Large truck crashes are some of the most severe collisions on the road. These accidents frequently lead to serious injuries and fatal results, especially for occupants of other vehicles. One of the most frightening types of collisions is a jackknife crash. An out-of-control big rig truck careening down a crowded highway is likely one of the most terrifying potential events that a driver can imagine. Of course, like most crashes, these incidents are preventable, and when they do take place, it is often because of human errors and violations of laws or regulations.
If you were injured in a crash involving a large truck, contact the Durham Law Group today at 813-333-6250 to discuss your claim. Our attorneys understand how devastating these crashes are for victims and their loved ones. Call today to speak to an experienced Tampa truck crash attorney.
Truck Crash Facts and Statistics
When it comes to collisions involving large trucks, victims are often the occupants of smaller vehicles such as cars, SUVs, or pickup trucks. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, large truck crashes killed 4,136 people in 2018. Of those victims, 67% were individuals in passenger vehicles at the time. Another 15% of those killed included motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Large truck occupants only accounted for 16% of individuals killed in collisions involving these massive vehicles. When looking at two-vehicle collisions involving large trucks and passenger vehicles, 96% of the fatalities are those in the passenger vehicles. Overall, 22% of individuals killed in multiple vehicle accidents while riding in passenger vehicles died because of a crash with a large truck.
Sadly, many of these crashes are the result of violations of truck industry regulations such as maintenance violations or hours of service violations.
What Causes a Truck to Jackknife?
Jackknife crashes are just one type of accident involving large trucks. When a truck jackknifes, the trailer slides perpendicular to the cabin of the truck, causing the vehicle to have the appearance of a partially closed jackknife. These crashes are often the result of mistakes made by drivers in those large trucks. For instance, if a truck is traveling too fast for the road or the road conditions and then either attempts to swerve or round a curve, the result can be that the truck will jackknife, and the driver will lose control of that vehicle. These crashes are more likely on roads that are slick or when the weather is inclement. Some other issues that can lead to a jackknife collision include sudden braking, poorly maintained brakes or brake systems, and other mechanical errors in the truck. Drivers who have less experience, are fatigued, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol or other substances may create a greater risk of causing these crashes. In particular, flaws with truck brake systems can lead to jackknife crashes because the truck’s axles may stop functioning. Tire blowouts or unexpected actions by other drivers may also contribute to these collisions. It is important to determine the cause of the crash as just one part of determining liability for the accident.
Liability and Damages in Tampa Truck Crashes
Investigations into collisions can help shed light on the cause of the crash and therefore determine who is liable for that incident. If the investigation into a jackknifed collision indicates that the truck involved was not properly maintained, this could be used as evidence of negligence on the part of the truck’s owner or operator. Evidence that the driver was traveling above the speed limit, distracted, or under the influence can also help injury victims indicate that the driver was liable for the crash. Proving liability is necessary in order for injury victims to collect damages.
Crashes involving large trucks frequently lead to devastating, life-altering, and sometimes fatal injuries. The long-lasting consequences of such harm can be emotionally difficult, but it can also have severe financial impacts on the victim and their loved ones. Injuries may lead to costly medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and can also negatively impact the victim’s ability to perform their job. In some circumstances, victims may be permanently disabled and unable to return to the work they previously performed. In such cases, the family will often struggle to afford necessities. Recovering damages will help a family heal and move past the harm caused by a collision. Damages will provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more about proving liability and recovering damages in your case, contact an experienced and successful Tampa, Florida, truck crash attorney.
Call the Durham Law Group Today for Help After a Jackknife Truck Accident in Tampa
At the Durham Law Group, our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims in Tampa, Florida. Call us today at 813-333-6250 to discuss your claim with an experienced and compassionate Tampa truck crash attorney.
