Lake City Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accident Attorneys
No one expects to be involved in a crash as traumatic as a tractor-trailer jackknife accident. Unfortunately, they happen in Lake City more than most people think. A tractor-trailer jackknife accident will cause victims serious injuries and in the most tragic of situations, individuals do not survive. If you or someone you love has been injured, it is of the utmost importance that you speak to a Lake City tractor-trailer jackknife accident attorney as soon as possible.
What is a Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accident?
Transport trucks are made up of two main parts. The first is the cab, or the tractor, where the driver sits and operates the truck. The second part is the trailer, which is the long portion that is pulled by the tractor, and holds the cargo. During a tractor-trailer jackknife accident, the trailer will swing around to the side of the truck. Once stopped, the trailer may be perpendicular to the tractor, or it may come to a stop right beside the cab.
No matter where the trailer finally comes to a stop, these types of jackknife accidents are extremely dangerous for everyone involved. Most of all, vehicles in the path of the swinging trailer are most at risk, as these crashes happen suddenly and unexpectedly. When the trailer crosses different lanes of traffic, it also poses a risk to drivers in oncoming traffic, as they may not see the trailer in time to stop. It is not uncommon for tractor-trailer jackknife accidents to involve multiple vehicles.
Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accidents
A variety of factors can cause a tractor-trailer jackknife accident. In most cases, these crashes are the result of truck driver carelessness, physical factors, or environmental causes. Most commonly, these include:
- Failure to maintain the truck
- Fatigued driving
- Aggressive driving
- Impaired driving
- Sudden braking
- Improperly secured cargo
- Low visibility
- Tire blowouts
- Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain that creates slick roads
- High-speed, forceful winds
Again, these accidents happen in an instant and accident victims cannot always determine what caused their crash. For example, a truck driver may brake suddenly and then be involved in a tractor-trailer jackknife accident. In this instance, it is easy to assume the truck driver is at fault. If, however, it is later found that the tires on the truck were defective, the manufacturer of those tires could also be to blame. It is important to work with a Lake City tractor-trailer jackknife accident lawyer that can determine the cause so you can collect the full compensation you deserve.
Call Our Lake City Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accidents Attorney for a Free Consultation
Truck accidents are some of the most serious crashes on the road, particularly when they involve a trailer that has jackknifed. At Meldon Law, our Lake City tractor-trailer jackknife accidents lawyer knows the havoc a crash will wreak on your life, and is dedicated to making this difficult time easier for you. Call us today at 800-373-8000 or fill out our online form to request a free consultation with our skilled attorney.
