Due to their size and length, commercial trucks can lose traction and turn sideways—especially when the operator is careless. In these situations, trucks may “jackknife,” which is a term used to describe the way the cab and trailer fold in on each other while the vehicle slides sideways.
If you have been hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Allentown, you could be entitled to compensation. The right attorney may be able to help you secure financial compensation for your injuries. Let a dedicated truck accident lawyer advise you of your options.
A wide range of factors can come together to cause an Allentown jackknife truck accident. Some examples include:
Inadequate truck maintenance can greatly increase the risk of an accident. While there are regulations regarding the upkeep of these vehicles, some companies cut corners by ignoring them.
By far, the most common cause of these incidents is driver error. Mistakes made behind the wheel can put a large commercial vehicle at risk of the cab and trailer traveling in opposite directions, often striking multiple lanes of traffic along the way.
Despite an operator’s best efforts, there are times when collisions are unavoidable. One of those situations occurs any time severe weather is present. This can include heavy rain, snow, or fog that limits visibility or interferes with a person’s ability to maneuver a truck safely.
The way that cargo is packed into a trailer can also result in a truck jackknifing. Federal law restricts the amount of weight a truck can carry for a reason, and there are also best practices related to stacking cargo so that it does not leave the trailer top-heavy. Any errors made when loading the truck can lead to a crash.
It is natural to place the blame on the operator of the commercial vehicle in these accidents. After all, their carelessness is the most common cause of a jackknife truck crash in Allentown. However, it is possible that the trucker is only one potential defendant in an injury case.
Truckers can cause these collisions when they drive erratically or fall asleep at the wheel. The company they work for might also be liable for any damage they cause in some situations. For example, an employer can share liability for an accident when their driver caused a wreck while working within the scope of their employment.
Other grounds exist to hold both the driver and the truck owner responsible. For example, the company could be on the hook for any damages if its negligent hiring or training practices led to the crash.
Other entities might also be at fault. For example, these accidents can occur due to defective vehicles or their parts. From faulty brakes to tires, a single failure could result in a driver losing control and crashing. In that scenario, it is possible to pursue legal action against the manufacturer.
If you have been hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Allentown, you have the opportunity to pursue legal action. The right attorney can help you evaluate the case, identify the responsible party, and file a lawsuit. Reach out right away to learn more.
