Jackknife Truck Accidents in Union

Major highways carry large volumes of commercial traffic, and with that comes a higher risk of serious accidents. Jackknife truck accidents in Union are among the most dangerous crashes on our roadways. If such an accident injured you, contact one of our experienced truck accident attorneys at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq today for trusted legal guidance.

What Are Jackknife Accidents?

The heavyweight semis that truckers operate consist of cabs and trailers that are connected by large hitches. The hitch acts as a hinge that allows the two major truck parts to move together while turning or changing lanes. It’s important to keep the cab and trailer working together rather than against one another. Jackknife accidents happen when the trailer folds towards the cab in a movement similar to a folding jackknife.

Jackknife crashes happen when the trailer picks up its own momentum and swings free. The sheer weight of commercial vehicles means that jackknife accidents can cause catastrophic collisions. When a Union trucker jackknifes their rig, it sets off a series of events that are difficult to control and are certain to be dangerous to others on the road. A jackknifing truck can strike multiple vehicles and block traffic for hours.

Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents

Every jackknife truck wreck in Union is different, but they tend to have several factors in common.

Failure To Adjust To Weather Conditions

Speed limits are for ideal driving conditions, and every motorist must adjust their speed in response to adverse weather conditions. Commercial drivers are held to strict safety standards, and a trucker increases the risk of jackknifing when they fail to adapt to poor weather, including:

• Wet, icy, or slippery roads
• High winds
• Low visibility
• Flash flooding

When a driver’s tractor and trailer have different levels of traction with the road’s surface, the truck can jackknife even on a straight stretch of road.

Unsafe Braking

Truckers sometimes need to brake hard in emergencies, but safe driving practices reduce this risk. Hard braking increases the chance that the trailer will move separately from the cab, causing a jackknife accident. This risk increases in poor weather, when speeding, or when the truck’s brakes are faulty.

Other Contributing Factors

A jackknife accident can happen whenever a trucker loses control of their vehicle, which is often due to some form of driver negligence or mechanical failure. Contributing factors include:

• Overcompensating in response to hazards on the road
• Taking sharp turns too quickly
• Colliding with another vehicle
• Loading freight unsafely

Consult with an Experienced Union Attorney After a Jackknife Truck Crash

Jackknife truck accidents in Union are extremely dangerous and are more common than you may realize. If negligence by a truck driver, trucking company, or vehicle manufacturer caused your injuries, you need professional legal representation. Our tenacious attorneys at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq have the experience, skill, and drive to pursue the best possible outcome for your claim. Contact us online or call us today.