West Palm Beach Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Attorney

Jackknifes are common accidents involving tractor-trailers. The tractor and trailer can fold toward each other for various reasons, causing them to crash into nearby vehicles. This is a terrifying accident because the trucker cannot control the truck, and many motorists cannot get out of the way in time. When involved in a crash, motorists can suffer challenging injuries which require ongoing and expensive care. Contact the law firm of Pike & Lustig for help with the legal side of your case. A West Palm Beach tractor-trailer jackknife attorney can break down your odds of receiving compensation and simple steps to make your claim stronger.

What Are the Main Causes of Jackknife Accidents?

A tractor-trailer should not jackknife during normal driving conditions. Instead, something unusual goes wrong and makes the truck unstable. Here are the most common reasons for these wrecks:

1. Slick roads. Any snow or ice on the road can lead to a loss of traction. As the tires lose their grip, the tractor and trailer can travel at different speeds, leading to a jackknife.
2. Hard braking. Sudden braking can reduce traction and cause a jackknife because the trailer and cab decelerate at different speeds.
3. Taking a turn too fast. A sharp turn increases the risk of a jackknife, as the trailer might swing out to the side.
4. Overcorrection. Any sudden movement can lead to a jackknife. A trucker who nods off and slides into oncoming traffic might suddenly wake up and jerk the wheel to get back in their lane. That jerky movement can lead to a jackknife.
5. Shifting cargo. All the cargo in the trailer should be properly secured so that it does not shift. That type of sudden movement of heavy cargo can cause the trailer to swing to the side and trigger a jackknife.
6. Suspension and other mechanical issues. A truck might fail to work properly when there is a major mechanical problem, such as brakes locking or the suspension not working.

A jackknife can lead to a cascade of problems, including multi-vehicle pileups. Dozens of vehicles can crash as they are struck by the tractor-trailer or swerve to avoid the crash. Vehicles can carom off each other, with dozens of injured victims.

Jackknifes can also cause cargo spills, where the cargo comes flying out of the trailer. This flying debris can strike vehicles and cause accidents, or else motorists swerve to avoid crashing into the cargo.

Trucking companies can prevent jackknife accidents by ensuring that their truckers are professionally trained and do not drive too much, which could lead to falling asleep. Cargo should be balanced and secured so that the truck does not become unbalanced. Transportation companies should also regularly maintain their vehicles.

Call Our West Palm Beach Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Attorneys to Discuss a Jackknife Accident

Pike & Lustig has established itself as a leading law firm in Florida helping truck accident victims. A West Palm Beach tractor-trailer jackknife accident attorney can represent you in an injury claim. We will usually try to first negotiate a settlement before filing a lawsuit.