Negligence in 18-Wheeler Wrecks: Understanding Liability in Jackknife Trucking Accident in California
Commercial trucking accidents can be catastrophic, or sometimes even deadly. While there are many different types of trucking accidents, one type that can be particularly catastrophic is jackknife trucking accidents. Jackknife refers to the way in which the trailer and tractor fold. Oftentimes this type of accident is very avoidable, meaning if the driver exercised proper caution while operating the vehicle the accident could have been avoided. This is why if you or your loved one were hurt or killed in a jackknifed trucking accident in California, you should call our jackknife trucking attorneys today to learn what compensation you may be eligible for.
Here at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., our experienced trucking accident lawyers in California handle serious and catastrophic 18-wheeler wreck cases. Our personal injury law firm handles California trucking records in Inland Empire County and San Bernardino County, California, as well as in Albuquerque, New Mexico where our main office is located. We know that jackknifed trucking accidents are often the result of negligent and careless driving, causing preventable accidents and avoidable injuries. If you or a loved one were seriously injured in an 18-wheeler wreck in California or New Mexico, call our bodily injury law firm for a FREE consultation to learn what your rights to compensation may be under the law.
Jackknife Trucking Accident Explained
Jackknife trucking accidents happen more often when roads are wet or icy, and can even happen on dry roads and on clear days. That is because jackknifing trucks are about speed and direction, which can be affected by negligence in any way that it happened. While inclement weather can make driving more difficult, commercial truck drivers are trained to operate their trucks in inclement weather with appropriate caution. If appropriate caution is not taken, accidents such as jackknife trucking accidents can occur. While inclement weather is often a contributing factor in jackknife trucking accidents, other causes of jackknife trucking accidents include the following:
- Unbalanced trailer – If the trailer of the truck is not loaded properly with even weight distribution, this can increase the risk for a jackknife trucking accident
- Driver fatigue – While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules and regulations regarding how long a driver can drive as well as how many consecutive days they can drive, drivers who are in violation of these guidelines may become fatigued which can lead to jackknife trucking accidents
- Following too closely – If a commercial truck follows another car or truck too closely and the truck driver has to stop suddenly, this can lead to a jackknife trucking accident
- Improperly maintained brakes – Brakes that are improperly maintained are at risk for locking of the axles. If the brakes lock while the truck is being operated, the trailer can swing off to the side, causing a jackknife trucking accident
- Inadequate training – Drivers who do not receive adequate training or who falsify their experience as a truck driver are at a greater risk for serious accidents such as jackknife trucking accidents. Extensive training is vital in order for commercial truck drivers to safely operate their trucks
Who is Responsible for a Jackknife Trucking Accident?
There are many individuals and parties that may be responsible for a trucking accident. In some cases, there may be more than one party at fault—and that is typically the driver. Determining the cause of a jackknife trucking accident is important in order to prove fault and obtain compensation for injured parties, which is why it is important to work with a trucking accident lawyer. The most common parties at fault for jackknife trucking accidents include the following:
- The truck driver
- Truck manufacturer
- Manufacturer of a vehicle part that is defective
- The company who loads the cargo
- Trucking company
Were You Injured in a Jackknife Trucking Accident in California? Call Our 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers for Help
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a jackknifed trucking accident in California, call our experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. for a FREE consultation to learn more about your rights to compensation. We handle causes throughout New Mexico and California, specifically in Inland Empire and San Bernardino Counties. To learn more about your case and how we can help you, call (505) 384-7865 to schedule a FREE consultation with our lawyers.
We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. We also have a second trucking accident office in California, serving those in Inland Empire County and San Bernardino County, as well as those who have been catastrophically injured or wrongfully killed through California. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 384-7865 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
