You are driving down the highway, attempting to pass a tractor trailer, when the truck jackknifes. Before you have a chance to react, there is a 50,000-lb tractor trailer skidding in your direction. It is every driver's worst nightmare, and it happens far too often on the roadways of Kentucky.
Jackknifing occurs when a truck's trailer swings towards the cab, forming an L or V shape that is similar to a folding pocketknife. These incidents can be extremely dangerous for others driving on the roadway in the vicinity of the truck. The out of control trailer may push the cab, causing the truck to spin in a circle on the road. Cars in its path may be pushed into oncoming lanes of traffic, or crushed underneath the weight of the truck.
What causes a truck to jackknife?
Jackknifing truck accidents can happen for a number of reasons. Loss of traction is the mechanical reason these incidents occur, as the trailer's brakes fail to adequately slow or stop the wheels. The main vehicle may slow down, but the trailer continues moving at the same speed, causing it to slide toward the cab. Blown tires are a common cause of jackknifing. If a tire blows while the truck is traveling at high speeds, the vehicle could jackknife.
An experienced Kentucy truck accident lawyer knows that driver negligence is often part of the issue. Some examples of driver actions that lead to jackknifing include:
- Reckless driving in dangerous road conditions. Drivers have a duty to operate their trucks in a cautious manner, particularly when the road is wet or icy. Braking issues commonly occur in poor weather conditions. If the driver is traveling too quickly on a slick roadway, the trailer may lose traction and jackknife.
- Excessive speeds. Trucks need space and time to brake correctly. When operators travel at excessive speeds, they may not allow themselves enough time or distance to properly stop the truck. When a truck driver slams on brakes, it may cause the trailer brakes to lock and slide on the road, also resulting in a jackknife.
The attorneys of Crandall & Pera Law are concerned about your well-being and your ability to afford the level of medical treatment needed after a serious crash. To schedule a no obligation consultation with one of our experienced Kentucky truck accident lawyers, please call 877-686-7764 or fill out our contact form.