(845) 802-0047One of the most dramatic types of New York trucking accidents is a jackknifed truck. This occurs when the trailer (the cargo area) swings around to the side of the cabin (driver area) and forms almost a right angle or an “L” or “V”. This is said to look like an open jack-knife (Swiss army knife), which is where the name is derived from. The whole occurrence of a large commercial vehicle jackknifing is a remarkable spectacle. It is also extremely dangerous because the truck driver has already lost control to cause the jackknifing, and now the truck will stop when inertia takes over. This means any passenger vehicles in the way will be trampled, mangled, and smashed into by the semi-tractor trailer.
Causes of a Jackknifed Truck
Whenever there is a New York trucking accident involving a jackknifed truck, it is likely that a truck driver has been reckless, careless, or negligent in the use or operation of the commercial vehicle. This is because a properly trained truck driver who is using his or her training should never jackknife a semi tractor-trailer, big rig, or other commercial vehicles. Thus, a jackknifed truck is a red flag that indicates something went wrong or unexpected. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Braking too hard at too fast a speed;
- Braking on a turn;
- Taking a turn too fast;
- Sliding on slippery road conditions such as snow, ice, or rain;
- Improper brake maintenance;
- Distracted driving;
- Truck driver inexperience;
- Taking a road curve too hard and too fast;
- Swerving to avoid something on the roadway; and
- Many other causes.
Hazards from a Jackknifed Truck
There are many hazards created when a large commercial vehicle such as a double trailer, 18 wheeler, semi tractor trailer, or other box truck jackknives. The three main hazards are the following:
1. Lost control.
A jackknifed truck has lost control and no amount of braking or steering will be able to correct a jackknifed truck while it still has forward momentum. When a large commercial vehicle loses control, it is like an unguided missile on the roadways.
2. A large zone of impact.
The length of an 18 wheeler is larger than the width of the truck. Since a jackknifed truck spreads out across several lanes, it makes the largest side of the truck the impact point. This is because a jackknife truck is “sweeping” its trailing across the roadway like the gate that goes down at the end of a bowling alley. Any vehicles caught in the sideswipe of the jackknifed truck will cause catastrophic damage to any smaller, passenger vehicles it glides over.
3. Blocking the road
When a jackknifed truck comes to rest, it will likely block several lanes of traffic. This is especially true on a fast-moving highway like a thruway or interstate. This creates another problem for other motorists who must slow down or stop to avoid colliding with the tractor-trailer that is in the right-of-way. This is particularly dangerous at night or in inclement weather when visibility may be reduced and a truck’s emergency lights may be damaged or off.
Damages from a New York Trucking Accident Caused by a Jackknifed Truck
A jackknifed truck can cause catastrophic damage resulting in debilitating, permanent, and fatal injuries. The types of injuries usually caused by a jackknifed truck are crushing injuries, significant lacerations/disfigurement, and blunt force trauma. Damages from a New York trucking accident are measured in terms of compensation, which include compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, lost future earnings, loss of services from loved ones, property damage, and other damages.
Damages for pain and suffering are awarded for personal injuries. The most common personal injuries caused by a New York trucking accident due to a jackknifed truck include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Paralysis;
- Broken bones;
- Neck and back injuries (including the need for a spinal fusion);
- Ruptured organs;
- Amputations;
- Nerve injuries (brachial plexus injuries): and
- Other serious injuries.
Victims of a New York Trucking Accident Caused by a Jackknifed Truck Should Call Our Law Firm
While there are many causes for a jackknifed truck, there are very few good reasons for one. Simply put, when a large commercial vehicle like a big rig, 18 wheeler, tractor trailer, or other box truck jackknifed across a roadway it is likely that there has been reckless, careless, or downright negligent conduct by the truck driver and the trucking company. If you have been injured in any type of serious 18 wheeler wreck such as a jackknifed truck, please call our New York trucking accident lawyer to learn what rights to compensation you may have.