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(281) 587-1111
(281) 587-1111
(281) 587-1111
In commercial trucking, jackknife accidents are among the most hazardous incidents on our roads. These accidents happen when a truck towing a trailer experiences a loss of control, causing the trailer to swing out and form a sharp angle with the truck, resembling a folding pocketknife.
Our Houston truck accident attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm have won numerous multi-million-dollar cases when a big rig jackknifed and caused a serious accident. Since 1985, we have helped truck accident victims get full compensation and are UNDEFEATED in truck accident cases.
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Jackknifing is the trailer traveling at a different speed and direction from the truck and can occur due to sudden stopping, improper lane changes, inadequate load securement, and other factors.
When a trailer moves, the crash scenario begins.
When the truck jackknifes, it may lead to a multiple-vehicle collision because cars behind the truck cannot stop and quickly get blocked by the considerable tractor-trailer. Sometimes, the force of the accident causes the truck to tip or roll onto its side. In almost every case, a jackknife of a big rig involves driver error or negligence.
Jackknife accidents happen when the speed difference between the tractor and the trailer. Usually, this is in a braking application, and often, when traffic ahead slows down or stops, the driver has not allowed a safe distance between the traffic ahead.
A crash can also occur with a steering application that slows down the cab but not the trailer. Once a sufficient angle is created, it can quickly reach the point of no return. At that point, it does not matter what the truck driver does; he is along for the ride.
The condition of the roads can be a factor in a tractor-trailer jackknife accident mainly because anything that can lead to a disparity in speed between the truck and trailer can start a serious jackknife crash.
Rain or slick highways and highling braking differences between the big rig and trailer.
We have won numerous jackknife truck accident cases and recovered millions for our clients in those cases. We have been undefeated in all trucking accident cases for over three decades. Put our experience to work on your case!
Commercial trucks are regular in the Houston area. We need large semi-trucks to deliver goods across the country. Unfortunately, sharing the road with 18-wheelers can be dangerous for other vehicles. When fully loaded, big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making the vehicles difficult to control during an accident.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, about every two minutes, a person is injured in a vehicle accident. About every two and a half hours, a person is killed on our roadways. Many of these accidents involved large commercial trucks that jackknifed.
Jackknife accidents are often the result of several contributing factors, each playing a pivotal role in the unfolding of these dangerous situations. Key causes include:
The impact of a jackknife accident extends far beyond immediate physical damage. Victims may face:
Preventing jackknife accidents is crucial for ensuring the safety of all road users. Effective measures include:
Our truck accident lawyers have represented families of loved ones killed in jackknife accidents, individuals severely injured, and about everything in between. Our truck accident experience in collecting multi-million-dollar 18-wheeler accident settlements is exceptional. If you can find a better attorney for your case- hire them!
See some of our exceptional trucking accident recent results.
Most jackknife accidents that our Houston jackknife accident lawyers have handled involve driver errors. While some of the crashes we have litigated involved very experienced truck drivers, others were new and inexperienced drivers.
Trucking companies must train their drivers and follow the trucking regulations designed to protect the public. Jackknife accidents are preventable, and a driver’s prudence should prevent the jackknife collision.
One of the first steps in investigating a big rig crash in which the tractor-trailer was jackknifed is to obtain the driver’s qualification file and examine the training given to the driver. Early investigation of a truck crash is vital.
Read More: Common Defenses Used by Trucking Companies in Accident Lawsuits
At Baumgartner Law Firm, our personal injury attorney in Houston, TX, helps clients throughout Texas maximize their damages to get the full and fair compensation they deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars and represented thousands of accident victims and families in wrongful death claims
Since 1985, our firm has limited the practice to serious injury cases and produced exceptional results in the following areas:
Our founder attorney, at Baumgartner Law Firm has over 38 years of experience in truck accident litigation and has been peer-reviewed preeminent for decades.
Jackknife accidents are complex and devastating events that require a multifaceted approach to prevention, response, and recovery. By understanding the causes, impacts, and legal frameworks surrounding these accidents, we can work towards a safer future for all road users.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a jackknife accident, it is essential to seek professional legal advice to navigate the aftermath and secure the compensation you deserve.
Since 1985, we have won truck crash cases. Our expertise in commercial vehicle crashes is unmatched in Houston. Contact us for a FREE consultation about your rights, options, and next steps.
Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, Texas 77069
(281) 587-1111
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