The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 74,000 people were injured in truck accidents in 2009. Accidents involving large commercial trucks can be broken down into several categories including rollovers, underride accidents, head-on collisions and rear-end accidents. One of the most dangerous types of truck accidents to be in is the jackknife truck accident. Depending on the weight of the truck and the road conditions, a jackknife crash can cause massive property damage and severely injure vehicle occupants
In the majority of jackknife accidents, a tractor that is towing a trailer will skid, causing the trailer to push the tractor from behind until spins around and is facing backward. A jackknife truck accident resembles a folding pocket knife. When a truck jackknifes the cab is left facing the opposite direction of its trailer, making it nearly impossible to move the cab. Due to the nature of the crash, other motor vehicles may not have enough time to stop or enough room to maneuver around the tractor trailer, causing them to collide in to the truck. Many jackknife accidents occur in adverse weather conditions such as snow and rain.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife truck accident due to the negligence of another, you may have financial and legal recourse. Contact the truck accident lawyers at Phillips Law Group to discuss your legal options.
For additional information about filing legal claim in a truck crash, fill out the contact form on this page.
What Causes a Jackknife Truck Accident
Jackknife accidents in Arizona can be caused by a number of factors. Listed below are some common causes of a jackknife truck crash:
- Driver Error– A truck driver that tries to brake and swerve simultaneously can cause an accident.
- Speeding– A driver that is exceeding the posted speed limit can contribute to the truck jackknifing.
- Braking Suddenly When a large commercial truck weighs several tons, suddenly applies the brakes, it puts the vehicle at risk of jackknifing.
- Improperly Adjusted Brakes– An unloaded tractor trailer can jackknife, if the brakes are not adjusted properly. A driver may travel for miles with soft brakes, which can be a sign of brake failure. A truck can jackknife, if the driver fails to attend the brakes immediately.
Filing a Lawsuit in a Jackknife Crash
Oftentimes, jackknife accidents will leave vehicle occupants with serious injuries. In the worst case scenario, a jackknife collision will result in passengers being fatally injured. If the truck drivers negligence contributed to the crash, the victims family may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Ambulatory services
- Funeral costs
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
Arizona Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyers
After an accident victim has been involved in a jackknife crash, its imperative to seek legal consultation as soon as possible. An experienced Phoenix injury attorney can investigate the crash before crucial evidence vanishes. They will collect vital evidence and interview key witnesses to establish liability.
If you or a family member has sustained an injury in a jackknife truck accident, you may have grounds for legal action. Contact Phillips Law Group today to speak to a member of our staff.The law firm is available to assist injured individuals in the greater Phoenix area.
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