If you’ve ever been driving on an interstate or multi-lane highway and come upon a jackknifed truck wreck, you probably realize the danger these accidents pose.
The name is derived from the position that semitrucks end up in after these wrecks. Picture the “V” shape of a half-opened pocket knife. That’s how these big rigs end up when the trailer swings around independently from its cab.
Jackknife accidents can happen during all 4 seasons
While many jackknife truck accidents happen during icy and snowy conditions, they can just as well happen in the rain. As our region gets more than its fair share of rain, Seattle motorists and those in surrounding areas face risks associated with the weather all 12 months of the year.
Right after it starts to rain is a particularly dangerous time, as the raindrops mix with oil and other road debris, it can create a slick patch of highway. When the driver of the rig tries to brake, the trailer can slide around into other lanes of traffic.
Other causes of jackknife crashes
An improperly loaded truck can experience a sudden shift of cargo, affecting the truck’s balance. Even a turn at slow speed can result in a jackknife if the cargo gets displaced. Truckers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for the weather conditions also have an enhanced risk of jackknifing when they must stop suddenly.
Were you injured in a jackknife accident?
Many people who get involved in collisions with jackknifed semitrucks suffer catastrophic injuries that are not compatible with life. Even if they survive, they can be left with lifelong injuries requiring 24-hour care. The costs for that are rarely affordable.
That’s why it may be necessary to file a claim for damages against all at-fault parties involved in your wreck. The settlement or judgment you may receive can go a long way to helping you adjust to the new normal of your life.