It takes only seconds for an 18-wheeler to jackknife.
One moment, you’re driving your car down the interstate at a safe rate of speed.
Then – in an instant and without warning – you see the broadside of semi-truck barreling toward you.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to maneuver your vehicle to safety, avoiding a horrific crash.
But for far too many innocent motorists, a jackknifing 18-wheeler leads to serious injury or even death.
What Happens When an 18-Wheeler Jackknifes?
Jackknifing describes a situation where an 18-wheeler or any trailer-towing vehicle skids.
If the driver can’t correct in time, the trailer will push the towing vehicle from behind until it spins the vehicle around and faces backwards.
A jackknifed 18-wheeler will resemble the 90-degree angle of a folding pocket knife.
When a big truck jackknifes, the trailer will usually end up careening across the highway.
Thanks to their enormous size – 20-to-30 times heavier than a typical passenger vehicle – and greater ground clearance, a jackknifing 18-wheeler will likely cause tremendous damage to anything that crosses its path.
For this reason, it’s not unusual for innocent motorists to sustain serious injuries in a jackknife 18-wheeler crash, including:
- Bone Fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Concussions
- Burns
- Internal Injuries
- Death
Causes of Jackknife Truck Crashes
Speeding is often a contributing factor to jackknife truck accidents.
If a speeding trucker is forced to slam on the brakes, the trailer’s momentum may keep it moving even after the cab has come to a standstill.
The trailer has no place to go other than pivot sideways when it meets up with the cab.
Other factors that can contribute to a jackknife 18-wheeler crash include:
- Driver Error
- Taking a Curve at a Very High Speed
- Down Shifting
- Incorrectly Adjusted Brakes
- Acceleration on a Slippery Surface
- Improperly Loaded Trailers
- Partial Load
- Empty Trailer
A Careful and Competent Trucker Can Often Avoid Jackknifing
While it’s impossible for anyone, including truckers, to predict an accident, it is possible to take steps to prevent a jackknife 18-wheeler crash. As such, a careful and competent truck driver will:
- Be Wary When Hauling a Light Load
- Allow Plenty of Time to Brake
- Avoid Entering a Curve at a High Rate of Speed
- Avoid Braking and Swerving Simultaneously in an Emergency
- Use Caution When Applying the Engine Brake or Using the Retarder on a Slick Surface
- Avoid Skidding
- Avoid Speeding
- Ensure that Brakes, Tires, and Suspension Components are Properly Maintained
Were You or a Loved One Injured in a Jackknife 18-Wheeler Crash? Call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here for a Free Consult with Our Undefeated Truck Accident Lawyers.
In addition to being Undefeated at Trial, Our Experienced 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers have won over $1 billion for our clients, including hundreds of people throughout Texas, Louisiana, and across the United States who were injured or tragically killed in jackknife 18-wheeler crashes and other trucking-related accidents.
If you would like to discuss your legal options with one of our Undefeated Truck Accident Attorneys, call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here to send us a confidential email via our “Contact Us” form.
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