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(832) 449-8230Commercial trucks are a common sight on Texas roads and interstate highways. They usually signify booming freight business, with goods moving from one region to another. And while we embrace the positive impact they have on the growth of our economy, we must also be wary of the damages they cause whenever an accident occurs. Collisions with passenger cars are particularly catastrophic. Some of the most dangerous truck accidents involve jackknifing.
If you or your loved one was severely harmed in a similar crash, you may be aware of your rights to compensation. The Fort Bend County jackknife truck accident lawyers at Lone Star Injury Attorneys can help you recover the settlement you desire. The first step towards a monetary recovery entails a thorough case review with our legal teams at absolutely no cost. The following guide does not exhaust what a jackknife truck collision entails. However, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to speak with us today.
An average commercial truck is usually made up of a trailer and a cab. The trailer is where goods are stored and is attached to the cab where the driver is stationed. In the instance where the trailer is separated from the head (cab) and folds itself into a V shape at an angle, a jackknife accident is deemed to have occurred. Jackknifing can be deadly, mainly when it occurs on a highway. A chain of multiple crashes may commence, causing severe damage, particularly to smaller passenger vehicles.
Generally, a jackknife semi collision stems from the instability of the truck. Different factors may affect their stability, and unsurprisingly, most of them are purely out of negligence. They include:
Exceeding speed limits and driving too fast make trucks susceptible to jackknifing. Lack of proper traction and unsafe road conditions may increase the likelihood of an accident. If the driver is cited for violating speed limits, your jackknife 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Fort Bend County may incorporate that as evidence.
Most trucks in the modern age have access to various technological systems that make it easier to operate them. A good example is GPS systems. While they are crucial for the safe operation of the truck, they can equally be dangerous. A driver who takes their eyes off the road to navigate the GPS or use their cell phone may be at risk of causing a jackknife truck crash when they lose control of the vehicle.
Most semi-truck drivers spend many hours on the road without enough breaks to rest. In the end, they suffer driver fatigue which often makes them disoriented by their surroundings. They may be too slow to react in case of an emergency, and the sudden swerves may end fatally.
Operating a truck on steep inclines makes it challenging for a truck driver to control their vehicle. Coupled with poor driver training, such conditions may cause the truck to jackknife.
Trucks ferry heavy goods, and thus, proper cargo loading is required. Any imbalance may alter the truck’s stability and gravity, increasing the likelihood of a jackknife accident. Loading and unloading companies may be held accountable for such accidents.
Lousy weather conditions contribute to jackknife truck accidents exponentially. Skidding, hydroplaning and poor visibility are just but a few examples of dangerous situations that may cause a jackknife truck collision in Fort Bend County. State agencies and road construction companies may be at fault for poor road designs and maintenance.
It is not a surprise that truck accident cases are complex compared to other car accident cases. You will be facing big companies with legal teams on retainer to deny your claims. Therefore, it is recommended that you contact a skilled Fort Bend County jackknife truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we can:
We do all these at absolutely no upfront costs through our client-oriented fee structure. We only collect legal fees contingent on the success of your case. You are never billed if you don’t get paid. Please get in touch with our lawyers to learn more about your case.
Lone Star Injury Attorneys, PLLC
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