Truck accidents are increasingly common on Pennsylvania roadways. One of the most frequent types of collisions is a jackknife truck accident, which occurs when either the trailer or cab swings around during a wreck, often causing the trailer to block the road. A jackknife truck crash could happen for many reasons, including icy roads, sharp turns, and inadequate training for truck drivers.
If you were injured in a jackknife truck accident in DuBois, you might be wondering what your options are for financial compensation. When a trucker acts negligently and causes a collision, he or she can be held liable for your injuries and other losses. One of our experienced truck accident attorneys at Marcus & Mack can help you seek the justice you deserve. Our firm has secured compensation for countless individuals who have been injured through no fault of their own. Contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation if you are considering legal action after a collision with a heavy commercial vehicle.
While any type of wreck involving a commercial truck has the potential to be devastating due to the sheer weight and size of the vehicle, jackknife collisions are known to be particularly devastating. Those injured in these types of accidents can incur serious losses.
Jackknifing can happen when a truck driver suddenly applies the brakes, especially when traveling at high speeds. Upon sudden braking, the truck and trailer can start to skid, putting other vehicles at risk. The skidding is caused by the truck braking system that is more complex than the brakes in a passenger vehicle. Some common causes of jackknife truck crashes in DuBois include:
When trucks are traveling at a high rate of speed, it is harder for the trucker to stop the vehicle. When large trucks stop short or make sharp turns, it can easily cause a jackknife.
Likewise, slippery roads and poor weather conditions can make it difficult for trucks to stop and avoid collisions.
When drivers are tired, his or her reaction time is impaired. Truckers work long hours and often skip breaks to meet deadlines. These practices can increase the likelihood of a serious crash.
There are federal regulations on how much cargo a given truck may carry at a time. However, it is not uncommon for trucking companies to circumvent these rules and prioritize profits. An overweight or overloaded truck is much more likely to jackknife.
When truckers are distracted, he or she is more likely to cause an accident. If a driver is texting, for example, he or she may not see a vehicle that cuts in front of them.
Another common cause of jackknife collisions is mechanical failures. When trucks do not receive proper maintenance or parts fail, it can lead to serious collisions.
A trucker’s negligence is almost always a factor in jackknifes. If a trucker or his or her employer acted negligently and you suffered injuries, talk to a seasoned personal injury attorney about pursuing financial compensation. A successful settlement or lawsuit could reimburse your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and vehicle damage.
Our team of attorneys at Marcus & Mack have years of experience helping people injured in collisions with tractor-trailers recover financially for their subsequent losses. If you were hurt in a jackknife truck accident in DuBois, you should retain legal counsel right away.
When you hire a lawyer from our firm, we will do everything possible to hold the negligent parties who caused you harm accountable. We will not let reckless truck drivers or the companies they work for get away with their actions. We will help you seek the fair and comprehensive compensation you deserve so you can move forward with your life and put the crash behind you.
Call us today to schedule your free and confidential consultation with one of our compassionate legal professionals.
