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Jackknife Accidents

Semi Truck Wreck Lawyers

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When a semi has a jackknife accident this means that the truck cab and the trailer end up at an angle that resembles a jackknife and its protective handle. Generally, a jackknife accident occurs when the truck’s drive wheels lock up usually during wet or slippery conditions. While road and weather conditions are certainly contributing factors to jackknifing, more often than not these dangerous accidents occur as a result of negligence by the truck driver.

Negligence comes into play when you consider the not one, but three braking options truck drivers have in the event of an emergency. The driver has the option to:
  1. Lock the steering axle brakes

  2. Lock the drive axles

  3. Lock the trailer axles

    1. When the driver chooses to lock the steering axle brakes it causes the big rig to move ahead on a straight path, regardless of the wheel angle. If the truck is headed toward a barrier or median it will continue on that path until it hits or stops, whichever happens first. The straight path leaves other drivers at less risk because they can see the direction the semi is heading and hopefully have time to compensate their driving to avoid a wreck.

    2. When the driver chooses to lock the drive axles, or drive wheels, the end result is usually a jackknife accident. By locking the wheels the excess energy in the cab and the trailer has nowhere to go, as its means of travel has been locked, so the excess energy then forces the trailer forward. Jackknife accidents are so dangerous because as the trailer is careening out of control it has the potential to go across other lanes of traffic wiping out all that is in its path.

    3. When the driver locks the trailer axles the motion in the trailer is suddenly halted which then pushes its excess energy onto the cab. All the excess energy being suddenly transferred forward causes the driver to lose directional control over the entire vehicle which can end in numerous types accidents.
Potential outcomes in 18 wheeler accidents depend on the driver’s actions. It is the job of the trucking company to ensure that all drivers know all of his or her options in the event of an accident and know how each option will end. Locking the steering axle is the safest option because the path of travel is predictable. If a big rig accident is caused by the driver locking the drive axles or the trailer axles the driver could be found guilty of negligence.

Don’t let trucking companies push you around anymore than they already have; an attorney can help you receive the full amount of compensation deserved for your injuries, loss, and traumatic experience. Never agree to any offer made by the trucking company or their insurance adjusters without first consulting legal aid. At The Pisanchyn Law Firm our services are free until we win your case and even then you will never pay out of pocket; we will only be paying you the money you deserve. Once you hire us as your attorneys we will immediately send out our own investigators to the scene, have them speak with witnesses, and review and report our findings so that you and your interests are fully protected. Please, call us now either locally or toll free: 1-866-427-4652 so we can help you.

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