Big rigs and large commercial trailers transport most essential consumer goods around the country using our roads and highways. Drivers of smaller cars share the roadways with these massive vehicles every day and seldom think twice about it. Unfortunately, anyone involved in an accident with a commercial truck may sustain major injuries. There are many types of truck wrecks, but one of the most dangerous is the jackknife accident.
A jackknife accident can lead to a chain reaction of collisions as other cars try to avoid the wreck. Jackknife truck accidents in Paramus may end with dozens of serious injuries or even fatalities. At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, our skilled truck wreck attorneys help victims of such collisions recover the compensation they need from those liable for their injuries. If you or your loved one has been hurt in a crash, schedule your consultation with our team today.
How Do Jackknife Truck Accidents Happen?
Jackknifing happens when a semi-truck travels too fast for the road or weather conditions, causing the trailer to overtake the cab. The driver may brake too hard or overcorrect, leading the entire vehicle to jackknife, or fold around the truck’s kingpin.
The cause of jackknife truck collisions in Paramus is often related to a combination of driver error and road conditions. A fully-loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and require more than 500 feet to stop at highway speeds. If the road is wet or icy, a truck driver can easily lose control of their vehicle. If the driver is fatigued or distracted, any change in the road can cause them to hit the brakes too quickly. Such changes could include:
- Other vehicles swerving in front of the truck
- Red lights or traffic signals
- Tire blowouts or equipment failure
- Load shifts or imbalance
Once the truck begins sliding, the driver will not be able to stop it.
Who Is Liable in a Jackknife Truck Accident
Narrowing down who is responsible for a jackknife truck crash requires help from a knowledgeable Paramus injury attorney. In a commercial vehicle accident, other parties besides the driver may be responsible for the accident. Liability may extend to:
- The trucking company that hired the driver
- The shipping company that may have set a tight schedule or ordered a specific route
- The maintenance company, if any equipment failure was responsible
- Other drivers, if a third party was responsible for causing the truck driver to brake or swerve suddenly
Our legal team is experienced in handling motor vehicle accident claims and can help you hold all liable parties accountable.
Reach Out to a Paramus Attorney After a Jackknife Truck Wreck
After a major commercial truck accident, victims need legal advice to identify all responsible parties and include them in their insurance claim. If the city or other government entity is involved, there may be other legal requirements you must meet to file your claim properly.
At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, our legal team will help you gather the information you need and ensure you meet all necessary deadlines for your claims. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation regarding jackknife truck accidents in Paramus.
