Jackknife Truck Accidents in Channelview

Channelview’s proximity to Houston and access to major highways make it a critical route for commercial trucking. While this bolsters the local economy and helps fuel the national economy, it also dramatically increases the risk of trucking accidents like the notoriously dangerous jackknife. Named for their resemblance to a folding knife, these accidents occur when the cab of a semi-truck locks up, causing the trailer to swing out to the side. The trailer can even pass up the cab.

Jackknife accidents often result in devastating consequences. A fully loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal and state laws. Truckers with overweight permits can carry even heavier loads. The weight turns trucks into potential weapons on the road. When a trucker loses control, the trailer can hit several vehicles, leading to chain-reaction crashes and significant property damage. If you have been hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Channelview, you may be entitled to compensation. A skilled truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you understand and pursue your legal options.

Causes of Jackknife Truck Wrecks

Semi-trucks consist of a cab connected to a trailer. Trailers can be various lengths, up to 53 feet. Combined with the cab, the vehicle can be 72 feet or more. The cab has a braking system that connects to the trailer’s system. The cab’s brakes and the trailer’s brakes should be synchronized, bringing them to a stop at the same speed, keeping the trailer behind the cab. However—if the cab’s brakes lock up—the trailer can continue moving, swinging uncontrollably to the side of the cab or even around it.

Brakes can lock up for many reasons, including driver behavior, weather conditions, road conditions, and equipment failure. Driver behavior includes a range of irresponsible acts, such as excessive speed, sudden braking, and abrupt steering.

During a jackknife incident, the truck is entirely out of control—the weight of the trailer controls where the vehicle goes, not the trucker’s movements. The cab and the trailer can both cause significant damage. The truck may collide with other vehicles, cross into oncoming traffic, block entire roadways, or veer off-road, damaging property or injuring people. Channelview jackknife truck wrecks often involve multiple people, making it challenging to determine fault and damages.

Liability for a Jackknife Crash

Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001 establishes modified comparative negligence, allowing recovery for a truck accident as long as an injured person is no more than 50 percent at fault for the event. If a motorist is partially responsible, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.

In Channelview jackknife cases, determining liability often involves examining multiple factors, including driver negligence, road conditions, and equipment maintenance records. This can also introduce the possibility of third-party negligence. Even if those third parties are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident, as long as the injured person is not more than 50 percent at fault, they can recover damages.

Talk to an Attorney About Jackknife Truck Crash Claims in Channelview

Jackknife truck accidents are complex events, often involving multiple vehicles and layers of liability. You may be directly struck by the truck or indirectly injured in a resulting chain-reaction crash. Liability might rest with the driver, their employer, a maintenance provider, or even a municipality. You may even share some of the fault.

Navigating these challenges and pursuing fair compensation requires experienced legal guidance. Contact a knowledgeable attorney to explore the issues surrounding jackknife truck accidents in Channelview. Our team can assess your case, determine fault, and help you recover the compensation that you deserve.