What are the Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents in New York?

A jackknife truck accident may be caused by several factors. These accidents have the potential to affect virtually everyone on the road, as a jackknifing truck can easily slide across all lanes of traffic on a highway. If you have already suffered injuries due to a jackknifing truck accident, you know how bad these incidents can be. Although exploring the root cause of your accident may seem somewhat pointless, establishing fault may help you recover compensation. A qualified truck accident lawyer in New York can help you investigate your truck accident in more detail.

Loss of Traction/Tire Issues

At its core, a jackknifing accident results from a complete loss of traction. This is more likely to occur under specific circumstances. First of all, truckers in New York must be aware that icy, slippery, snowy, or wet roads can make traction more challenging. Even with the best, newest tires, truckers can lose control of their vehicles if they fail to drive according to the current weather conditions. The most experienced truckers know that when roads get slippery, it is best to reduce speed and proceed with caution. Inexperienced truckers are more likely to ignore the effects of weather conditions and drive as they would under optimal conditions. This can easily lead to a jackknife accident.

Another obvious cause of traction issues is poor tire choice. Truckers and trucking companies must equip these vehicles with effective tires that match the weather conditions. Although it might cost time and money to switch out tires, this is one of the best ways to avoid accidents. In the worst-case scenario, tires can blow out on the road – causing truckers to suddenly lose control and jackknife across the road. It is also important to keep a close eye on tire pressure – regardless of how new or advanced these tires are.

Poor Braking Technique

Braking technique is extremely important in the trucking industry. Experienced truckers understand that they cannot drive these lumbering vehicles in the same way they would a small sedan. Instead, they must learn new braking techniques – including those that are specifically geared toward slippery roads. Established logistics companies warn their truckers to use the brake and accelerator in combination when operating on slippery roads. This technique is known as “pump braking” or “modulating.”

The truth is that these techniques take time to fully master. All too often, young and inexperienced truckers find themselves on the road without the necessary skills to avoid jackknifing accidents. This is especially true in the modern era – when the nation is struggling with a trucker shortage that has logistics companies scrambling for anyone who can drive. This desperation has caused trucking companies to recruit 18-year-olds for the first time.

Following Too Close

If truckers keep their distance from other vehicles, they should only need to slam on the brakes under extremely rare circumstances. If they follow too closely, they may not have enough time to react to a sudden change of speed in traffic. This increases the chances of a jackknife accident. It is this sudden activation of the brakes that causes truckers to lose traction, swerve, and jackknife across the road. As a general rule, truckers should be more mindful of following distances compared to drivers of smaller vehicles, as they need more time to brake.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

Logistics companies also point out that jackknifing accidents are more likely if trailers are not perfectly level. If a trailer is not level, it is usually due to improperly loaded cargo. Trucking companies must be very careful to load cargo in a way that evenly spreads out weight. Even a slight imbalance can increase the chances of a jackknife accident.

Lack of Maintenance

Finally, jackknifing accidents could be caused by poor maintenance. Trucking companies are required to regularly inspect their fleet of vehicles – paying especially close attention to the brakes. Although maintaining a fleet of trucks can become expensive, this is one of the best ways to avoid jackknifing accidents. Both the brakes and tires must be in top condition at all times.

Find an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in New York

If you have been searching for an experienced truck accident lawyer in Long Island, look no further than David Resnick & Associates, P.C. We know how harmful jackknife accidents can be – and we are ready to guide you toward the compensation you deserve. Book a consultation today and discuss the most appropriate way to cover your medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and any other damage you were forced to endure.

Author: David Resnick

Founder of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., a New York personal injury law firm in charge of providing exceptional and personal service to each of our clients in various areas including car accidents, slip and fall, wrongful death, construction accidents, and premises liability. David Resnick founded the firm in 1998 after working in large law firms where he saw a need for greater client communication and more personal care.