I spend a lot of time listening to the client. You begin, then, to hear things that you didn’t think were possible. The imagination starts working and then you find a way.
Long Beach Jackknife Accident Lawyer
The Widespread Impact of Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife truck accidents are among the deadliest accidents on California roads, and they are extremely common. Commuters can be vigilant, defensive drivers on their way to work, school, or family, but when a jackknife accident occurs, it can seriously injure or kill multiple drivers and passengers.
If you have been injured in a Long Beach jackknife truck incident, it is possible that there might be multiple parties responsible for the harm you have suffered. It is urgent to call an attorney who can piece together your accident and hold those who contributed to it accountable for the compensation you deserve. Contact The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV today at (562) 273-2638 and toll-free at (888) 973-0304 to get a FREE consultation with a California jackknife accident attorney.
What Is Jackknifing?
A jackknife truck accident on an interstate or highway can be an unexpected, catastrophic, and potentially fatal situation to encounter during your daily commute. Jackknifing occurs when a driver loses control of a truck's trailer, causing it to swing out across multiple traffic lanes and form an L-shape.
Truck accidents like this can affect several traffic-packed lanes as it happens in real time. Because of a big rig’s sheer size compared to surrounding cars, this crash can cause serious damage, including to oncoming traffic, and very serious injuries to the other drivers and passengers.
What Causes Jackknifing?
Jackknifing is a dramatic event can hold up traffic for a long time as first responders deliver assistance to multiple victims and clean up the mess. A variety of negligent actions by truck drivers and others may contribute to a jackknife accident:
- Speeding. In California, the maximum limit for truckers is 55mph. There are special rules for truckers because it takes longer for trucks to stop, and due to their enormous size and weight, trucks can do substantial damage to passengers in regular vehicles.
- Reckless turns. Driving a commercial truck is completely different than driving a car. That’s why truck drivers require special training and licensing. Turns and lane changes must be made gradually or else the consequences can be deadly.
- Poor weather. Truckers are taught to slow down and take additional precautions when it’s raining or snowing or if visibility is reduced by fog.
- Distracted driving is a major cause of trucking accidents. If a trucker allows their mind to wander or takes their eyes off the road for even an instant, the resulting delay in responding to a change in the traffic flow can have devastating effects. Texting and using a cell phone while driving are common causes of truck driver distraction on the road.
- Driving while intoxicated. Nobody should be operating any type of motor vehicle on the road when they have been drinking or using drugs. It’s essential for trucking companies to screen their drivers to make sure they have no history of intoxicated driving.
- Lack of experience. A lot of trucking companies try to save money by hiring inexperienced drivers and paying them as little as possible. It’s much safer to use experienced drivers even if you have to pay more to find them.
- Slamming on the brakes is a natural tendency when cars stop or slow down in front of you, but truck drivers are trained to apply their brakes gradually to avoid jackknifing.
- Defective truck parts. Truck companies are responsible for maintaining a safe fleet by employing reputable mechanics who use the best parts.
Common Injuries Caused by Jackknifing
Trucks weigh up to 80,000 lbs. This creates an incredible amount of kinetic energy when they are traveling at highway speed and collide with another vehicle. A jackknife accident may cause a truck or other vehicles to run into you, or it may cause you to collide with another vehicle. Whatever the case, the results can be devastating, leading to serious medical consequences:
- Brain injuries
- Spine cord injuries
- Chronic nerve damage
- Amputation
- Broken bones
- Internal organ injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Lacerations
- Wrongful death
Who Can Be Found Liable for a Jackknife Accident?
Determining who is liable for any type of trucking accident can be difficult, and it becomes even more complex in a jackknifing accident where several vehicles may be involved. That’s why you’ll want to find an experienced California personal injury lawyer who knows how to investigate an accident and calculate the true value of your claim.
There are several different parties that may be held liable for your injuries if their negligence contributed to the accident, including:
- The truck driver who made a bad decision or wasn’t paying attention to the road
- The truck company who is responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining a safe fleet
- Truck or auto parts manufacturers if it is determined that poorly functioning equipment contributed to the crash
- Public or private officials responsible for objects in the road or other roadway conditions that contributed to the accident
- Managers responsible for making sure trucks are safely loaded
Preventing Jackknifing Accidents
Jackknife accidents are the result of human error, which means they can be prevented through effective preparation and sensible driving habits. Truck drivers need to be properly trained about how to respond in different situations. Smart companies constantly provide training for all their drivers.
Maintaining a truck and making sure all safety equipment is properly functioning is another way to prevent jackknife accidents. It’s especially important for the brakes and brake lights to be properly functioning at all times. Another thing trucking companies can do is make sure their trucks are evenly loaded. When the weight is properly distributed throughout the load, it makes stopping easier by providing good traction.
Don't Wait to Speak with an Attorney About Your Long Beach Jackknife Accident
Driving a truck in California carries with it a heavy responsibility with regard to the safety of other drivers. If you are involved in jackknife truck accident, the Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV is here to pursue all who are responsible for causing it until you are rewarded with the compensation you deserve. Don’t go at it alone. You may be entitled to compensation that includes medical expenses, lost income due to an inability to work, pain and suffering, future medical expenses and therapy, and any loss of future earnings.
Call the firm today at (562) 273-2638 and toll-free (888) 973-0304 to schedule a FREE consultation with a Long Beach personal injury lawyer who has the experience to go up against trucking owners and their insurance companies.