What Causes Tractor-Trailers to Jackknife?
Tractor-trailers are huge vehicles that require truck drivers to use knowledge and professional skills to avoid crashes that are potentially deadly. There are many different types of accidents tractor-trailers can become involved in but of them all, jackknife accidents are some of the most serious, and some of the most deadly.
A jackknife tractor-trailer accident occurs when the trailer of a truck swings to the side and forms an acute angle with the tractor, otherwise known as the cab of the truck. When a jackknife occurs, the truck can cross multiple lanes of traffic and result in catastrophic injuries. Our San Antonio tractor-trailer jackknife attorney explains the most common causes of these accidents below.
Braking Suddenly
Untimely or sudden braking is one of the most common causes of jackknife accidents. If a truck driver suddenly brakes, the trailer may lose traction and become unaligned with the cab of the truck. This commonly happens when truck drivers react too slowly to road hazards, traffic congestion, and other obstacles in the road. Road conditions such as icy or wet surfaces can worsen the problem and make it even more challenging for the truck driver to regain control of the vehicle.
Speeding
Traveling too fast for road conditions can increase the chances of a jackknife. If a truck is traveling too quickly, particularly around downhill slopes or around curves, the trailer’s weight can shift uncontrollably. As the driver tries to correct the vehicle, the trailer can swing and jackknife. It is critical that truck drivers adjust their speed according to weather, traffic, and road conditions.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
The manner in which cargo is loaded onto a truck significantly impacts the stability of the vehicle. When cargo is overloaded, unsecured, or unevenly distributed, it can shift during transport, creating an imbalance and increasing the risk of a jackknife accident. As cargo shifts, the trailer may swing in an unpredictable direction, particularly during sharp turns or while braking. Freight shippers, trucking companies, and truck drivers all have a responsibility to ensure that cargo is loaded and secured properly to prevent this shift in weight.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving is a main contributor in many types of truck accidents, including jackknife accidents. Truck drivers are on the road for long periods of time. When they become fatigued, they have slower reaction times and may find it difficult to maintain control of their vehicle in dangerous situations. Trucking companies and truck drivers must ensure they follow the federal hours of service rule to prevent fatigued driving and ultimately, jackknifing accidents.
Our Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Attorney in San Antonio Can Determine the Cause of Your Crash
When you are trying to recover from the catastrophic injuries caused by a crash involving a large truck, it is challenging to determine exactly what caused the jackknife. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio tractor-trailer jackknife attorney can conduct an investigation to determine who is liable so you can hold them accountable for paying compensation. Call us today at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations
