Injured in Jackknife Truck Accident?
ALBUQUERQUE TRIAL BLOG
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
What Are Jackknife Truck Accidents?
Jackknife trucking accidents happen when a semi-tractor trailer swings in the opposite direction of the truck. As a result, the trailer and truck form a V or L shape leaving the driver unable to steer the vehicle. When this happens, the truck can hit other motorists, especially when it’s out of control or on a busy roadway. Either way, this accident poses a great risk to other road users.
Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents
There are many causes of these types of truck accidents. Knowing some of these causes will help reduce the risk. Remember that you might be eligible for compensation if you have been injured in a jackknife truck accident. This is why hiring a New Mexico truck accident attorney is vital. Here are the common causes of jackknife accidents.
- Speeding: This is by far the most common cause of jackknife truck accidents. The driver might easily lose control when the truck is at high speed. For instance, if they take a turn at such speeds, they will lose control of the truck and cause a jackknife accident. Truck drivers must maintain optimal speed limits to prevent such cases.
- Bad weather conditions: Several weather conditions increase the risk of jackknife truck accidents. For instance, ice and snow are very dangerous conditions to drive in. When driving in these conditions, the truck driver might hit an ice patch and make the trailer skid out from behind. This results in a jackknife accident.
- Braking: Given the size of trucks, they need more time to come to a complete stop. When a driver is forced to slam on the brakes due to an emergency, the brakes might lock up, resulting in a jackknife accident. If the truck was at a high speed, the driver would not likely regain control. This might end up causing significant damage to other motorists.
- Collision: If a minor collision occurs at high speeds between a car and a large truck, the trailer could be forced out of position, resulting in a jackknife.
Injuries in a Jackknife Truck Accident
Given the weight and size of large commercial trucks, the injuries sustained in jackknife accidents are often severe. It might take months or even years to recover from these injuries. These truck accidents sometimes cause permanent complications that impact your life forever. Some might also cause permanent disability. This is why seeking compensation after getting injured in these accidents is crucial. Some of the common injuries caused by jackknife accidents include;
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Organ damage
- Severed limbs
- Permanent paralysis
- Deep cuts, bruises, and contusions
- Broken and fractured bones
- Torso injuries
- Death
Seek Legal Options with Raymon Law Group
If you have been injured in a jackknife truck accident in New Mexico, our experienced Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at Raymon Law Group are ready to help. When you sustain such injuries in a preventable accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim.
Our attorneys have worked on similar cases before and know what it takes to increase your chances of getting favorable compensation. We understand local laws and will represent your interests in court. Dial (505) 390-1040 to talk to our trusted personal injury attorneys at Raymon Law Group.