Jackknife Truck Accidents in Housto

Jackknife truck accidents in Houston are typically the result of negligence or preventable errors. These severe crashes occur when the truck’s trailer swings out and forms a sharp angle with the cab.

Victims of jackknife accidents can seek compensation for severe injuries and financial losses. A seasoned truck accident attorney could investigate the cause of your wreck, identify the liable parties, and pursue a claim for maximum compensation for your injuries.

What Are Jackknife Truck Collisions and How Do They Happen?

A jackknife truck collision happens when a large commercial truck, like a semi-truck or 18-wheeler, folds in on itself at the joint connecting the cab and the trailer. The resulting angle resembles a folding pocketknife.

Jackknifing is caused by a loss of traction and stability that makes the trailer pivot uncontrollably. Common causes of Houston jackknife truck wrecks include:

• Improper braking: Because a truck’s cab and trailer have different weights and momentum, slamming the brakes can cause the cab to slow down while the trailer continues pushing forward, swinging out to the side
• Speeding: Driving too fast for road conditions, especially on curves, highway ramps, or slippery surfaces, reduces a driver’s ability to maintain control, allowing the trailer to swing wide and jackknife
• Improperly loaded cargo: If a trailer’s cargo is not properly secured or is unevenly distributed, it can shift during transit, throwing off the truck’s balance and making the trailer more prone to swaying and jackknifing, especially during turns or sudden stops
• Equipment failure: Malfunctions in a truck’s mechanical systems, including issues such as brake failure, worn tires, or a faulty coupling device between the cab and trailer, can trigger a jackknife collision
• Driver fatigue or distraction: When a driver is fatigued, distracted, or otherwise impaired, their reaction time is slower, and they are more likely to make a mistake, such as braking too late or overcorrecting during an emergency
• Overcorrection: If a driver overreacts to a road hazard, like swerving too sharply, the aggressive steering can cause the trailer to lose traction and whip around

When a semi jackknifes, the out-of-control trailer can strike multiple vehicles, causing severe injuries, multi-car pileups, and catastrophic or fatal outcomes.

Injuries and Compensation in Jackknife Truck Crash Claims

The sheer force of a jackknifing truck can cause severe and life-changing trauma, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): The violent impact can cause head trauma ranging from a concussion to a severe TBI, leading to long-term cognitive and functional disabilities
• Spinal cord injuries: The forceful and uncontrolled movement can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis
• Internal injuries and bleeding: The immense crushing force can cause severe internal organ damage and life-threatening internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent
• Fractures and crush injuries: Victims often suffer from broken bones, including complex and shattered fractures, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, which may necessitate amputation in severe cases
• Lacerations and burns: Shattered glass, twisted metal, and road debris can cause deep cuts and severe lacerations, and if the accident involves a fire or explosion, victims may also suffer from severe burns
• Psychological trauma: Survivors can suffer from serious emotional distress, including anxiety and depression long after their physical injuries have healed

Houston victims of a jackknife semi-truck crash can seek compensation for both their economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover verifiable financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damages, while non-economic damages include losses such as emotional distress, pain, and suffering. The total value of a claim is dependent on the severity of the injuries and the long-term impact on the victim’s life.

Discuss Your Jackknifing Truck Injury Claim With a Houston Attorney

Jackknife truck accidents in Houston often involve powerful trucking companies and insurers who dispatch teams to the scene immediately to limit their liability. A lawyer from our firm could act quickly to secure and preserve crucial evidence before it is lost or destroyed.

At Mostyn Law we specialize in complex cases, our attorneys could bring in expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to help prove how the crash occurred and who was at fault. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who know the true value of your claim and could fight for a settlement that fully compensates you for your economic and non-economic damages. Give us a call today to request your free case review.