Large commercial tractor-trailers are a common sight in and around Metairie, Louisiana, but that also means things like 18-wheeler truck jackknife accidents are not unheard of. These crashes are frightening experiences for truckers and motorists alike, and they can set off devastating chains of events, including multi-vehicle pileups.
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, our Metairie truck accident lawyers want you to recognize the dangers these wrecks present. At the same time, we also want you to know you may be entitled to compensation.
If you or a loved one were injured in such an accident, contact our Metairie personal injury attorneys at (888) 601-0127 to schedule a free consultation.
How Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an 18-Wheeler Truck Jackknife Accident in Metairie, LA
Truck accidents of any kind in Metairie, LA, are complicated events. Not only is there typically a significant amount of evidence to sift through, but the insurance companies representing truckers and their employers will often try to settle injury claims as quickly (and for as little money) as possible.
You need and deserve Metairie truck accident attorneys who will fight for you. At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we take our role as your advocates and representatives seriously.
When we are involved in your case, you can expect our Metairie personal injury lawyers to do the following on your behalf:
- Get to the bottom of how the jackknife accident occurred and who is responsible for it.
- Review your medical records and other evidence to understand your injuries and the compensation you deserve for them.
- Determine whether you need future damages for anticipated future medical costs and other expenses associated with brain trauma or other severe injuries from your wreck.
- File your claim with the appropriate insurance company and actively seek a speedy resolution to your claim.
- Handle any denial of coverage or other legal issue that arises and threatens to derail your claim.
Above all, our firm has one primary objective: ensuring that you receive swift and fair compensation for the injuries you sustain after any truck or motor vehicle accident. We will exhaust all available legal avenues to ensure that you have the resources necessary to pay your bills and move forward on a firm financial footing. Contact our truck accident lawyers today to get started.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
There are many different ways a truck can crash, and “jackknifing” is just one of them. When a truck “jackknifes,” the driver loses control of the trailer they are towing. It then swings around toward the front of the tractor, roughly forming a “V” shape with the cab. The name comes from the fact that the 18-wheeler resembles a pocket knife during this type of wreck.
Nationally, about five percent of all truck crashes are jackknife accidents. Jackknife truck accidents are so dangerous because the trailer is completely uncontrollable until it comes to rest. It can collide with vehicles in adjacent lanes and block numerous lanes of traffic.
Moreover, a jackknifing truck can roll over, endangering the truck’s driver and those of nearby vehicles.
Top Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents in Metairie
Although jackknife accidents may seem unpredictable, a trucker’s careless driving is often to blame. The following specific actions can significantly increase the chances that a jackknife crash will happen:
Improper Braking
Large 18-wheelers need a long distance to come to a safe stop, and the heavier the load it is hauling, the longer that distance becomes. Sudden braking can cause the truck’s tires to lock up and the trailer to skid or slide. If the cab stops faster than the trailer, the latter may jackknife. That risk becomes even more pronounced during wet or slippery conditions.
Speeding
A truck can also jackknife if it is speeding so fast that the driver loses the ability to control the direction of the trailer. Tractor-trailers traveling around curves, making turns, or driving in the rain or snow have a greater chance of jackknifing when high speeds are involved.
Tire Blowouts
Truck tires need regular inspection and should be replaced when they become too worn or damaged. Otherwise, they can fail or blow out suddenly, making the truck and trailer difficult to control and stop. In the chaos that unfolds, the trailer may swing around the side of the tractor and jackknife.
Contact Our Metairie Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we help you understand your rights and hold negligent drivers accountable after motor vehicle wrecks in Metairie.
If you have been hurt in a jackknife trucking accident, you do not have to bear the costs alone. Contact our Metairie truck accident lawyers as soon as possible and take advantage of our free, no-commitment case review.
