Jackknife Truck Accidents in Katy 

Trucks are not the same as passenger cars. They handle differently and can be harder to drive; and due to their box-like shape, massive size, length, and height, they are also inherently less stable than cars. If a tractor-trailer truck needs to make a sudden stop, it could be at risk of becoming even more unstable, which could cause the truck to jackknife.

If you or a loved one sustained harm in one of the terrifying jackknife truck accidents in Katy, you are probably facing a challenging battle. A dedicated truck crash attorney could be by your side to fight for justice and fair compensation in a personal injury lawsuit against.

Reasons Why Jackknifing Occurs

Jackknives occur when a truck’s cab stops or slows down, and the towed trailer continues in motion and slides up next to the cab. When a cab stops, the momentum of a heavy truck can shift to the trailer, and instead of pushing a truck forward, it can force the trailer to the side. The resulting shape looks like an open pocket knife.

Sudden Stops

Truck drivers need to be aware that a sudden stop, particularly when moving at high speeds, could force the cab of a truck to come to a stop faster than its towed trailer. An abrupt braking could cause a jackknife when the trailer continues in motion and slides next to the cab after the cab stops. Truckers should receive adequate training on how to handle their vehicle so they know how to stop correctly.

Loading Mistakes

Because semi-trucks are already less stable than other vehicles, drivers, trucking companies, and loading companies need to take particular precautions to keep their vehicles as stable as possible. When a trucking company fails to properly distribute or secure a truck’s cargo, the truck could become imbalanced and even more unstable, risking a jackknife incident.

A dedicated Katy lawyer could investigate the cause of a jackknife trucking crash to learn why it happened and who bears potential legal fault.

Potential Recoverable Damages

When a truck jackknives in Katy, severe injuries can ensue. The sliding trailer can careen out of control across several lanes of traffic, crushing vehicles, forcing the cars it strikes into traffic, and potentially resulting in a multi-vehicle pileup. People in other vehicles can experience life-altering physical, emotional, and financial losses.

A skilled local legal team could help an injured party seek to recover damages to compensate them for their economic losses, such as their medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and future lost earning expenses. In addition, a seasoned attorney could help a jackknife collision survivor pursue non-economic damages to help compensate them for their less quantifiable losses. Non-economic damages could include mental anguish, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and disfigurement.

Sadly, some jackknives result in fatalities. A compassionate lawyer could help a grieving family fight for accountability in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Contact a Katy Jackknife Trucking Accident Lawyer

Jackknife truck accidents in Katy have the potential to cause extensive widespread damage. If you or your loved one experienced injuries in this way, you are likely feeling overwhelmed. You need to focus on getting better. You should not have to worry about how you will pay for the cost of the treatments you need.

Schechter, Shaffer & Harris has the skills and understanding to stay by your side throughout your legal case. Contact the law office to arrange an initial consultation as soon as possible.