What causes a truck to jackknife? A jackknife accident occurs when the tractor trailer’s wheels lock as a truck approaches a slippery roadway. As the trailer continues to roll forward with momentum, the driver loses control, causing the trailer to swing out. When this happens, the truck driver can do one of the following options:
- Lock the steering axle brakes, which will cause the rig to move straight ahead despite whatever angle the wheel may be at
- Lock the drive axles, which will lead to the jackknife accident
- Lock the trailer axles, which will cause the driver to lose directional control of the truck
These types of accidents are extremely dangerous. Because of the truck’s substantial weight and size, it will cause serious damage to anyone involved. For example, the swinging trailer can very easily take other vehicles on the road as it skids out of control. This can cause the vehicles to smashed between the cab and the trailer or even trapped by other cars in oncoming lanes.
Chances are if you get into a jackknife accident, you’re going to experience serious injuries or lose a loved one. According to a recent report by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, jackknife accident account for 10 percent of all truck-related fatalities. It also found that a truck carrying a single trailer with a lighter load is more likely to jackknife than a heavier tractor trailer.
If you get into an accident with a tractor trailer, before talking to the insurance company make sure you get a lawyer first. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.