Jackknife Trucking Accidents

When a large commercial truck attempts to stop suddenly or stop on a slick surface, the truck may begin to skid. Skidding can make the tractor-trailer difficult to maneuver and control, and can cause the trailer section to swing around, forming a 90-degree angle with the tractor. This is known as a jackknife accident and can result in the truck rolling over, smashing into cars, spilling hazardous chemicals, or even catching fire.

Sadly, many jackknife trucking accidents are the result of truck driver error or improper truck maintenance—and could have been prevented. If you are involved in a trucking accident, it is important to have a law firm on your side that specializes in trucking accidents, and protecting victims and their families. At Corsiglia, McMahon, and Allard, LLP, our San Jose trucking accident attorneys work 24/7 to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve after a catastrophic trucking accident.

A jackknife accident is usually the result of a truck's wheels locking up on a slick road surface. When the trailer swings wildly out of control, the driving decisions made by the truck driver are of paramount importance. If the truck driver locks the drive axles, the truck will likely jackknife.

In an effort to cut costs and maximize profits, trucking companies sometimes fail to adequately train their drivers. As a result, inexperienced truck drivers are unprepared in emergency situations and do not have the skills to avoid a serious accident. Proper braking techniques can help many truck drivers avoid jackknife trucking accidents.

There are numerous reasons a large commercial truck could jackknife, including:

• Sudden and improper application of brakes
• Improperly adjusted brakes
• Truck driver error
• Slick or icy road surfaces
• Inexperienced truck drivers
• Truck axle locks or defects
• Speeding
• Poor road conditions

When a large commercial big rig jackknifes, it often causes a multi-car pileup. When multiple parties are involved in a catastrophic accident, it can be confusing to know where to turn for help. Insurance companies are often reluctant to reach settlements and pay claims until responsibility has been established. Yet with so many parties involved, this can be difficult and delays are common.

When this occurs, you need an experienced San Jose law firm on your side to fight for your rights, protect your interests, and ensure that you receive the compensation you need—and deserve. It pays to have aggressive legal representation when fighting the large trucking and insurance companies.

If you or someone you love has been killed or injured in a commercial trucking accident, contact the trucking accident lawyers at Corsiglia, McMahon, and Allard, LLP at (408) 289-1417.

The trucking accident lawyers at Corsiglia, McMahon, and Allard, LLP have successfully handled truck accident cases throughout Northern California, including accidents on highways 1, 5, 17, 33, 101, 152, 580 and 680.