Jackknife Accident

Get Compensation After a Jackknife Collision

When a semi tractor-trailer jackknifes, it can wreak havoc and destruction, taking out other smaller vehicles and injuring others who have been unlucky enough to be driving in the area. All types of large commercial truck accidents are capable of leaving innocent people with serious or fatal injuries, but the jackknife is among the most dangerous of all.

If you have been injured in a jackknife collision, then it is critical that you get in touch with a skilled injury lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. Truck accident cases are complex legal matters involving multiple potentially liable parties, and a large body of federal regulations pertaining to commercial carriers. You need a jackknife truck accident attorney in Phoenix with the knowledge and resources to successfully handle this particular type of motor vehicle accident case.

The Husband & Wife Law Team has a 98% success rate handling a range of personal injury cases, including commercial truck accidents. Phoenix injury attorneys Alexis and Mark Breyer have been awarded membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and 10.0 Superb Rating on Avvo. We have the insight and knowledge necessary to investigate this type of accident, and we can fully assess your damages, build a powerful case based on evidence, and aggressively pursue your claim for compensation.

What Are Causes of Jackknife Accidents?

A 28-foot-long, 80,000-pound, fully loaded big rig can cause catastrophic injuries, fatalities, and immeasurable destruction in a jackknife. These devastating accidents occur for a number of reasons, including the following:

  • Weather conditions and slippery roads: When the truck loses traction with the road, this can cause the weight to shift and the cab and trailer to slide. Big rigs can easily jackknife when driving on icy or wet roadways, and drivers are required to travel at a speed that is safe for the current road conditions – rather than the posted speed limit.

  • Traveling at high speeds: The faster a large truck is traveling, the more difficult it is to stop. When a driver slams on the brakes at speeds greater than 55 mph, the heavy trailer is capable of swinging out of control, resulting in a jackknife collision.

  • Steep curves: When a large truck pulling a long trailer takes a steep-angle curve, the trailer can swing out, causing the rig to fold in on itself.

  • Equipment failure: Brake failure is one of the most common causes of truck wrecks. Brake failure, hydraulic failure, and almost any type of equipment malfunction could cause loss of control, with the truck trailer swaying back and forth. If control cannot be regained quickly, the trailer can jackknife, and in some cases, tip over, sliding with the force of inertia, colliding with everything in its path.

Contact The Husband & Wife Law Team in Phoenix

After a serious jackknife accident, the crash must be investigated and all of the crucial evidence obtained and preserved. The sooner you retain a Phoenix truck accident attorney to represent you, the better the prospects are for successfully resolving your case, with fair compensation to cover every form of damage. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and get The Husband & Wife Law Team on your side.