Jackknife Accident

Any vehicle towing a trailer of any kind is at risk of a jackknife accident, but the risk is highest with 18-wheelers and semi-trailers. Jackknife accidents are fairly common in and around Fort Lauderdale, and if you have been injured after being involved in one, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim to recover your medical bills, lost wages, and additional compensation. Contact us today to determine your legal rights to seek repayment for your injuries, and read more below about these specific types of accidents.

What Is a Jackknife Accident?

A jackknife is a specific term used for a type of tractor-trailer accident. A “jackknife” happens when the trucker hits their brakes and begins to skid, and the trailer they are towing skids sideways, so that the truck and trailer end up at a 90º angle from each other. While most common with a semitrailer, a jackknife can happen with any type of trailer.

What Causes a Jackknife Accident?

A jackknife accident is caused exactly how any other accident is, with the only difference being that there is a trailer added to the mix. A jackknife occurs when the driver begins to skid, and locks the brakes completely. Once the brakes lock completely, it goes into a full skid and the trailer is likely to begin to spin in one direction or the other.

How To Avoid a Jack Knife

If you are behind a tractor-trailer and see that they are going into a jackknife, your best option is to try to stay behind the truck, and apply even pressure to your brakes to enjoy skidding yourself. At the same time, you want to be aware of the drivers behind you. If you are next to a tractor-trailer that is going into a jackknife, your best bet is to proceed forward (if it is safe to do so) to avoid being hit, or at least be rear-ended at a lower speed if you are able to move further ahead.

What To Do If You Are Hurt In a Jackknife Accident

If you have been hurt in a jackknife accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale as soon as possible. The team at Friedland & Associates will discuss your situation in an initial consultation, and will pursue the maximum amount of damages you are entitled to, through either negotiations, trial, or both. Dealing with insurance claims for personal injuries can be complicated, but when you add in the fact that you are dealing with a $1 million or more policy for a commercial driver, you can be certain that the process will be extremely complex, and the legal team you will be dealing with will be aggressive in their attempts to settle the issue. Keep in mind that insurance companies first order of business is to save money for themselves, not pay the proper amounts to victims of their policyholders.

Contact Friedland & Associates Today

Do not accept the first offer the insurance company will make! Instead, let our team work directly with the insurance company to ensure that you are treated fairly, and that your injuries are compensated by the insurance company fairly. In addition to the obvious issues such as medical bills and lost income, we will work to factor in the intangibles such as your pain and suffering, or loss of enjoyment of daily activities, which are very important, and deserving of payment just as much as your economic factors. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.