If you’ve traveled on a busy highway, you may have encountered the ugly aftermath of a jackknifed truck – an 18-wheeler sprawled across lanes, leaving cars in its wake.
In simpler terms, a jackknife truck accident occurs when a truck driver loses control to such an extent that the usual straight-line cab-before-trailer configuration changes into a sharp right angle, resembling a jackknife with the blade folding into a handle.
The physics behind jackknifing involve the truck losing traction with the road, causing the trailer to swing towards the cab, forming a dangerous V shape. Unfortunately, these accidents often result in injuries or, worse, wrongful death, especially if the swinging trailer encounters other vehicles on its path.
Apgeraint, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jackknife accidents often occur due to negligence of a driver. For example if a truck driver fails to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, sudden and harsh braking may be necessary, causing the truck axles to lock up. Meanwhile, the tractor-trailer keeps moving, exerting pressure on the cab and forcing it to fold inward and jackknife.
Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reveal the alarming frequency of jackknife accidents, contributing to over 4,800 fatalities in the United States in 2017 alone. These accidents underscore the need for stringent safety measures and heightened awareness among truck drivers and authorities.
When involved in a jackknife truck accident in Indiana, victims may have the option to file a personal injury claim for compensation. This could encompass medical expenses, property damage, and more. However, determining the liable party depends on state-specific considerations, such as fault principles or no-fault regulations.
Compensatory damages resulting from injuries in Indiana truck accidents may include medical costs, lost wages during recovery, and other losses incurred due to the accident. Seeking professional legal assistance, especially from a truck accident attorney, becomes crucial. An experienced personal injury lawyer can guide victims through the complexities of filing a personal injury claim, helping them secure the compensation they deserve for the harms and injuries suffered in the accident.
If you or a loved one have been involved in an truck accident in Indiana, contact Hurst Limontes to discuss your options. We have over a century of combined experience fighting for our clients in any number of personal injury claims. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we reach a settlement or jury verdict award on your behalf.
Call 317-636-0808 or complete the form below for a FREE and confidential consultation.
