Transport-trailers and 18-wheelers are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. Due to this, they will cause injuries that are much more extensive when they are involved in a crash. In many truck accidents, the driver of the truck or another party associated with them, such as the company they work for, is liable for the crash and any injuries that result.
There are also many different types of truck accidents and of these, jackknife accidents are fairly common. The vast majority of jackknife truck accidents are the fault of the truck driver, but there are also other parties that may be liable.
What Does it Mean When a Truck Jackknifes?
A truck that is jackknifing will start to skid and the trailer attached to the tractor will fold or swing so it is perpendicular to the tractor. Essentially, the trailer will swing around to create a 90-degree angle or a V-shape, with the cab of the truck. When a truck jackknifes, it is easy for the driver to lose control of the vehicle because the tractor will move in a different direction from the trailer. It is said that these accidents are known as ‘jackknife’ accidents because after the accident, the tractor-trailer looks like a small folding knife.
Jackknifing is one of the most common types of truck accidents. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most serious and can result in serious injuries.
Common Injuries Caused by Jackknife Truck Accidents
Jackknifed trucks cause injuries in two different ways. The first is that the swinging motion of the tractor can crash into any vehicle in the vicinity. The second is that oncoming traffic may crash into any part of the truck, as it will take up more than one lane of traffic. This second cause is particularly true in the first few moments following a jackknife accident. Regardless of how the crash happens, it will result in serious injuries.
Upon impact, the force of a jackknifed truck may cause an occupant of a smaller vehicle to hit objects inside of their vehicle, such as a window, dashboard, headrest, door frame, or steering wheel. While this may sound quite minor, it can cause injuries that are very serious.
Likewise, the accident can also cause someone’s body to jerk around in the vehicle, which can cause soft tissue contusions and other serious injuries. If the accident is very forceful, an accident victim could even be ejected from their vehicle causing much more serious injuries, such as damage to the spinal cord and even paralysis.
Other possible injuries resulting from a jackknife truck accident include cuts, bruises, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal organ injuries. It is important to seek medical treatment immediately for any jackknife truck accident. The next step is to determine if the truck driver was liable for the jackknife accident.
Speeding
Tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded and up to 40,000 pounds when they are not carrying cargo. They also range between 70 and 80 feet in length. Due to this, these large vehicles take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles. A truck driver requires approximately 40 percent more time to come to a complete stop than other motorists on the road. When a truck driverspeeds and they then have to come to a quick stop, they may slam on their brakes. The brakes may then lock, which can cause the truck to jackknife.
Following Too Closely
Speeding is not the only reason a truck driver may have to brake suddenly. If a truck driver follows another vehicle too closely, also known as tailgating, they may also have to slam on their brakes if the driver in front of them has to slow down or stop suddenly. Again, if the truck driver has to slam on their brakes, they may lock and cause the truck to jackknife.
Drowsy Driving
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, trying to deliver as much cargo as possible in the shortest amount of time. This can cause them to become tired behind the wheel, which is very dangerous.
If a truck driver is too tired to properly focus on the road, they may not react to certain situations in the proper manner, such as applying the brakes to stop in traffic, or fail to notice a slippery patch of highway due to inclement weather. When a driver is tired and fails to notice these hazards, it can result in a jackknife accident. While thehours of service rule is meant to avoid drowsy truck drivers, not everyone complies with them.
Improper Loading
There are very specific procedures for loading cargo into a truck. All cargo must be secured properly and the weight of it must be distributed evenly throughout the truck. If cargo is not loaded properly, it can shift during transport and the driver may lose control of the vehicle, which can cause a jackknife accident. Sometimes, truck drivers load their own vehicles but there are times when third party companies have the task of loading the cargo onto trucks.
Inclement Weather
Vermont often sees heavy rain, snow, and other inclement weather conditions. While no one can control the weather, truck drivers do have a responsibility to know how to navigate these conditions safely. Often when truck drivers are involved in accidents during inclement weather, they were often traveling at speeds too high for the conditions, even if they were not technically speeding. Truck drivers should slow down in inclement weather to prevent jackknife accidents and other types of crashes.
Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Vermont Can Help After a Jackknife Accident
If you have been involved in a jackknife accident, you have likely suffered some of the most serious types of injuries. At Larson & Gallivan Law, ourVermont truck accident lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need and ensure your rights are always protected. Call us now at 802-327-8458 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get more information.
