Truck accidents in Portland are an unfortunately common occurrence. While the massive size and weight of most big rigs provide some protection for the truck driver, it is other motorists who typically suffer the greatest harm when a crash or collision happens. Jackknife accidents are one of the most common. Find out more about these dangerous truck accidents and how they typically happen.
What Is A Jackknife Truck Accident?
Jackknife crashes are one of the most common and potentially dangerous types of truck accidents in Portland. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), nationwide they claim the lives of close to 5,000 people each year while leaving more than 100,000 others suffering serious personal injuries. In the majority of cases, victims are not the truck driver but other motorists involved.
What is a jackknife truck accident? It generally happens when a truck driver loses some control over the vehicle. The truck may skid, causing the trailer to swing out to one side or the other at an angle as the driver attempts to slow down. Unfortunately, as the truck cab slows or comes to a stop, the trailer continues to gain in momentum and rides up alongside at a 90-degree angle. This can end up having serious impacts on drivers in other lanes. Common conditions in which jackknife truck accidents are most likely to occur include:
- During wet, rainy weather;
- When roads are slick due to fog or a layer of ice;
- At major intersections, particularly those with heavy traffic;
- On freeways where road, weather, or traffic conditions require the truck to come to a sudden stop.
Who Is Liable For Personal Injuries Due To Jackknife Truck Accidents?
According to Trucking Truth, a website geared towards truck drivers, adverse road, traffic, or weather conditions can all make jackknife truck accidents more likely to happen. However, it is generally negligence on the part of the truck driver or the company they work for that is ultimately to blame. Among the most common causes include:
- Speeding and going too fast for conditions;
- Driving while distracted or under the influence;
- Aggressive driving behaviors, such as when truckers tailgate motorists;
- Lack of proper training or truck maintenance, which makes jackknife truck accidents more likely to happen.
If you are injured in a jackknife truck accident, both the truck driver and the trucking company they work for may be held liable for the property damages, medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs you incur as a result.
Let Us Help You Today
At the Johnston Law Firm P.C., we provide the professional legal representation you need in dealing with truck drivers, the trucking company, their insurers, and attorneys in the aftermath of a truck accident. For help in getting the compensation, you need to recover, reach out and call (503) 546-3167, or contact our Portland, OR truck attorney online to request a consultation today.