Maryland Jackknife Accident Lawyers

Jackknife Accident

Big rigs are very specific types of vehicles and, therefore, are involved in different types of accidents than regular passenger cars. Truck accidents, overall, have the potential to cause more damage, more injuries, and more fatalities than smaller cars, which is why these vehicles and their drivers are governed by strict federal and state regulations. One particular type of truck crash is a jackknife accident, which occurs when the cab and the trailer fold at their linking point until it forms an acute angle. When a jackknife occurs, the truck's cab ends up facing the opposite direction of the trailer. Because the cab and engine are now pointed in the wrong direction, the truck operator can't move the tractor trailer. It then becomes stuck, usually across multiple lanes, and increases the risk of a chain reaction accident.

Causes of Jackknife Accidents

Although a semi truck driver may intentionally jackknife his or her truck in emergency situations, such as brake failure or to avoid an accident, jackknifing is usually unintentional. It is often caused by:

• Dangerous roadways;
• Equipment defects and/or failure;
• Improper braking, such as slamming the brakes;
• Improper turning, such as taking the turn too fast; or
• Other traffic accidents.

Operating a truck while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also lead to a jackknife trucking crash, especially because impaired drivers have difficulty stopping and managing the speed of their vehicle.

Jackknife Truck Crash Statistics

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2009 there were 295,215 large truck accidents nationwide. Of these, 4,146 were jackknife crashes. Although most of these jackknife accidents caused only property damage, 1,000 resulted in injuries and 146 resulted in fatalities.

Liability in Jackknifing Accidents

A jackknife accident may be caused by a number of situations, which means that there may be different parties at-fault. Most often, jackknife truck crashes are the result of driver error or negligence, such as when the driver was distracted and had to suddenly hit the brakes to avoid a collision, was inexperienced and didn't know how to properly brake on a downgrade, or was intoxicated or impaired by drugs. In any case, if a truck driver error caused the accident, he or she may be liable for the losses suffered by injured victims. Some incidents, however, can neither be predicted nor effectively avoided by the truck driver. These involve manufacturing or design defects and hazardous roadways.

Truck defects are the result of poor manufacturing or design. The truck manufacturer is responsible for producing a safe and properly functioning vehicle, but when substandard materials are used or production is rushed, malfunctions and defects can result in accidents.

Dangerous roadways, such as ones that lack the necessary warning signs, are poorly lit, damaged, or have uneven pavement can also pose a danger to big rigs. If the city or state department or agency responsible for a particular roadway does not make timely repairs or does not post warning signs and a jackknife accident occurs, then that department or agency may be held liable for accident victims' losses.

Legal Representation You Can Trust

A jackknife accident injury can create undue emotional and financial hardships for a victim and his or her family. Mounting medical bills and time off of work can create financial insecurity and a lower quality of life. At Alpert Schreyer, our experienced Prince George's County truck crash attorneys are committed to helping jackknife accident victims hold the at-fault party responsible for their negligence. We will work professionally and diligently to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. Call 1 (800) 489-1577 today to discuss your potential claim with one of our lawyers.