Jackknife truck accidents occur when the tractor and the trailer of a commercial truck form an “L” or “V” shape because the two components fall out of sync with each other. These types of truck accidents are often caused by:
1) Bad weather. Bad weather – such as slippery roads – can cause truck drivers to lose control of their car. In many cases, this can cause a car or truck accident in South Miami or another Florida city. The size and force of a commercial truck is much larger than that of a passenger car, so when a truck slips on the roads, the results can be devastating. Commercial trucks may also be more subject to these issues because fully loaded trucks place severe strain on truck tires. Truck tires can wear down more readily than typical tires if a truck is overloaded, and worn-down tires can put a truck more at risk of accidents.
2) Speeding. Another common cause of truck accidents and car accidents in South Miami and other South Florida cities is speeding. With a commercial truck, especially, speeding can be extremely dangerous. Trucks take longer to stop when compared with smaller vehicles, so speeding can make it impossible for a truck driver to react in time in order to prevent a collision. In addition, the size and weight of a truck can easily cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle if he or she is speeding. Speeding also places additional pressure on truck tires and brakes, increasing the risk of a tire blowout or brake failure, which can also cause a truck to veer out of control and jackknife.
3) Road problems. Road issues – including significant potholes, roadwork, and incorrect maintenance of roads – can cause a truck to lose control and can result in a devastating truck accident. In cases where road problems contribute to a traffic accident in South Miami or another South Florida community, injured parties do have the right to seek compensation. They can seek compensation against the truck motor carrier, the truck driver, and even the municipality where the accident took place and where the road was not correctly maintained.
Truck accidents in South Miami and across South Florida cause devastating injuries and fatalities each year. Victims who suffer broken bones, soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries in South Miami and other communities due to truck accidents may lose wages and work and may face devastating medical costs. In some cases, pursuing a legal claim can help victims recover these costs so that they do not need to pay them out of pocket. Although car insurance can cover some of the costs, many victims find they have trouble recovering compensation for long-term costs and damages without an attorney. An attorney can launch a legal claim, can advise you of your rights, and can even negotiate with insurance carriers for a fairer insurance amount.
If you have been injured in a serious truck accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group legal team to discuss your rights to compensation. You may qualify for more compensation than you realize.