JACKKNIFE ACCIDENTS
St. Louis, Kansas City, and Jefferson City, Missouri
The name “truck jackknife” comes from the appearance of a truck that has folded at an angle similar to a folding pocket knife. While pocket knifes are no longer common, truck jackknife accidents are a frequent occurrence. The injuries caused in these accidents are all too often fatal.
There are numerous causes of trucking accidents. With jackknifed trailers, some factors include:
- Improper breaking and other driver error
- Equipment failure
- Improperly weighted loads
- Poor weather conditions
- Faulty roadways
No matter the cause, these accidents are responsible for thousands of serious injuries in the United States every year.
Common Injuries in Jackknife Accidents
A jackknifed truck can provide multiple opportunities for injury. Acting like a wall, the trailer of the truck may cause a head-on collision. In other cases, the trailer may fishtail into your lane causing an impact. Studies indicate that you are 98% more likely to suffer a fatal injury in a truck accident than in one involving a smaller vehicle. Even when not fatal, serious injury is almost certain in these accidents.
Some injuries that you may sustain in an accident with a jackknifed truck include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Internal damages
Not every injury sustained in a truck accident may be immediately apparent. It is important that you cooperate with all medical personnel on the site of the accident, and seek medical assistance as soon as possible following your accident.
The injuries from these accidents can negatively impact your ability to work and also cause untold emotional and physical suffering. You have a right to seek full compensation for all of your truck accident injuries, and to ensure financial security for your family in the years to come.
The truck accident attorneys at the Bradley Law Firm have years of experience helping victims of jackknifed truck accidents recover from their losses. We will work closely with you and your family, paying close attention to how your accident has impacted every area of your life. We will seek full damages, working to restore peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
If you have been involved in an accident with a jackknifed truck in Missouri or Illinois, please contact the personal injury attorneys at the Bradley Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation.