Commercial truck cabs are connected to their trailers by a rotating central hinge, and all of the vehicle’s power and steering coming from the cab in front. This design allows for greater mobility while turning, but it also creates a unique risk of the trailer jutting out sideways or in front of the cab during sudden braking. This event called a “jackknife” puts the 18-wheeler’s driver and everyone near their rig at risk of serious harm.
Jackknife truck accidents in Ballwin often cause substantial losses to many people involved, meaning litigation following this kind of wreck can be complicated. A truck collision attorney’s assistance could be crucial to get the best resolution in a claim like this, especially if you sustained long-term or permanent damages.
Even with training and years of hands-on driving experience, truckers are still susceptible to reckless behavior on the road. Sometimes, negligence that leads to jackknifing wrecks is involuntary, such as fatigue caused by unreasonably long shifts. In other cases, truckers may choose to act irresponsibly by being distracted by a cell phone, following other vehicles too closely, or failing to account for inclement weather.
A jackknifing crash may also stem from a third party who worked on the rig involved. This third party could be a mechanic who did not replace a faulty part correctly or a supplier who did not secure cargo properly. A knowledgeable attorney in the area could help identify the party at fault for the jackknifed 18-wheeler, establish how they were negligent, and demand fair restitution for any damages.
If any part of a heavy commercial rig hits another vehicle, it is likely that repercussions will be devastating for the occupants of the smaller car. Jackknife 18-wheeler wrecks in the area are often especially severe, as they invariably occur while the truck is traveling at a high rate of speed.
Hurt plaintiffs who can prove someone else liable for the accident could demand compensation for the full value of all their losses, including:
It is usually critical for claimants injured in an accident to take legal action as soon as possible, because important evidence may become destroyed over time. The state also has a filing deadline established under Missouri Revisor of Statutes § 516.120 that does not allow a plaintiff to file after five years for most personal injury cases.
Jackknifing 18-wheelers have the potential to cause life-changing harm to several people at once, especially if the truck involved end up turning over and rolling down a crowded highway. Holding the responsible party liable for the effects of an incident like this may be essential to preserving your best interests in the years to come.
A knowledgeable big rig crash attorney could provide the guidance and support you need to effectively enforce your rights following a jackknife truck accident in Ballwin. Schedule your initial consultation today to learn more about your options.
