Jackknife accidents and other truck accidents lead to thousands of injuries and deaths on U.S. roads each year. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you suffered injuries in a jackknife truck accident.

What are jackknife truck accidents?

A tractor-trailer jackknifes when a truck brakes suddenly, halting the motion of the cab but not the trailer. This causes the trailer to swing to the side, folding the tractor-trailer into a “V” shape.

Jackknife truck accidents can be especially dangerous to those in passenger cars nearby. The trailer can swing out and strike other cars or, in some cases, even pin them between the truck and trailer. Trailers also often block other lanes, giving oncoming traffic nowhere to go. Cargo can also spill onto the roadway, hitting cars or creating a dangerous traffic hazard.

What causes jackknife truck accidents?

In many cases, truck drivers can avoid jackknifing simply by driving and braking carefully. In others, proper maintenance could prevent an accident. Some of the most common reasons trucks jackknife include:

  • Braking hard on wet or icy roads
  • Braking too hard in a curve
  • Accelerating too quickly on slick roads or in a curve
  • Using an engine brake on wet or icy curves
  • Brake issues, including adjustment and balance problems

Who is liable for a jackknife truck accident?

Liability in a jackknife truck accident depends on what caused the truck to jackknife. Obviously, if the truck driver was clearly at-fault, liability will lie with him and usually with the trucking company. If another driver cut off the driver and braked suddenly not allowing the driver time to stop, the other driver may be liable for your injuries.

If a braking issue caused the accident, liability may lie with the maintenance or auto shop. Liability may also lie with a manufacturer if a defective part caused the accident.

A truck accident lawyer can review the police report, interview witnesses, and investigate the accident in an effort to identify any possible responsible parties.

How can Montero Law Center help?

Montero Law Center’s truck accident attorneys can review your case and determine if there is enough evidence to prove negligence and collect damages for your injuries. We can help you get compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more after a truck accident in Florida.

Contact us today at 954-767-6500 to schedule an appointment.