Tampa Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer
Semi trucks are important vehicles on the roadways as they deliver goods from one place to another. However, these large vehicles are also dangerous. These long trucks consist of a cab and trailer, making it possible for them to jackknife.
Jackknifing refers to the trailer of a semi truck pushing the cab to one side or all the way around so it looks like a pocketknife, or jackknife. This type of accident can block roadways and cause other vehicles to crash.
Jackknifing often results from a lack of traction, which refers to how well the tires grip the road. A vehicle’s wheels depend on adequate traction to both move and stop. Ideally, wheels will roll on the road. However, slick roads and improper braking can cause tires to skid instead of roll. When the truck driver slams on the brakes, this has an adverse effect. It causes the wheels to lock, which then makes the cab swing out of control and cause a jackknife accident.
When there are multiple vehicles involved, jackknife accidents can be catastrophic and even deadly in nature. Get the legal help you need from the Tampa jackknife truck accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson.
Causes of Jackknife Accidents
Trucks tend to jackknife when the cab skids but the trailer attached to it does not slow down or stop. These jackknife accidents are caused by the following:
- Improper braking
- Unsafe speeds
- Inexperienced truck drivers
- Driving while fatigued
- Weather conditions such as rain or ice
- Turning too quickly
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Equipment failure
How to Prevent Jackknife Accidents
Truck drivers can prevent these crashes by doing the following:
- Slow down. Higher speeds make jackknifing more likely to occur.
- Increase following distance. Keep extra distance between the semi truck and other vehicles so you don’t have to brake as often.
- Be careful on curves. Avoid braking or even decelerating.
- Apply even brake pressure. Don’t press too hard or lock up the brakes.
- Avoid skidding. A skid can easily lead to a jackknife.
- Be wary of light loads. Heavier loads offer more traction.
- Maintain the truck. A properly maintained semi truck is less likely to jackknife.
Common Injuries
Semi trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. A vehicle of this size creates a lot of force, which can cause a variety of injuries in a jackknife accident, such as the following:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries (including brain damage)
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Pelvic fractures
- Internal bleeding and trauma to organs
- Crushing or decapitation, leading to death
Contact Our Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Jackknifing trucks present dangerous situations on the roadways. Such an incident can cause a chain reaction crash as well as major damage and injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a jackknife crash, seek legal help from the Tampa truck accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson. Trucking companies will hide evidence so you don’t get fair compensation. Contact us today to get started on your case. Call 813-251-0072 or fill out the online form.
