Semis and big rigs are commercial vehicles that consist of a trailer and cab that are usually joined by a fifth wheel or coupler. The cab and trailer (or multiple trailers) can move independently of each other and in an accident they can move in opposite directions, coming to rest in a position that resembles a jackknife, which is how these collisions got their name.
If you’re in a serious crash with a commercial truck, it’s likely that your injuries will be serious and the insurance claims process can be more complicated. To address this, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation with a Hollywood truck accident claims attorney. Let’s talk about your potential claim and how we may be able to help.
Why Do Jackknife Accidents Happen in Hollywood?
In many cases, these collisions involve speed, which creates enough momentum for the parts of the truck to move in different directions, especially if the truck crashes into something or the driver brakes suddenly. In addition, there are other factors that can lead to jackknifing, including:
- Diver inexperience or inattention
- Poor weather
- Incorrectly distributed cargo or overloaded trucks
- Uneven or rough terrain
- Truck defects
What Kinds of Injuries Happen in Jackknife Crashes?
Big rigs and semis can carry multiple trailers and can weigh 80,000 pounds, in some cases. In a collision, the size, weight, and momentum of these large vehicles can cause serious and life-threatening injuries to pedestrians and occupants of cars. Common injuries can include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Fractures
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Burns
- Crushing injuries
What To Do If You’re in a Jackknifing Accident
Seeing a truck jackknife in front of you is terrifying. When a big rig jackknifes, the trailer can crash into multiple vehicles, even pushing them off the road. In some cases, the truck can roll over, which can crush anything in its way. Here’s what to do when this type of serious accident happens:
- Call 911 at once if there are any signs on the truck indicating dangerous cargo or if anyone is seriously injured.
- Get documentation of the scene, including pictures, and exchange insurance information with the truck driver.
- Report the accident to police and get a medical evaluation so you have documentation of your injuries and accident.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
While you’re not required to speak to a Hollywood truck accident claims lawyer, it’s something you may want to consider. These claims tend to be complicated because there may be multiple seriously injured plaintiffs and powerful truck carriers and insurers sometimes pull out all the stops to avoid paying the maximum amount.
If you’ve been in a truck accident anywhere in South Florida, you can always contact Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 and reach a live person 24/7. You can set up a free accident consultation with a Hollywood truck accident claims attorney on our family-based team to find out whether you have a claim. We can even review how much your claim may be worth so you can make the right decision about whether to proceed with your case.