Causes of, and Injuries from, Jackknife Accidents

Unfortunately, Oklahoma roadways are the scene of jackknife accidents involving big tractor-trailers all too often. These accidents on high-speed highways in particular can cause multi-vehicle pileups and serious injuries for many people involved.

If you have sustained an injury in a truck jackknife crash due to the negligence of another party, you maybe be entitled to pursue and recover significant compensation for your losses.

How are jackknife accidents caused?

Many times, these jackknifing accidents occur when the truck driver operates his or her tractor trailer in a careless, ill-advised, or irresponsible manner. When a jackknife happens, the trailer portion of the rig turns at a right angle, simulating the appearance of a jackknife. The reasons why this can occur include:

• The truck driver surpasses the speed limit
• The driver improperly evaluates an upcoming curve, driving too fast around it
• The driver drives at too high of a speed on slippery or wet road surfaces
• Improper brake maintenance has resulted in brake failure

Common injuries resulting from jackknife accidents

Jackknifing accidents often produce extreme damage to the vehicles involved, and as a result can lead to some very serious injuries. The severity of the injuries sustained can vary based on the nature and extent of the crash, but should all be treated promptly and documented for possible future injury claims. Some possible jackknife accident injuries include:

• Broken and fractured bones
• Neck and back injuries
• Whiplash
• Internal injuries (to organs, for example)
• Brain injuries
• Lacerations

If you or a loved one sustains one or more of these injuries, the primary goal should be to get the necessary medical attention and care. After this is done, getting in touch with an experienced truck accident attorney can help you seek compensation from the liable party.

Who can be liable for my injuries from truck jackknife accident?

Drivers of large tractor-trailer rigs have an obligation on the roadway to operate their vehicles with appropriate safety and prudence. Otherwise, jackknife accidents, if they occur, can leave truckers legally liable for any resulting injuries and damages.

At the same time, liability may also partially rest with the trucking company for a truck jackknife accident. This would be the case if the trucking company negligently hired or kept employed a driver with a prior record of driving infractions or moving violations, or if it failed to monitor the driver’s performance. The trucking carrier may share in the blame particularly if the driver is an actual employee of the company and not an independent contractor.

Our experienced Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys at Cunningham & Mears are dedicated to advocating strongly on behalf of injured clients and their families. If you or a loved one has incurred injuries from involvement in a truck jackknife accident resulting from the negligence of one or more parties, we can help. We can evaluate the details of the crash and help you pursue any financial recovery to which you are entitled. To request a free review of your case, call us today at 405.212.9234 or complete our contact form.