Waldorf, MD Jackknife Accident Lawyers

Attorneys for Injuries in Jackknife Truck Accidents in Waldorf, Maryland

A jackknife accident involving a large commercial truck can be incredibly frightening. In a matter of seconds, a truck driver may lose control, and their truck may sweep across multiple lanes of traffic, striking other vehicles and leaving drivers with no time to react. The injuries that occur in jackknife crashes can be catastrophic. These truck accidents may occur because of driver error, equipment failure, or negligent conduct by a trucking company.

The attorneys at Farmer & Klopfer can provide effective legal help for people who have been seriously injured in jackknife truck accidents. We can investigate an accident to find out what happened and who was responsible. With our record of success, we can help our clients secure the compensation needed to address their injuries and damages and move forward as they recover.

What Is a Jackknife Accident?

A commercial tractor-trailer truck is made up of a cab and a trailer. These two sections are linked by a coupling. Normally, a truck driver will be able to maintain control and ensure that their cab and trailer can move together. A jackknife accident can occur when a truck driver loses control, causing the cab and trailer to move in different directions. The trailer may swing out at an angle that a truck driver will be unable to control. This may cause it to block multiple lanes or collide with other vehicles.

Causes of Jackknife Accidents

Sudden Braking

When a truck driver applies their brakes suddenly, their cab may slow down faster than their trailer. The trailer may then swing outward out of the driver's control. At high speeds, this type of accident can affect vehicles on multiple lanes of a road or highway.

Speeding

When a truck is traveling at a high speed, its trailer will have a great deal of momentum, and a truck driver may be more likely to lose control. A driver may not have enough time to recognize a hazard and move to avoid it. Braking or swerving at a high speed can cause a truck's trailer to swing to the side and cause a jackknife accident.

Slippery Roads

Wet pavement, ice, or snow can increase the risks of jackknife truck accidents. On a slippery road, a trailer's wheels may lose traction, and it may begin sliding, leading to a jackknife. Accidents can occur in these conditions when truck drivers do not reduce their speed or when they brake incorrectly.

Equipment Failures

Problems with a truck's mechanical systems may play a role in jackknife accidents. When brakes do not work correctly, a truck driver may not be able to slow down or stop when necessary. Blowouts or other tire failures may also lead to a loss of control. Defective trailer coupling systems can affect how a cab and trailer respond to each other. When equipment failures occur, maintenance providers or trucking companies may share liability for a truck accident.

Driver Fatigue or Distraction

When a truck driver is tired, or when they are not fully paying attention to the road, they will take longer to recognize hazards and respond correctly. Mistakes made in these situations can cause a driver to lose control, leading to a jackknife accident.

Injuries in Jackknife Accidents

In many cases, jackknife truck accidents can lead to multi-vehicle collisions and serious injuries for drivers and passengers. These injuries may include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

The violent impact that occurs when a truck's trailer strikes a vehicle can cause traumatic brain injuries when drivers or passengers hit their heads on objects inside a car. These may range from concussions to moderate or severe brain injuries that can have long-lasting symptoms.

Back and Spine Injuries

High-impact collisions can place extreme stress on a person's spine. They may experience fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, or other spinal cord injuries due to the forces involved in a jackknife crash. Spinal cord damage may lead to paralysis, a loss of mobility, chronic pain, and other issues that may affect a person for multiple years or permanently.

Crush Injuries

The impact with a truck's trailer may crush the passenger compartment of a vehicle, leading to serious harm to the driver or passengers. Crush affecting a person's limbs, pelvis, or torso may involve damage to bones, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. In some cases, these injuries may result in amputations.

Internal Injuries

The blunt force trauma of a jackknife collision can cause damage to internal organs or internal bleeding. These issues may quickly become life-threatening. The liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, or other organs could be injured, disrupting bodily functions and potentially requiring organ transplants.

Broken Bones

Fractures can occur throughout the body in a jackknife accident. A person may experience broken arms or wrists, rib fractures, pelvic fractures, or leg injuries. Some fractures may be serious enough to require surgery, and extended rehabilitation may be needed to regain function in limbs or other body parts.

Psychological Trauma

A jackknife accident can be a terrifying experience, and it can have long-lasting psychological effects. Injury victims may struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues as they recover from their injuries and take steps to put their lives back together.

Contact Our Waldorf Jackknife Accident Attorneys

Jackknife truck accidents can happen with terrifying speed, and they can leave victims struggling to deal with serious injuries. At Farmer & Klopfer, our attorneys have the legal experience needed to investigate these accidents and obtain financial compensation from all parties who were responsible. We are committed to fighting for our clients' rights and protecting their interests as they recover from injuries in truck crashes. Contact our Waldorf, MD jackknife truck accident lawyers at 301-843-3890 and schedule a free consult.