Houston Jackknife Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are always very serious, but some of the most traumatic experiences are those that involve jackknife accidents. Unfortunately, they are quite common in Houston. Jackknife accidents cause some of the most serious injuries and in the most tragic of scenarios, they can even result in wrongful death. Jackknife accidents are usually caused by the negligence of another person and when this is the case, you can file a claim for financial compensation. Our Houston jackknife accidents lawyer can explain the process and help you through it.
What are Jackknife Accidents?
Transport trucks are composed of two main parts. The first is the tractor, also known as the cab. This is where the truck driver sits, steers, and operates the systems within the truck. The second part is the trailer, which is secured to the tractor and carries the cargo on the truck. During a jackknife accident, the trailer will swing around to the side of the truck. The trailer may rest perpendicular to the tractor, or it may stop right beside it.
Regardless of where the trailer stops, a jackknife accident is always extremely dangerous for those around the truck. Vehicles that are in the path of the swinging trailer usually do not have enough space or time to move, putting them most at risk. The trailer may also cross into another lane of traffic, causing oncoming traffic to crash into it. In many cases, jackknife accidents involve more than one vehicle.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents
Many different factors can cause a jackknife accident. Most of the time, these accidents occur due to physical factors, truck driver negligence, or environmental causes. Most often, the factors that cause jackknife accidents are as follows:
- Fatigued driving
- Impaired driving
- Aggressive driving
- Sudden braking
- Failure to maintain the truck
- Improperly secured cargo
- Tire blowouts
- Low visibility
- Poor weather, such as heavy rains that cause the roads to become slick, or winds that are very forceful
Due to the fact that jackknife accidents happen so quickly, it is not always easy for accident victims to know what caused their crash. For example, a truck driver may have to suddenly brake to avoid an accident with another vehicle. If the truck then jackknifes, it is easy to assume the braking caused it. However, it could later be found that the truck had defective tires, and that is really what caused the accident. A Houston jackknife accidents lawyer will know how to determine who was liable for an accident, and then file a claim against them to recover the full damages you deserve.
Our Jackknife Accidents Lawyers in Houston Can Provide the Legal Advice You Need
Truck crashes are very serious and jackknife accidents are some of the worst of them all. At Gilde Law Firm, our Houston jackknife accidents lawyers know how confusing the aftermath of a crash is, and will help you sort through it so you can claim the full settlement you deserve. Call us today at 800-973-3106 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.