Jackknife truck accidents in Austin occur when a truck’s trailer swings out of control toward the cab, usually due to sudden braking or the driver’s inexperience. If you have suffered an injury in a wreck like this, the truck accident lawyers at Fleming Law Accident & Injury Attorneys are here to help.
We are committed to providing compassionate legal support to every client. Our truck crash attorneys can determine what happened, who is liable, and what compensation may be available.
Jackknifing occurs when a large commercial truck’s trailer swings outward at a sharp angle to the cab, resembling the folding motion of a pocket knife. This can happen when the trailer loses traction and begins to slide sideways while the cab continues to move forward, creating a V or L shape between the two parts of the vehicle.
A jackknifing truck is particularly hazardous because the swinging trailer can span multiple lanes of traffic, striking nearby vehicles and resulting in devastating multi-vehicle collisions.
Here are the common causes of jackknife truck wrecks in Austin.
Sudden or excessive braking represents one of the leading causes of jackknifing. When truck drivers brake too hard or too abruptly, the trailer’s wheels can lock up, causing the rear portion to lose traction and swing outward uncontrollably.
Rain, snow, ice, and fog increase the risk of jackknifing. Slippery road surfaces reduce tire traction, making it easier for trailers to slide sideways during normal driving maneuvers or braking situations.
Traveling too fast for road conditions prevents drivers from maintaining proper control. High speeds make it difficult to navigate curves safely and increase stopping distances, forcing drivers into emergency braking situations that trigger jackknifing.
Malfunctioning brakes, worn tires, or faulty anti-lock braking systems can contribute to jackknife accidents. The vehicle owner may be liable as mechanical failures compromise a driver’s ability to control their vehicle properly.
Incorrectly loaded or unbalanced cargo affects a truck’s center of gravity and handling characteristics. Uneven weight distribution makes trailers more susceptible to swinging during turns or sudden maneuvers.
Our skilled Austin lawyers utilize multiple forms of evidence to prove fault and build a strong claim against the negligent party in jackknife truck crash cases.
Here are different types of evidence that can support your claim.
Our attorneys can review official police reports, which document the crash scene, witness statements, and the officer’s preliminary determination of fault. These reports often contain details about road conditions, traffic violations, and the truck driver’s initial statements that can establish negligence.
Our lawyers can access the truck’s ELD system to review the driver’s hours of service, speed patterns, and braking events. The data can reveal whether the driver violated federal regulations regarding rest breaks or was traveling at unsafe speeds before the jackknife occurred.
We can subpoena maintenance logs, inspection reports, and repair records to identify mechanical failures or neglected upkeep. Evidence of worn brakes, defective tires, or skipped safety inspections can prove that the trucking company’s negligence contributed to the accident.
We can interview witnesses who observed the accident to corroborate the sequence of events. Witness accounts can verify reckless driving behaviors, sudden lane changes, or environmental factors that caused the jackknife.
You may be entitled to compensation after suffering injury in a jackknife truck accident that someone else caused. However, you must face insurers who may downplay your injuries by making low settlement offers.
Our truck accident lawyers at Fleming Law Accident & Injury Attorneys have years of experience helping people injured in jackknife truck accidents in Austin. We are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case.
(713) 221-6800 