I am sorry to hear about your accident. Yes, if you are involved in an accident with a tractor trailer in Los Angeles that was caused by the negligence of the tractor trailer driver, in most cases you can hold the trucking company responsible. However, you need to speak with an attorney. Typically, accidents involving tractor trailers are complex and often involve large amounts of damages. An attorney is necessary to ensure that you get the compensation to which you entitled after the accident.
Jackknifing is a term that refers to what happens when a tractor trailer or 18-wheeler skids, which causes the trailer to swing out to one side forming an angle. The angle looks like the angle that the blade of a jackknife forms with its handle. In many cases, jackknifing occurs when the truck’s wheels lock up during slippery road conditions. It can also occur because of the negligence of the truck driver, or when a truck is sideswiped by another vehicle. When jackknifing occurs, normally a blockade on the road is created. Other vehicles near the truck may either crash into the blockade or could be rear-ended by another vehicle from behind.
Although many jackknifing accidents are unavoidable, there are steps truck drivers can take to avoid jackknifing. They should keep a safe distance from other vehicles on the roads, especially when the roads are slippery or wet. They should brake over the longest distance possible. If the tractor is skidding, they should steer into the skid before the truck jackknifes. The truck should not decelerate at turns or bends – instead, the truck driver should brake in a straight line prior to a turn.
Accidents involving jackknifed tractor trailers can be some of the most serious accidents on the roads. Unsuspecting vehicles may be forced to hit a jackknifed tractor trailer at a high rate of speed or swerve and hit other vehicles on the roads. If a car is pinned, the car’s occupants can suffer serious and permanent injuries. Injuries obtained in accidents involving jackknifed trucks are often worse than those suffered in other types of accidents.
It’s important that you speak with a Los Angeles truck accident attorney if you have been involved in an accident involving a jackknifed tractor trailer. The legal case will most likely be complex and you need someone on your side with experience in those types of cases. Call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles tractor trailer accident attorney at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation on your case.