Dangers of Jackknife Truck Accidents

, , , , Virginia Truck AccidentsLeave a commentvirginiatruckaccidentlawyer

There are thousands of trucks that drive along and through Virginia roads every single day. Unfortunately, these massive vehicles often put other commuters at significant risk of being injured or killed in a trucking accident. Each year, there are more than 4,000 people killed in truck accidents and another 100,000 seriously injured. Many of these crashes are caused by truck driver negligence and/or negligence on the part of the trucking company.

Dangers of Commercial Trucks

Large commercial trucks are in a category of vehicles that are referred to as “articulated vehicles.” An articulated vehicle is one that has a permanent or semi-permanent pivot joint in its construction which allows the vehicle to turn more sharply. Certain buses, trains, and trams are other examples of articulated vehicles.

The joint that allows the vehicle to be more maneuverable also makes the vehicle more vehicle vulnerable to jackknife accidents. A jackknife accident is one where the trailer of the truck folds over in front of the cab. This action leaves the truck looking like a folding knife, or jackknife, hence the name. While any jackknife accident can be dangerous, it can be even more deadly if the trailer of the truck swings perpendicular to the flow of traffic.

Jackknife accidents have the potential to be even more catastrophic because of the high risk of the truck rolling over as the trailer is sliding in front of the cab.

Some of the more common causes of jackknife accidents include the following behaviors or actions on the part of the truck driver:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driver error
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Improper braking
  • Improperly loaded cargo
  • Speeding
  • Taking a turn or curve too fast
  • Truck equipment malfunction
  • Weather or road conditions

Contact Our Office Today

Accidents that are caused by commercial trucks are usually more complex than other types of vehicle accidents and victims should seek out the assistance of a Va. truck accident attorney for legal assistance. There are a number of issues that could potentially be used as evidence against the party responsible. These issues may include whether or not there were any Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMSCR) violations. There is also the question about the liability of the trucking company for the acts of their employee (truck driver) and/or the mechanical condition of the truck involved in the crash.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of another party’s negligent or reckless actions, contact a Virginia truck accident attorney from Shapiro, Appleton & Washburn. Our firm has aggressively advocated for victims and their families for more than three decades and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

It is critical to remember that Virginia has placed a statute of limitation for how long victims have to file a claim for damages against those responsible for their injuries, so do not delay. Failure to file before that legal deadline could mean you lose any chance of ever filing your claim or getting justice against the person responsible for your or your loved one’s injuries.

Contact our office today to set up a free and confidential case evaluation with one of our dedicated Virginia trucking accident attorneys and find out how we can help you get the financial justice you deserve.

 

RELATED CONTENT