Mankato is a central location for semi-trucks, which can lead to a high number of trucking accidents. One of the most dangerous types of trucking accidents is the jackknife. Named for its resemblance to a folding knife, this accident happens when the front cab of the semi locks up and the trailer swings to the side of the cab and across the road.
Jackknife accidents have the potential to create massive damage. A semi-truck can be 72 feet long and can weigh 80,000 pounds or more. When a trucker loses control in a jackknife accident, they can hit multiple vehicles at one time, send vehicles crashing into each other, and cause tremendous property damage. When you are hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Mankato, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. A diligent truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights and remedies after an accident.
Tractor-trailers, also known as semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and big rigs, have a cab connected to a trailer. The trailer can be varying lengths, but for a large truck, the combined total length is 72 feet.
The brakes on the cab connect to the brakes on the trailer, and the brake system should control all parts of the tractor-trailer. Unfortunately, the brakes on the cab can lock up, which stops the cab but not the wheels on the trailer. The cab stops moving, but the trailer continues to move forward. The trailer comes up to the side and can pull the cab, too. The trailer may come next to the cab or even pass it.
While jackknifing, the truck is entirely out of the trucker’s control. The cab or the trailer can hit nearby cars and cause them to crash into other vehicles or objects. A jackknifed truck can cross into opposing traffic, blocking an entire roadway. It can also go out of the roadway and hit adjacent properties. Jackknife truck accidents in Mankato can involve multiple casualties, and it can be complicated to determine fault.
Driver behavior is only one significant cause of jackknife accidents. Weather conditions, road conditions, and equipment failure also contribute to wrecks. Moisture on the road from rain, snow, sleet, and ice can cause wheels to slip, slide, and lose traction. This keeps them from rolling correctly and can lead to the brakes locking.
Road conditions can also contribute to Mankato jackknife truck accidents. Truckers should be aware of any curves, hills, or other conditions that can lead to swerving or losing control of the vehicle. Handling these road conditions is the driver’s responsibility. However, poorly maintained roads, construction, or similar road hazards may lead to some municipal liability for an accident.
A final factor is vehicle maintenance. Owner-operators are responsible for their truck’s maintenance. However, not every truck is owned or maintained by its driver. It may be owned by a company that is also responsible for maintenance. Furthermore, not every maintenance failure is due to the vehicle owner. A garage could make a mistake or a manufacturer could have a defective part, and those issues could lead to third-party liability.
Assigning fault in a jackknife truck accident can be complex. You may have been hit by the truck or indirectly hit by a vehicle that was hit by the truck. You may have to determine whether the driver was fully responsible for the accident or whether a third party contributed. For example, if you cut off the trucker, you may even share liability.
Figuring out your rights, responsibilities, and whether you are entitled to compensation may be challenging. A lawyer can bring order to your life when it is in chaos. Schedule a consultation with an attorney to learn more about jackknife truck accidents in Mankato.
