If you get involved in a jackknife truck accident in Laredo, you could suffer severe injuries and extensive property damage. Truck jackknife accidents are generally preventable with proper care and attention from truck drivers and trucking companies. You may be entitled to financial compensation from a careless or reckless party after this type of crash in Laredo. Our Laredo truck accident attorney can help you with your claim.
What Is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife accident is a specific type of crash that applies to large trucks carrying trailers, also known as 18-wheelers. It describes a situation where the trailer of a truck swings outward away from the cab, forming an angle that is similar to a jackknife or folding pocket knife. In this position, a large truck is impossible for the truck driver to steer or control. A jackknifed truck may slide into other vehicles on the road, causing a multi-vehicle accident.
Why Do Truck Jackknife Accidents Happen?
Truck jackknife accidents can occur when a truck driver makes a driving error behind the wheel, or when the truck is not properly maintained and experiences a part breakdown, such as brake failure. Common causes of jackknife accidents include:
- Speeding, especially around curves or on wet roads
- Slamming on the brakes or braking too late
- Unsafe following distance (tailgating)
- Truck driver distraction, fatigue, or intoxication
- Mechanical failures
- Bad brakes (poorly maintained truck)
- Inadequately trained truck driver
- Truck driver overcorrection
- Improper cargo load distribution
Jackknife accidents can be prevented with proper truck driver training, safe driving practices and regular truck maintenance. If an individual or entity negligently fails to prevent a truck jackknife, that party can be held financially responsible (liable) for related losses.
Common Injuries From Jackknife Accidents in Laredo
Since jackknife accidents involve large trucks and tractor-trailers, the injuries suffered by victims in the smaller cars can be severe. The size of a big rig means that it will inflict a large amount of force against a smaller vehicle in a collision. Common injuries in these accidents include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Chest and rib injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
Sadly, jackknife accidents can prove fatal for victims. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a jackknife accident in Laredo, you may be eligible for financial compensation from one or more parties through a Laredo wrongful death lawyer.
What to Do After a Jackknife Accident in Laredo
After a jackknife wreck occurs, it is critical to know what to do after the accident to protect yourself and your legal rights. The trucking company may send a rapid response team to the scene immediately to interview you and collect evidence. Protect yourself by calling 911 to report the truck accident so that you have an objective police officer investigating the scene.
Take photographs at the crash scene before you leave, if you can. Do not speak to anyone about your injuries until you see a doctor. Seek medical attention without delay and keep copies of your hospital bills. Once you have ensured your safety and seen a doctor, notify your insurance company about the accident and contact an attorney to help you bring a claim against the right party.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You After a Jackknife Accident in Laredo
Hiring a truck jackknife accident lawyer in Laredo can make the legal process easier and allow you to focus on healing. Meanwhile, your Laredo personal injury attorney can file your claim and pursue maximum financial compensation for the damages caused by the crash. For a free consultation about a jackknife accident in Texas, contact Gonzalez Druker Law Firm at (956) 728-9191 24/7.