.
Jackknife truck accidents pose a danger to other passengers nearby. The trailer may swing out and collide with other vehicles, or it may even trap them between the truck and trailer. Also, the trailers tend to block the lanes, affecting oncoming traffic. Cargo can potentially spill into the road, colliding with vehicles or causing a serious traffic hazard.
What Are the Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents?
In most cases, jackknifing truck accidents could have been avoided if drivers drive and brake cautiously. In others, regular vehicle maintenance may have prevented the incident. Here are common causes of jackknife truck accidents:
- Accelerating too fast in a curve or on slick roads
- Braking too hard in a bend or on icy roads
- Brake issues such as balance and adjustment problems
Who Is Liable for a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Evidence is critical in identifying who should be held liable for the accident. There are three main types of evidence you can use to prove who’s liable for a jackknife truck accident:
- Dashcam footage: Many vehicles are now equipped with dashboard cameras. In-vehicle footage captured by nearby cars can be used as visual confirmation or testimony if there is no other physical proof. This is often the case if the accident involves two large trucks on opposite sides of the highway and witnesses are unable to see each driver’s side.
- Eyewitnesses statement: An eyewitness can relate what he or she saw at the site of the accident. If your witness is certain about everything that happened, their testimony will be valuable to your case.
- Traffic cameras: Another type of evidence is footage from traffic cameras. Because the images may only present part of the accident and don’t reveal who is liable for the collision, an official investigation needs to be carried out by the relevant authorities.
If you or your loved ones are involved in a truck accident, Corradino & Papa, LLC truck accident attorneys can examine your case and help you gather evidence. Nobody should have to face the consequences of truck accident injuries caused by someone else’s recklessness or negligence. Our experienced lawyers will help you get compensation to cover lost wages, medical expenses, and more. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case.