Large trucks in Texas can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, with most of the weight carried in the trailer. These massive vehicles must be loaded and driven precisely to avoid accidents caused by shifting weight. Unfortunately, jackknife truck accidents in League City are still fairly common, causing wide-reaching and catastrophic damage and injuries. Individuals harmed by these accidents typically suffer severe injuries, requiring long recovery times and extensive time away from work. Fatalities are possible as well, robbing families of a lifetime with their loved ones.
If you have been injured in a League City jackknife trucking accident caused by someone’s negligence, an experienced truck crash attorney can help you hold the responsible parties liable and get the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife truck accident occurs when the trailer slides perpendicular to the cab, folding like a jackknife. This shifting weight makes the tail end of the truck unpredictable, often crossing several lanes of traffic. Understanding the root cause of a jackknife trucking accident helps investigators determine who is responsible for the accident. Some of the most common causes of jackknife truck accidents in League City include the following.
Sudden Braking
When a truck driver is forced to make a sudden stop, force is distributed that makes the trailer swing outward, causing a jackknife accident. Traffic flow is the most common reason for this scenario, which can mean that another motorist is at least partly responsible for causing the accident.
Careless Driving
Truck drivers undergo special training to understand how to safely maneuver 18-wheelers and other large trucks on crowded roads and highways. However, they are also often forced to drive long hours and are expected to work on tight deadlines. When drivers get careless and fail to assess a situation properly, they take turns too fast or fail to slow down with the flow of traffic. Such careless actions are one of the most common negligent behaviors by truck drivers.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Cargo that is not loaded correctly can cause a trailer to shift and swing erratically during transport, regardless of a driver’s care. Overloaded or improperly loaded trailers can make it impossible for truck drivers to safely navigate curves and stops. When improperly loaded cargo is to blame, specific employees or the trucking company may be held liable.
Distracted Driving
Truckers driving long hours can become overly fatigued or easily bored, leading them to find various distractions inside the cab. Any distraction that takes a truck driver’s attention from the road (eating, using a phone, grooming, or GPS) contributes to negligent behavior and can cause a catastrophic jackknife accident.
Compensation for Injuries and Damages in Jackknife Accidents
The massive size of large trucks compared to other vehicles on the road often means that injuries to those involved are severe, dramatically altering the lives of victims. A knowledgeable attorney understands the lasting impact of these injuries and how fair compensation can improve the outcome. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, compensation for a jackknife accident in League City may include the following:
- Current and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Diminished working capacity
- Pain and suffering (physical and psychological trauma associated with injuries)
- Funeral costs (in the event of a fatality)
- Lost consortium (in the event of a fatality)
- Medical equipment and home renovations to accommodate permanent disabilities
Damages awarded to individuals injured in a jackknife trucking accident are designed to cover the immediate and long-term costs related to injuries caused by the crash. A skilled personal injury attorney can help victims gather and present evidence to support a fair claim.
Contact a League City Attorney to Discuss Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife truck accidents in League City are some of the most catastrophic collisions anyone can endure. If you were injured in a truck accident, we can help you get compensation to assist your recovery. The team at Schechter Shaffer & Harris has substantial experience handling injury claims related to jackknife trucking accidents in League City. We can assess your case, gather essential evidence, and act as a supportive guide throughout the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
