Accidents in which the trailer part of an articulated vehicle, such as a semi-truck, swings around the tractor part of the vehicle and causes the driver to lose control are known as jackknife accidents. These mishaps typically end in tragedy, with victims suffering life-altering injuries and monetary losses.
Read on to hear from our knowledgeable Bakersfield truck accident attorneys about the most prevalent causes of jackknife truck accidents in California, the severity of jackknife truck accident injuries, and what you can do if you’re ever in such an accident. Read more!
So, What Exactly Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
An accident known as a “jackknife” occurs when a trailer being pulled by a truck swerves too far to one side and folds up against the cab at an acute angle, much like the blade of a shutting pocketknife. Loss of control of the vehicle, whether from speeding, distractions, or reckless movements, is a common cause of jackknife truck accidents.
A truck jackknife can block many lanes of traffic, damage other vehicles severely, and hurt or kill the people inside. The trailer’s doors may also break out in a jackknife truck accident, releasing any cargo or debris inside. Accidents involving a jackknifed truck and a cargo spill are dangerous because the cargo might fly out and cause more collisions.
When compared to car accidents, why are truck accidents so much worse?
A truck accident can be much more lethal than a vehicle accident for a number of reasons. As a result of their greater size and weight, trucks have more mass and momentum in a collision than passenger vehicles, which is one reason they are more dangerous. This means that a much larger force is applied during impact, which can lead to more serious injuries and property damage.
Larger blind areas make it harder for truck drivers to perceive oncoming traffic, contributing to the increased severity of large truck accidents. Less visibility raises the danger of a crash, especially when the motorist is undertaking a maneuver that requires them to switch lanes or turn.
It also takes more time for a truck to come to a complete stop compared to a smaller car. If the truck driver isn’t paying attention to the road or can’t respond quickly enough to traffic or road conditions changes, this can further raise the probability of an accident.
