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Jackknife Accident

If you have been injured because of someone else's negligence, you need Guster Law Firm on your team.

Birmingham Jackknife Accident Attorney

What To Do If You've Been Hurt in a Jackknife Truck Accident

At this moment, there are hundreds--maybe even thousands--of tractor trailers hauling across Alabama. Because of their size and weight, they're dangerous. Any accident involving a fully loaded big rig is going to cause some serious damage. In 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that over 100,000 were injured in big rig accidents that year. One of the more common, and most dangerous, types of big rig accidents is a jackknife accident.

Jackknife accidents happen when the truck's trailer swings out from behind the rig, resembling the shape of a pocketknife. In jackknife accidents, the trailer can swing around to cover other lanes on the road. This creates an incredibly dangerous situation for any car or pedestrian sharing the road.

Guster Law Firm, LLC has helped many people who've been involved in accidents with big rigs. If you or a loved one have been in an accident with a semi-truck, contact our Birmingham truck accident attorney today.

We can be reached at (205) 581-9777.

Common Jackknife Truck Accident Injuries

Jackknife accidents can cause some serious injuries and even wrongful death. Here are the most common injuries we see in jackknife truck accidents:

Many injuries, especially neck and spine injuries, don't present their symptoms immediately. These injuries can start causing problems days, weeks, or even months after your accident. This is why anyone involved in a truck accident needs to get medical attention. Seeing a doctor immediately after your accident will start a paper trail documenting your injuries after the accident. This will help when you're pursuing a claim against the negligent trucker and their company.

Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents

Big rigs are a kind of vehicle called an "articulated vehicle." This means they're made up segments linked by movable joints. In a semi-truck, the trailer is latched on to the truck that's pulling it. This design makes big rigs vulnerable to certain types of accidents. Jackknife accidents are one of these types of accidents. Regular cars and trucks don't have jackknife accidents because they're made in one piece. The jackknife shape is very dangerous in an accident. Smaller cars on the road can easily get smashed or even stuck under a swinging trailer.

Here are the most common reasons for jackknife truck accidents:

  • Trucks taking turns too fast
  • Trucks breaking too hard
  • High winds
  • Badly loaded or secured trailer load
  • Drivers over-steering
  • Other driver errors

Guster Law Firm, LLC has found that in many jackknife cases, accidents were due to problems with the truck's breaks. In cases like these, we have no problem with including the truck's manufacturer in your accident claim.

You can reach us at (205) 581-9777. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Contact a Birmingham Jackknife Accident Lawyer at Guster Law Firm, LLC

If you or a loved one have been involved in a jackknife truck accident, don't wait to contact an experienced Alabama truck accident lawyer. Guster Law Firm, LLC has helped many people and their families who've been hurt by trucking accidents. We can stand up for you against trucking companies and their insurance companies. Call us today to get started on your case.

“Eric Guster and his team are some of the best attorneys in Birmingham. Mr. Guster and his team are knowledgeable, caring, and respected by other lawyers and the courts.”

- Falen C.
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When you or a loved one has been injured by someone else's negligence, you need Alabama's Premier Personal Injury Law Firm on your side.