There is a certain amount of danger that comes to driving the interstate system. One of the biggest dangers falls into the semi category. The 80,000-pound vehicles have a hard time stopping and are often viewed by other drivers as a major nuisance. When a semi loses control there is a good chance it is going to end up jackknifing and causing a major headache for everyone else on the road behind them. If you are that driver, you may have some questions about what you need to do and how you should respond in a jackknife accident.
Jackknife accidents are a major problem for all parties involved. They require special equipment to remove the vehicles from traffic. And they can cause a lot of damage that will require special people to fix the damages once the vehicles are removed. Here are some things that you should know about jackknifed semis.
- Jackknifes usually happens when the size and weight of a truck are compromised, and it cannot stop safely. As a driver, it would be a good idea to maintain a safe speed while driving. Every mile per hour driven in excess of the posted speed limit greatly increases the chances of an accident happening.
- Making too tight of a turn can cause the tractor and trailer to jackknife. It is always advisable to keep both hands on the wheel to maintain control and never let the wheel turn freely. You may need to allow for extra room while making tight turns in order to avoid jackknifing.
- Poor road conditionsand fatigue are two other causes of jackknife accidents. The weather and tiredness mixed together to open the possibility of an accident happening by quite a bit. If you are feeling tired, it is time to pull over and take a nap. Bad weather can be avoided by waiting out the storm. The life you save might just be your own.
There are many different types of injuries that can take place during a jackknife accident.
- The most common injury is a head impact injury. These usually happen when the truck comes to a sudden stop or spins out of control. You may find your head impacting on the steering wheel or on the side of the cab.
- Excessive force can also lead to back and spinal injury. These usually happen when the truck jackknifes and then roles over.
- Broken bones happen upon impact or when the driver is thrown from the cab. Repairing these kinds of injuries can take time and many months of rehabilitation.
Depending on the circumstances you may find that there is a way for you to get compensation for your medical bills, property damages, and even loss of wages. Before signing any paperwork, it would be a good idea for you to seek the services of an accident lawyer. They can help advise you of your rights and help represent you if any other person tries to pin the accident on you as the driver.
