Austin Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney

Looking for a Jackknife Truck Accidents Lawyer in Austin?

A Jackknife accident is defined as the skidding of a hinged vehicle which results in the rotation of the truck’s trailer to the point where the tractor and the trailer are positioned in a manner similar to a jackknife closing.

Large trucks, tractor-trailers, big rigs, or 18-wheelers are comprised of a cab and at least one trailer. A jackknife occurs when the twofold together. When the truck’s trailer skids, it can swing around to form a 90 degree angle with the cab or the tractor. At this time, the truck driver no longer has control over the vehicle, which in turn poses a threat to all other motorists in the road. Because of the size of the truck and the succeeding speed the trailer skids at, jackknife accidents often lead to a truck rollover.

Listed below are some of the common reasons why jackknife accidents occur:

• Sudden and Abrupt Application of Brakes – When jackknife truck accidents are mentioned, we generally check first at the abrupt and sudden application of brakes in a large truck. When tractor trailer, which weighs up to 80,000 pounds, suddenly slams on the brakes, it causes the trailer to skid, to jackknife, or to roll over

• Ill-Adjusted Brakes – An unloaded trailer may also jackknife if the brakes of the truck are adjusted improperly. Many times, a driver could travel as many miles with soft brake pedals, which could be a sign of brake failure, and yet the driver fails to adjust them immediately.

• Driver Error – A driver who brakes and swerves at the same time can cause a jackknife.

• Truck Axle Locks – When the brakes of the truck are not designed properly and when the truck axle locks sooner than the tractor’s, a jackknife can also occur.

• Speeding – Speeding, especially during unfavorable conditions can also contribute to a jackknife collision.

There is only so much a driver can do when he drives to a curve, only to realize that his 18-wheeler is already sliding on the highway. He has basically lost control and this makes the situation deadly not only to other motorists, but the truck driver and his passengers as well.

Furthermore, the load of the tractor that jackknifes can also fall and spill on the highway – putting more risk to motorists who are driving near the truck.

The FMCSA or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration calculates that there are about 368,000 traffic accidents that involve large trucks, in which 4,500 resulted in fatalities. Of these, 77,000 also injured other motorists as well as the truck drivers themselves.

In another report released in 2007, about 5% of truck accidents in which drivers were found to have caused the crash, ended in a jackknife.

With all of the many possible causes that can result in a jackknife accident such as overspeeding, poor road conditions, driver negligence, poorly maintained brakes, or the failure to maintain the vehicle properly, an investigation should be conducted immediately before significant evidence disappears.

Jackknife accidents are highly preventable. Below are some tips that truck drivers can take note of:

• Maintaining a safe distance from other motorists on the road, especially in extreme weather conditions
• Not decelerating at curves, turns or bends. The driver must brake in a straight line before the turn. The driver can accelerate again once the turn has been made.
• Spreading the brakes over the longest distances possible.
• When the tractor is already skidding, the truck driver must release the brakes and steer towards the skid before it causes the truck to jackknife.

The McMinn Law Firm

The jackknife truck accident lawyers of The McMinn Law Firm serve victims of such devastating accidents. To prove negligence in these kinds of crashes, a victim needs to enlist the services of a capable, aggressive and resourceful lawyer. Our trial attorneys have been successful in handling jackknife truck accident cases and have been winning back compensation for our clients who have been victimized by these acts of negligence.

Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Austin, Texas

Jason McMinn and Justin McMinn provide represent victims of car crashes throughout Texas. Staff at McMinn Law Firm specializes in car accident, truck accident, slip and fall, premises liability, and dog bite cases.
Read what people are saying about McMinn Law Firm. Call (512) 474-0222 for a free consultation of your case.

Looking for a Jackknife Truck Accidents Lawyer in Austin?

A ackknife accident is defined as the skidding of a hinged vehicle which results in the rotation of the truck’s trailer to the point where the tractor and the trailer are positioned in a manner similar to a jackknife closing.

Large trucks, tractor-trailers, big rigs, or 18-wheelers are comprised of a cab and at least one trailer. A jackknife occurs when the two fold together. When the truck’s trailer skids, it can swing around to form a 90 degree angle with the cab or the tractor. At this time, the truck driver no longer has control over the vehicle, which in turn poses a threat to all other motorists in the road. Because of the size of the truck and the succeeding speed the trailer skids at, jackknife accidents often lead to a truck rollover.

Listed below are some of the common reasons why jackknife accidents occur:

• Sudden and Abrupt Application of Brakes – When jackknife truck accidents are mentioned, we generally check first at the abrupt and sudden application of brakes in a large truck. When tractor trailer, which weighs up to 80,000 pounds, suddenly slams on the brakes, it causes the trailer to skid, to jackknife, or to roll over

• Ill-Adjusted Brakes – An unloaded trailer may also jackknife if the brakes of the truck are adjusted improperly. Many times, a driver could travel as many miles with soft brake pedals, which could be a sign of brake failure, and yet the driver fails to adjust them immediately.

• Driver Error – A driver who brakes and swerves at the same time can cause a jackknife.

• Truck Axle Locks – When the brakes of the truck are not designed properly and when the truck axle locks sooner than the tractor’s, a jackknife can also occur.

• Speeding – Speeding, especially during unfavorable conditions can also contribute to a jackknife collision.

There is only so much a driver can do when he drives to a curve, only to realize that his 18-wheeler is already sliding on the highway. He has basically lost control and this makes the situation deadly not only to other motorists, but the truck driver and his passengers as well.

Furthermore, the load of the tractor that jackknifes can also fall and spill on the highway – putting more risk to motorists who are driving near the truck.

The FMCSA or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration calculates that there are about 368,000 traffic accidents that involve large trucks, in which 4,500 resulted in fatalities. Of these, 77,000 also injured other motorists as well as the truck drivers themselves.

In another report released in 2007, about 5% of truck accidents in which drivers were found to have caused the crash, ended in a jackknife.

With all of the many possible causes that can result in a jackknife accident such as overspeeding, poor road conditions, driver negligence, poorly maintained brakes, or the failure to maintain the vehicle properly, an investigation should be conducted immediately before significant evidence disappears.

Jackknife accidents are highly preventable. Below are some tips that truck drivers can take note of:

• Maintaining a safe distance from other motorists on the road, especially in extreme weather conditions
• Not decelerating at curves, turns or bends. The driver must brake in a straight line before the turn. The driver can accelerate again once the turn has been made.
• Spreading the brakes over the longest distances possible.
• When the tractor is already skidding, the truck driver must release the brakes and steer towards the skid before it causes the truck to jackknife.