How to Prevent Your Truck from Jackknifing when Driving Through Amarillo
Injured In A Wreck? Call A Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Truck accidents happen for multiple reasons and, oftentimes, have catastrophic results due to their immense weight and size.
“Jackknifing” is a common cause of truck collisions. Jackknifing happens when the trailer and cab of a truck both fold into a 90-degree angle. This type of truck collision gets its name from the blade and protective handle of a pocket knife that form an acute angle, similar to the truck and its cab.
In October 2018, a minivan in Texas crashed into a jackknifed 18-wheeler. Dallas News stated, “One person died, two were in critical condition, and five others suffered minor injuries.”
If you have been in a jackknife accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for any injuries and damages you suffered. Our Texas truck accident lawyers at Tormey & McConnell have the knowledge and experience to handle the trucking insurance company while you focus on your recovery.
18-Wheeler Accident Statistics
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shared the following statistics about truck accidents:
About 1 in 10 highway deaths occur in a crash involving a large truck.
11% of all motor vehicle crash deaths occurred in large truck crashes.
A total of 3,986 people died in large truck crashes.
97% of vehicle occupants killed in two-vehicle crashes involving a passenger vehicle and a large truck were occupants of the passenger vehicles.
48% of large truck crash deaths occurred from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. compared with 30% of crash deaths not involving large trucks.
Jackknife Causes
When a big truck jackknifes, it is not only dangerous to the truck driver but to other drivers on the roadways. Below are some of the most common causes of jackknife accidents:
Curves
Slippery road conditions such as rain or sleet
Equipment malfunction
Driving drowsy
Excessive speeding
How to Avoid a Jackknife Accident
Jackknifing is preventable, and potential accidents may be avoided if the following tips are implemented:
Use caution in bad weather conditions.
Use proper braking.
Anytime you brake hard, check to see if the trailer swings.
Know the weight of the load. If the truck is empty, it can be easy to break excessively.
Common Injuries After 18-Wheeler Accidents
The likelihood of suffering an injury is much higher when a semi-truck is involved as opposed to a regular car accident. Common injuries can include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Deep burns
Concussion
Internal trauma
Broken bones
Lacerations
Seat belt injuries
Compensation Available For Injuries
Truck accident cases usually involve higher medical bills and serious injuries because of their size and weight. If a truck accident occurred and you’re not at fault for the accident, you could be compensated for the injuries you have suffered. Compensation can include the following:
Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Lost wages
Funeral expenses
Loss of consortium
Emotional trauma
Future loss of earnings
Contact Our Team Of Accident Lawyers
At Tormey & McConnell, we understand the stress and frustration you may be experiencing after an accident.
The tractor-trailer accident that resulted in seven injuries and one death is just one example of the devastating impact truck accidents can have.
Trucking companies should have their drivers properly trained but, in some cases, drivers don’t follow their training procedures which can result in an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, allow our team of Texas truck accident lawyers to help you through the legal process.
Call our office today or fill out our free case review form. Let our attorneys go to bat for you.