A jackknife accident can occur when a truck driver brakes too hard, causing the carriage of their vehicle to turn at a 90-degree angle. When an 18 wheeler ends up in this position, it resembles a jackknife. Oftentimes, the trucker may be unable to stop and loses control of the vehicle, and the truck’s carriage may hit nearby vehicles on the road because the truck blocks all lanes of the highway. A recent study from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration revealed that approximately 5 percent of all accidents involving commercial trucks were jackknife accidents. When large trucks collide with smaller vehicles in a jackknife accident, the consequences can be devastating.
Jackknife accidents can result in a number of severe injuries, such as:
- Bone fractures
- Serious spinal cord injuries
- Contusions
- Burn injuries
- Concussion
- Organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Death
Accidents of this magnitude can’t always be prevented, but there are proper precautions that can be taken to help reduce the chances of jackknife accidents. Truck drivers should be careful when braking, and should avoid slamming on brakes by keeping a safe distance from other vehicles on the road. Truckers should always try to use brakes gradually and/or lightly. Truckers should also make sure they have plenty of rest and are fully alert when driving. They should steer clear from all distractions, such as cell phones, and keep their eyes on the road at all times. In poor weather conditions, truck drivers should always drive at considerably slower speeds, or pull over, if needed.
The aftermath of a jackknife accident can feel like too much to bear, including the financial aftermath. Because most accident victims are unable to return to work when being involved in a catastrophic accident, such as a jackknife accident, bills and expenses can quickly add up. Some of these expenses, like medical bills, may be a direct result of the accident. If a negligent party was the cause of your jackknife accident, you may have already reached out to an attorney to fight for the justice you deserve in a truck accident lawsuit.
As your lawyer fights your case on your behalf, you may have a lot of questions about the process, including how long it will take for your lawsuit to finalize and when you’ll receive your money. Accident victims often rely on this money to take care of the bills and expenses that may have accumulated as a direct result of their accident. At USClaims, we offer plaintiffs other options through a service known as pre-settlement funding, which can allow accident victims to get their money sooner. Apply now or call us today at 1-877-USCLAIMS to learn more.
