Jackknife Truck Accidents in Waterford

Jackknife truck accidents in Waterford can occur all year round. Some of the most dangerous roads where such crashes take place are Route 85, I-95, and Route 1.

If you were hurt in such an accident, you have the right to demand compensation from the at-fault party. An experienced truck collision attorney can help you identify who that party is and assist with taking the right steps toward damage recovery.

Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Collisions

Negligence is the most common reason behind Jackknife truck collisions in Waterford. It is also the basis for a personal injury lawsuit. Negligent actions that lead to such accidents are:

• Speeding: Truck drivers who travel too fast may lose control, causing the trailer to swing out and jackknife.
• Improper Braking: Sudden braking, especially on slippery roads, can lock up the trailer’s wheels and lead to a jackknife incident.
• Driver Fatigue: Tired drivers may make poor decisions behind the wheel, increasing the risk of losing control.
• Distracted Driving: Using a phone or eating can cause a driver to miss critical cues and react too late to prevent a crash.
• Inadequate Driver Training: Poorly trained truck drivers may not know how to navigate emergency situations or adverse conditions.
• Overloaded or Unbalanced Trailers: When cargo is not loaded properly, it can shift suddenly and destabilize the truck.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes or malfunctioning anti-lock braking systems (ABS) can prevent a driver from maintaining control of the vehicle.

The first step to damage recovery is to identify who acted negligently and start collecting evidence to support the case. Some of the liable parties can include the truck driver, the truck company, a third-party traffic participant, and a cargo loading company.

What to Do after a Truck Collision

Regardless of the cause, Jackknife truck accidents that occur in Waterford usually lead to serious injuries and damages. Heavy vehicles create a significant impact and put the lives of all participants in danger.

The first step to take after any truck collision is to take care of urgent medical issues. Many people underestimate the extent of their injuries at the site of the crash. However, a medical evaluation is always mandatory. Besides preventing serious consequences, it can become an important piece of evidence.

The next step is to contact a qualified attorney. Without legal assistance, navigating a truck can be nearly impossible. Even if it seems as if the fault is clear, the victim may still lose the chance to claim compensation.

What Not to Do after a Truck Collision

After a jackknife truck accident, avoiding certain actions is just as important as knowing what to do. When the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls to discuss the accident, the victim has the right to refuse and delegate the conversation to an attorney. Answering questions without legal counsel could weaken the case.

Another important action to avoid is posting about the accident on social media. Anything the person says online can be used to question their credibility or the severity of their injury.

The best way to avoid mistakes is to consult an attorney as soon as possible and follow their advice.

Discuss Your Jackknife Truck Accident with an Attorney in Waterford

While you are tending to your injuries, the legal team can start building a strong case and fighting for fair compensation.

At Polito & Harrington, we have many years of combined experience navigating complex jackknife truck accidents in Waterford successfully. Call us for a free case review today.