Jackknifing trucks lead to countless accidents, injuries, and deaths each year in the United States. The result is that the truck creates a shape resembling a pocket knife or a "jackknife.". Moreover, fatigued driving can severely limit a truck drivers concentration, causing them to become inattentive to the road and exceed the speed limit. The second thing you need to do is to slow down the vehicle. According to iDriveArkansas, an 18-wheeler jackknifed on I-530 at the south terminal interchange on Thursday during the winter storm. Jackknife Accident | Truck Accident Attorneys | Fried Goldberg When truck drivers fail to follow these regulationsor do not load their cargo onto the truck or trailer properlythe trucks center of gravity may become offset, causing it to jackknife. If you qualify, your lawyer can assist you throughout the process and work to recover the monetary damages you deserve for your injuries. Regardless of the state you live in, its best to take every precaution to prevent truck accidents. Also, the massive size and weight of the truck could cause it to roll over, seriously injuring its occupants. All Rights Reserved. Instead, get in touch with a attorney who can help you protect your rights and work to recover the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses. Jack-knifed lorry closes A46 at Lincoln between two major roundabouts Almost five percent of truck collisions are jackknife accidents. When truck drivers are on the road, they may not have any alcohol in their system. The Old Dominion driver called 911. Cases handled by lawyers who principally practice in Florence, Myrtle Beach (by appointment), Columbia, or N. Charleston (main). Summit County including Akron. It also happens when a truck driver is following another vehicle too closely or not paying attention to road conditions. The accident can cause a truck to spin out of control and block the roadway, which can be dangerous for passing vehicles. It also means that someone probably got injured if that trailer encountered any vehicles along the way. This technology is now required starting with trucks released in 2000, as older ones are gradually phased out. Call our 24/7 toll-free hotline at (614) 545-3930 or use our online contact form to set up a free consultation. This term comes from a description of how the blade of a jack knife forms the angle with its protective handle. Mechanical failure can also be caused by improper design or manufacturing defects. For a free case evaluation, call 1-866-900-7078 or contact us online to discuss your case. Who Is Responsible for a Truck Jackknife? - The Levin Firm truck jackknife today - Los Feliz Ledger Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes because each case is unique and must be evaluated separately. Waiting for the others in our convoy?) Texas Jackknife Accident Lawyer | Help, Causes, & Lawsuits We have achieved favorable settlements for our clients who were injured or have lost loved ones in truck wrecks. When this happens, the truck can skid down a hill and strike one or more other vehicles, causing a series of accidents and numerous injuries. The truck is now in a jackknife position, which resembles the shape of a folding . Your career is within reach, so contact us and get started with your education today, and we'll make sure you are nothing but successful every step of the way. The domino effect from a jackknifing truck can also cause the damage to spread out further. In other words, about 1 in 10 truck occupant deaths have something to do with jackknifing. We get you the results you need and provide legal advice through the whole court process. This term comes from a description of how the blade of a jack knife forms the angle with its protective handle. To avoid this, make sure that your trailer is weighted on the bottom and has a low center of gravity. When the force and speed of the truck are so great, it can . We know how to help you fight for the full, fair compensation you are owed. Moreover, if you later need to file a truck accident claim or lawsuit, the insurance company is more likely to accept that your injuries are severe if you seek treatment immediately after the accident. How Much Does It Cost to Fix Rust on a Truck? This can happen for a variety of reasons, including a drivers negligence, a car hitting the trailer, or icy conditions. When a tractor-trailer jackknifes, this means that the vehicle has folded into a "V" position, with the trailer swinging out uncontrollably. Truck drivers should always follow safety laws and be well-rested while driving. Jackknifing occurs when a commercial truck's trailer swings out to one side, forming a 90-degree angle, similar to the angle the blade of a pocketknife forms with the handle. Fortunately, the surrounding motorists were able to back up to safety, and no one was hurt. A truck jackknife accident can lead to catastrophic injuries for other drivers on the road. The truck may also roll over, severely injuring its driver. They must also account for weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice, which may cause their truck to jackknifeespecially when proceeding downgrade. While you focus your attention on fully recovering from your truck accident injuries, a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in your area can begin advocating for your legal interests. If the truck is empty, it can be easy to break excessively. 407Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, 525 North Tryon Street, Ste. Your doctor should also assess you for less visible damage to prevent the onset of a serious later-appearing injury. and results vary from case to case. When traveling at high speed, a sudden directional force from a collision will throw a truck off-balance, causing the trailer to fold on its hinge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (614) 545-3930 is ready to listen to you. Below are some of the most common causes of jackknife accidents: Curves It can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including the speed of the truck, poor weather conditions, and negligence of other motorists. In such an urgent scenario, a truck driver could make a poor decision in applying the brakes. Do not assume that you are fine if you do not feel immediate pain, as oftentimes a traumatic accident can trigger adrenaline and endorphins in the body which may temporarily mask pain right after the accident. You should contact an attorney for advice on specific legal problems. While some states do not require this, you can ensure that your driver is properly trained and attentive. Authorities said the first truck had jackknifed on the bridge for unknown reasons when the second truck, an Old Dominion hauler transporting potassium hydroxide, crashed into it. It can also occur when the front aspect of the truck is pushed all the way around so that it is facing backward. An inexperienced driver might apply improper brakes and cause the vehicle to skid. Brake issues contribute to 27% of truck accidents according to the Transportation Research Board's (TRB) and cause around 40,000 trucking accidents every year. Whether you are a truck driver, a car driver, or a passenger hurt in a jackknife accident in Ohio, The Fitch Law Firm is ready to listen to you. Properly maintaining commercial vehicles is very important because the brakes are essential in preventing jackknifing accidents. In most cases, the trailer will jackknife in a V shape, which is a dangerous situation. To schedule a free consultation or case evaluation with a New York City truck jackknife accident lawyer, please call us today at 212-285-3300, or contact us online. Handled our case with care and great results. Crash investigation continues, while inspectors examine the extent of damage on the bridge. Few are as scary as a jackknife accident, in which the cab and trailer face different directions and the truck is prone to flipping over. 2021 April 29 A double tractor-trailer marked FedEx Ground jackknifed on US 35 at Cain Road near the Jackson and Ross County line. Causes of Injuries from Semi-Trucks That Jackknifed Jackknifing a truck means that the driver lost control of the big rig to such an extent that the normal straight line cab-before-the-trailer configuration is dramatically distorted so that the trailer swings from behind the cab and forms a right angle to it. (305) 371-2692 today. It isn't hard to understand what can happen when it collides with another vehicleor worse, a . When a driver applies brakes while speeding in a curve the truck may jackknife. South Carolina Business & Medical Insurance Grievances, Negligent Hiring of Truck Drivers Accidents. Semi-trucks are extremely large vehicles and when the towing vehicle or trailer of a truck is out of control, it puts many other people on the road at risk. You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical bills and other damages resulting from the crash. This was followed by a series of crashes with 24 cars. No Attorney-Client Relationship Created by Use of this Website. What is a Jack Knife? - The Cochran Firm What Does It Mean When a Truck Jackknifes? If a vehicle towing a trailer skids, the trailer can push the towing vehicle from behind until it spins the vehicle around and faces backwards. , which prevents wheels from locking up when braking. 2170 Ashley Phosphate Rd, 3rd FloorNorth Charleston, SC 29406, 2411 N. Oak Street Ste. Instead of the trailer riding safely behind the truck cab, it sways to the side and can eventually make the entire truck lose control. examines brakes, coupling devices, steering mechanism, safe loading, securement of cargo, and trailer bodies, among many others. No Guarantee of Results. 06/05/22 - 5 of a family killed in accident. These regulations pertain to truck load limits, cargo loading or unloading procedures, and securing cargo properly. If you dont have enough experience backing up a trailer, you can try it in reverse by pulling forward on the trailer. Jackknifing happens when an 18-wheeler's trailer swings out from behind the cab, closing towards it like a pocket knife would close. They must also demonstrateoften through expert testimonythat this violation caused the truck jackknife accident. This is because the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and lawsuits, including those that involve truck accidents, is only two years from the accident date. Copyright Anastopoulo Law Firm 2023. The tractor-trailer might also overturn, causing a massive vehicle pile-up that involves numerous crashes and injuries. Jackknifing is often the result of the cab or trailer wheels losing traction with the . What Does It Mean for a Truck To Jackknife? - M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers For a free legal consultation with a jackknifing lawyer serving South Carolina, call (800) 777-7777. Loss of spousal companionship and consortium. Or, all the way around so that it faces backward, creating a shape that resembles a pocketknife, or jackknife. Jackknifing is the folding of an articulated vehicle so that it resembles the acute angle of a folding pocket knife. Truck jackknife accidents typically happen when truck drivers are . Many victims of truck jackknife accidents are unsure of what to do, where to go, and whom to trust. Liable insurance companies will often go to great lengths to avoid paying out the full amount you are owed. Our South Carolina jackknifing accident lawyers can help you fight for the maximum recovery you deserve. Interstate 35W southbound is currently closed in Minneapolis after a semi crashed and jackknifed in slick conditions following overnight snow. A jackknife crash happens when a truck skids to a stop, and either its tractor or trailer slides to the side, forming a V-shape with the rest of the vehicle. Every case is different, and previous results do not guarantee results in any future case. Related to This All Blog Posts 17% of these deaths were truck occupants; 68% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles; 14% were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists. Approximately five percent of all truck accidents involve a truck jackknife. Further, your Ohio truck accident lawyer must be experienced in facing trucking companies and their insurers. CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION 580.765.9660.