New York Tractor Trailer Jackknife Accident Lawyer
A jackknife is one of the most dangerous, terrifying types of traffic collisions. Victims can be pushed off the road, hit by the out of control truck, or even crushed by the trailer. In highway collisions, jackknifes often take out multiple victims. If you were injured in a New York tractor trailer jackknife crash, we are here for you. The New York tractor trailer jackknife lawyers at Cohan Law Firm assist plaintiffs with gathering medical documents, contacting witnesses, working with police, filing personal injury claims, negotiating settlements with insurers, and filing lawsuits when negotiations have broken down.
How a Tractor Jackknife Happens
Jackknifing refers to a type of knife that folds up into itself (a jackknife). There are actually two types of jackknifes: a tractor jackknife and a trailer jackknife. When a large truck or a pickup truck pulling a trailer makes a sudden acceleration or brakes too hard for the road conditions, a tractor jackknife can occur. The first type of tractor jackknife happens as follows: 1) the driver brakes, 2) the cab’s drive tires lock up, 3) the trailer pushes from behind, causing the cab to spin backward or perpendicular to the road. The second type of tractor jackknife happens the same way by 1) the truck accelerates and loses traction on the road, usually due to a wet surface, 2) the cab’s drive tires lock up, 3) the trailer pushes from behind, causing the cab to spin backward or perpendicular to the road.
How a Trailer Jackknife Happens
A trailer jackknife can be just as catastrophic to other road users as a tractor jackknife, and happens when the driver brakes hard and the trailer brakes lock up. Next, the trailer begins to push the truck/cab forward. The result is an out of control tractor trailer spinning to block all lanes of traffic, potentially even oncoming traffic as the trailer locks up, and catastrophic injuries for those involved. Drivers should be trained to quickly let off the brake during a jackknife and actually accelerate to gain control in a trailer jackknife, but there is not always time to react.
Causes of Tractor Trailer Jackknife Crashes
Tractor trailer jackknifes happen when an inexperienced, distracted, aggressive, or intoxicated truck driver gets behind the wheel. Jackknifes can also happen when the trucking company is negligent in maintaining the vehicle. Examples of jackknife causes include:
- Improper braking technique
- Tailgating another vehicle
- Driving too fast in bad weather
- Taking a turn too quickly
- Defective brakes
- Negligent truck maintenance
- Overloading the truck
Call a New York Tractor Trailer Jackknife Accident Attorney Today
Victims of tractor trailer jackknifes are entitled to compensation if they decide to file a personal injury claim against the negligent trucking company. Damages can include pain and suffering, lost income, property damage, past and future medical expenses, and more. To find out what your personal injury claim is worth, reach out to the New York tractor trailer jackknife accident lawyers at Cohan Law Firm today at 855-855-0321 for a complimentary consultation.
