Truck accidents are dangerous enough, but jackknife truck accidents can be particularly devastating because they can involve the truck driver losing control of his or her vehicle and can affect multiple lanes of traffic. What is a jackknife accident? Jackknife accidents occur when a truck trailer overtakes the vehicle’s cabin. The truck looks like a “folded knife,” which is why this type of accident is referred to as a jackknife crash. When a truck’s trailer overtakes the cabin, the trailer can swing into other lanes of traffic and even swing into oncoming lanes of traffic. When a truck jackknifes, cars can slide under the trailer, which may not always have side underride rails (underride rails are only required on the rear of a truck). This can lead to even more serious injuries and even loss of life when vehicles are swept under the cabin of the truck.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck jackknife accident in Miami, Florida, you may have the right to seek damages to cover your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, you may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim. Orlando R. Murillo, P.A. is a truck accident law firm in Miami, Florida that offers clients free initial consultations during which our firm can review the details of your accident, estimate the value of your claim, identify negligent parties, and pursue a recovery for you and your family to the fullest extent of the law.
What are the Causes of Jackknife Crashes?
There are many reasons why jackknife accidents happen. Ultimately, many of these crashes could have been prevented with proper driver training, proper equipment, and safer driving. What are some causes of jackknife crashes?
- When a truck speeds and then needs to stop the vehicle suddenly, a jackknife accident can happen. Many highways have different speed limits for passenger vehicles and trucks, and for good reason. Trucks are far heavier than passenger vehicles and need more time and space to stop. When a driver tries to stop too quickly, the truck can jackknife. The posted speed limit might sometimes still be too fast for certain road conditions. In snow, rain, or slick conditions, a truck may need to operate much more slowly than the posted speed limit to be safe. If a truck driver goes too fast and then needs to stop, the truck can jackknife. In Miami in particular, slick road conditions can sometimes increase the risk of jackknife crashes.
- Brake Issues. If a truck’s brakes have not been properly maintained, or if the trailer’s brakes aren’t timed to brake with the cabin, the truck can jackknife during a hard stop. Truck companies have a responsibility to perform regular maintenance on their trucks. When these companies fail to maintain their vehicles, accidents can happen.
- Driver Errors. Driver inattention, inexperience, or fatigue can contribute to jackknife accidents. If a truck driver doesn’t keep a safe distance between the truck and other vehicles, he or she may need to stop suddenly, which can result in a jackknife crash. If a driver doesn’t brake in time, or swerves suddenly, a jackknife accident can happen.
If you were hurt in a jackknife accident and believe the crash may have been the result of driver error, inexperience, distraction, speeding, or due to improper maintenance, you may have the right to seek damages for your losses. In the aftermath of a truck accident, multiple parties might be responsible for the crash. Truck companies, drivers, insurers, shippers, loaders, and other parties may all play a role. Have questions about your rights? The truck accident lawyers at Orlando R. Murillo, P.A. in Miami, Florida may be able to assist you. Our attorneys can review driver logs, maintenance records, and driver records to determine whether the truck company or driver might have been negligent in your crash. Contact us today to learn more and to protect your rights.
Seek Help After a Jackknife Truck Accident in Miami, Florida
The truck accident lawyers at Orlando R. Murillo, P.A. in Miami, Florida may be able to assist you with seeking damages following a jackknife accident. Truck companies are required to follow strict federal and local laws, and when truck companies violate these laws, they can be held accountable. The truck industry makes billions of dollars a year. Truck companies and drivers have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles and to operate their vehicles safely. When they fail to do so, innocent people can get hurt. Contact our attorneys today to learn more about your rights, or reach out to USAttorneys.com to get connected with the truck accident lawyers at Orlando R. Murillo, P.A. today.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!