You're driving on I-25 near Albuquerque when you see a semi-truck's trailer swing at a 90-degree angle, striking multiple vehicles before the truck stops and blocks traffic. As you watch first responders rush to help the injured, you wonder how the driver lost control and who will be held responsible for this devastating crash.
When a commercial truck jackknifes, the destruction can be immense. Victims often suffer catastrophic injuries that forever change the course of their lives. At Keller & Keller, our Albuquerque truck accident lawyers help individuals and families put the pieces back together after life-altering truck crashes. Here’s why jackknife truck accidents happen in NM and how to determine liability.
What Causes Trucks to Jackknife?
Jackknifing occurs when the trailer of an 18-wheeler or semi-truck swings out to the side, forming an acute angle with the cab. Picture a folding pocket knife—that's essentially the position the truck is in, hence the term "jackknife."
Several factors can contribute to a jackknife truck accident, including:
- Improper braking. When a truck driver brakes suddenly or with too much force, the trailer's momentum can cause it to push the tractor (cab) to the side. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) help prevent this, but not all trucks have them.
- Speeding on curves. Taking a turn or curved highway ramp too quickly makes trailers more prone to swinging out. The top-heavy nature of many commercial trucks only compounds this risk.
- Equipment failure. Issues with the coupling device between the cab and trailer can lead to jackknifing. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or broken trailer axles may also cause a driver to lose control.
- Slippery road conditions. Water, ice, snow, or oil on the road can reduce traction, increasing the chances of a trailer swinging out, especially when driving too fast for conditions.
- Improperly loaded cargo. When cargo isn't loaded evenly or secured correctly, it can shift during transit. This sudden weight transfer may cause the trailer to sway and ultimately jackknife.
- Inadequate truck maintenance. Trucking companies and owner-operators must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles. Failing to identify and fix mechanical issues puts everyone on the road at risk.
- Distracted driving. When truck drivers take their eyes off the road to check a phone, change the radio, or review directions, they may not notice slowed traffic in time to avoid slamming on the brakes and potentially jackknifing.
Federal regulations set standards for driver behavior, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, and more. When trucking companies or their employees violate these laws and regulations, leading to a jackknife accident, they can be held liable for the resulting damages.
Determining Liability in a Jackknife Truck Accident
Jackknife truck accident claims are often complicated, as multiple parties may share fault. Companies in the trucking industry often have teams of lawyers ready to fight any allegations of negligence.
Depending on the underlying cause of the jackknife, the following parties may be held liable:
- Truck driver. Their negligence caused the jackknife, such as distracted driving, speeding, improper braking, or impaired driving.
- Trucking company. Their negligence contributed to the crash. Examples include negligent hiring of unqualified drivers, encouraging hours of service (HOS) violations, and failing to maintain vehicles properly.
- Cargo loading companies. Improperly loaded trailer or failure to secure the cargo as federal regulations require.
- Truck or parts manufacturers. A defective truck, trailer, or component (such as brakes or tires) played a role in causing the jackknife accident.
- Third-party maintenance companies. They failed to identify and fix mechanical problems that led to the crash.
- Government entities. Improper signage or dangerous (but reparable) road conditions contributed to the jackknife.
Because of the number of potentially liable parties, jackknife truck accident cases require thorough investigation. This often involves accident reconstruction experts, forensic specialists, and industry professionals who can testify to best practices in commercial trucking.
How Our Albuquerque Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Keller & Keller, we have the resources and experience to tackle complex truck accident claims. Our truck accident attorneys work with a network of experts to investigate the cause of the crash, identify all liable parties, and pursue maximum compensation for our clients. When you work with our team, you can expect us to:
- Thoroughly investigate the accident to uncover all contributing factors
- Identify every potentially liable party, from the truck driver to third-party contractors
- Gather and preserve critical evidence, including truck maintenance records, driver logs, and cargo loading documentation
- Work with industry experts to provide compelling testimony
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to obtain a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial if necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve
Our truck accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck accident can take on victims and their families. While no amount of money can erase the trauma you've experienced, a fair settlement can ease the burden of medical bills, lost income, and other accident-related expenses. Most of all, it can provide a sense of justice and the financial security to move forward.
