Jackknife Accidents in New York City
When the trailer of a large commercial truck starts to slide sideways at a more rapid pace than the cab, the trailer starts to fold up against the cab in the same way that a pocketknife folds up at its hinge. In essence, a jackknife accident happens when the cab and the trailer of a tractor-trailer fold together. The victims of such accidents should waste no time in seeking help from a New York City personal injury attorney at the law offices of Greenberg & Stein, P.C.
According to a 2010 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), jackknife accidents are far more likely to occur when roads are slippery, when the speed limit for trucks is 55 mph or more, or when the truck has to negotiate tight curves and turns. Even though commercial trucks are known for their tremendous weight, their heaviness is actually an advantage when it comes to jackknife accidents.
Heavier trucks are less likely to jackknife, but trucks that are longer in length are more likely to jackknife. Jackknife accidents also take place most commonly with tractors that are pulling a single trailer.
What causes these large trucks to jackknife? The sudden application of brakes is one of the most common causes of jackknife accidents because the heavily-loaded trailer has nothing to do except skid, jackknife, or rollover.
When a truck jackknifes, the nearby vehicles are at risk of colliding with the truck or the spinning trailer. A jackknifed truck could spin across several lanes before coming to a stop, and other vehicles can easily be hit by the truck or dragged underneath the moving trailer.
Even an unloaded trailer can jackknife when the brakes on the truck are not properly adjusted. Driver error, such as braking and swerving at the same time, can also contribute to jackknife accidents. Other unfavorable conditions and speeding can also contribute to jackknife accidents. If you were injured in a jackknife collision and you are now searching for an attorney for your truck accident case in New York City, NY, then you can contact the law offices of Greenberg & Stein, P.C. for the help you need.
With the help of a skilled New York City truck accident attorney, you don’t have to go through the traumatic aftermath of a truck accident alone. Because there are so many possible causes that can lead to a jackknife accident, it is necessary to conduct an investigation immediately to document important and helpful evidence before it disappears. Here at Greenberg & Stein, P.C., our skilled team of legal professionals can help you through the steps involved with filing a personal injury claim so that you can seek justice and compensation for your injuries. We understand what you are going through and we are here to fight for you.