What You Should Do When You've Been Involved in a Jackknife Accident
Driving large trucks in adverse weather conditions can be especially challenging due to slippery roads, reduced visibility, and increased traffic. One of the most serious hazards in these situations is truck jackknifing. No one wants to be involved in a jackknife accident, as such incidents are often terrifying and overwhelming.
Jackknife accidents typically occur suddenly and most often involve semi-trucks or other large commercial vehicles. These crashes can lead to severe injuries, significant property damage, and major road closures. When a truck jackknifes, the trailer swings out of alignment with the cab, forming a dangerous V-shape that causes the driver to lose control.
Compared to many other types of accidents, jackknife truck accidents occur more frequently than most drivers realize. They commonly result from sudden braking, poor weather conditions, or a loss of control over the trailer.
Understanding what steps to take after a jackknife truck accident is essential, as it can help protect your legal rights and reduce the long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Understanding Jackknife Accidents
When the semi-truck or large commercial truck loses its control and swings out of its side, forming a sharp angle with the cab, similar to a folding pocket knife, it is known as a jackknife accident. This loss of truck alignment can cause the ""V"-shaped collapse formation of the trailer that blocks multiple lanes of traffic or collides with nearby vehicles.
The most common factors that everyone should know that lead to jackknife accidents include:
- Sudden application of the brake by the truck driver.
- Bad weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, can cause slippery roads.
- Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo.
- Mechanical issues such as brake failure.
- Driver fatigue or inexperience.
Steps to Understand: What to Do After a Jackknife Accident
- After the truck accident, the priority is to check for injuries and ensure your primary safety. If you are able to move safely, you can get out of traffic and away from the roadway to avoid further crashes.
- After jackknife accidents occur, call the emergency services. These types of major accidents will require the assistance of police and medical personnel. Even if harms seem small, it's crucial to have an official report.
- Seek early medical attention because some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not be obvious right away. Getting checked by a medical professional creates a record that can be important later.
- Do document the accident scene, because the official report will speak a lot at the right time. If it's safe to do so, take photos or videos of:
Vehicle damage
Conditions of the road and weather
Skid marks and debris
The truck's position and trailer angle - Collect maximum information from all parties involved, as it really plays a crucial role when it comes to evidence. Exchanging contact and insurance information with the truck driver and any other drivers is also considered. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.
- Emotions run high after serious accidents, so avoid discussing fault at the scene. Stick to the facts when speaking with police, and avoid admitting blame or making assumptions about what caused the jackknifed truck collision.
- The jackknife accident report will include essential details such as statements, diagrams, and citations. This document is often used during insurance and legal reviews.
- Jackknife accidents often involve commercial trucking companies and complex liability issues. Legal guidance can help you understand compensation options for medical bills, lost income, and repairs.
Key Takeaways
- Some jackknife accidents happen when large truck/trailer combinations crash into fellow passenger vehicles.
- Safety, medical treatment, and collecting relevant documentation are the most essential phases to do right after the jackknifing accident occurs.
- Gathering evidence and avoiding discussions about who is to blame will prevent you from losing out on a legal claim in the future.
- Attending to the relevant issues will assist you in understanding how to approach your insurance after an accident has occurred.