Large truck accidents can be deadly and are to blame for thousands of deaths each year. A jackknife accident is a common type of truck collision that occurs when the brakes are suddenly applied. Brake failure has also been known to lead to jackknifing.
The term, “jackknifing,” is used to describe a perilous situation where a tractor trailer skids, causing the trailer to swing out to one side, which forms a 90 degree angle that looks similar to a jackknife blade and its protective handle. Due to the nature of these collisions, many cars are usually involved and can result in multiple car pileups on the highway.
This type of truck accident can happen when the brakes have been improperly adjusted or if there is a loss of pedal pressure. Some of the other causes of jackknife accidents include:
Slick surfaces
Poor weather conditions
Downshifting
Accelerating on a low friction surface
Failure to negotiate a curve
Many safety measures have been taken by the government and the trucking industry to prevent the number of truck crashes. However, thousands are still injured every year. People have been known to suffer life altering injuries, such as:
Neck injury
Spinal cord injury
Head trauma
Broken bones
Pelvic fracture
Burns
Coma
Death
When an injury is caused by the negligent actions of the trucker and/or the trucking company, the injured person may be able to recover damages. If you or a family member has been injured in a Texas truck accident, you should contact an experienced Houston truck accident attorney who can explain your rights. Since these accident cases are more complex than the average car accident, it is important that you talk to a lawyer who has the knowledge and experience representing truck accidents. Contact Attorney Steve Lee today at 713-921-4171 or toll free at 800-232-3711.