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Truck accidents usually wreak havoc and a lot of destruction for persons involved. Those around the driving area bear devastating effects, including catastrophic injuries and, sometimes, deaths. Collisions with smaller passenger vehicles are often fatal.
Among the most devastating types of crashes involving trucks are jackknife accidents. They occur when a truck pulling a trailer folds itself into a “V” shape at the cab. These types of crashes can cause a lot of damage, especially when they involve multiple or chain collisions.
If you’ve been injured, a truck accident lawyer in Harlingen can help you pursue compensation from the liable party. Contact Lone Star Injury Attorneys and speak to a jackknife accident lawyer in Harlingen today.
Consequences of Jackknife Accidents
If you were in a similar accident in Texas, you understand how nerve-wracking they can be. The trauma and shock that follows may remain glued to the victim forever. In extreme cases, they suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional trauma.
There is also the risk of suffering life-threatening injuries, which add to the misery of the injured person and their loved ones. After an accident, the wisest decision you can make regarding protecting your rights is speaking with a compassionate Harlingen personal injury lawyer.
Pursuing compensation in such accidents is a complex process that requires a seasoned attorney.
For a free legal consultation with a jackknife accident lawyer serving Harlingen, call (713) 429-0711
Major Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents in Harlingen
Our Harlingen jackknife truck accident attorneys handle these cases regularly. Unfortunately, most of them stem from negligent behaviors from persons expected to maintain high standards of care.
Some of the common causes of these accidents include:
Speeding
Commercial trucks are built differently from other vehicles. For example, braking at high speeds is often risky. Slamming on the brakes at rates over 55 mph may cause the trailer to swing out of control, causing a trail of destruction as it sweeps across other vehicles.
With speed limits set under state and federal traffic rules, truck drivers are often to blame for accidents that result from speeding.
Distracted Driving
Trucks require specialized driver training and operation. Hauling heavy and dangerous products such as gasoline requires the driver to be attentive and careful while on the road. Unfortunately, there are so many ways they get distracted.
For example, some of them will text and use their cell phone while driving. As a result, they may not have enough time to act in case of an emergency, therefore making quick reactions such as making unsafe lane changes and swerves or slamming too hard on the brakes. Due to the sudden shift in gravity, the trailer may swing.
Vehicle Malfunctions
Brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering system malfunctions are common reasons why truck accidents occur. They result in loss of control, causing the trailer to swing back and forth. If the vehicle’s control is not regained on time, the attached trailer may jackknife, crashing everything on its path.
In such cases, product manufacturers and maintenance companies may bear fault. A seasoned Harlingen jackknife truck accident lawyer will help establish the basis of a product liability claim on your behalf.
Lousy Weather & Poor Road Conditions
Texas experiences different weather patterns throughout the state. Heavy rainfall, snow, ice, and fog contribute to a substantial number of truck accidents.
For example, heavy rain and black ice reduce the truck’s traction with the road, and shifts in weight are likely to cause the trailer to slide as well. Truck drivers are required to adapt to safe driving practices such as slowing down, especially in bad weather.
Steep Curves
A truck pulling a long trailer may swing and fold when taking a steep curve. Inexperienced driving is a common factor in jackknife truck accidents that occur in sharp corners and steep curves.
Trucking companies and owners have the responsibility of hiring well-trained and licensed drivers. In accidents caused by a lack of proper driving skills, these parties may be held liable for negligent driver hiring.
Harlingen Jackknife Accident Lawyer Near Me (713) 429-0711
Compensation in a Harlingen Jackknife Truck Accident
Victims of jackknife truck accidents are entitled to compensation, as with other auto wreck victims. They bear the same burden of proof to show that someone else’s negligence caused their injuries.
Working with a qualified Harlingen jackknife truck accident attorney is crucial to the success of your case. With their experience and skills, they will investigate the accident and establish grounds for a personal injury claim.
Click to contact our Truck Accident Lawyers in Harlingen today
Talk to an Attorney You Can Trust
With the confusion and shock that follow a truck accident, you need someone you can trust with your case. The Harlingen jackknife truck accident lawyers at our firm are trusted to defend our clients’ rights throughout Texas.
We may help you recover the damages you suffered after a jackknife truck accident. To get started, please get in touch with us right away.
Call or text (713) 429-0711 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
