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What causes jackknife accidents?

On Behalf of | Jun 1, 2022 | Car Accidents |

The Mississippi roadways are frequently filled with a variety of vehicles. People use cars, motorcycles and other smaller vehicles to get to and from work. At the same time, trucks and commercial vehicles deliver products across the state and beyond.

Usually, this all goes relatively smoothly, however, collisions do happen every day. If a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, then it is generally that latter that is worse off. Truck accidents often happen because of jackknifing. What exactly is this and how does it happen?

What is jackknifing?

Usually, trucks have a trailer attached to their rear. In ideal conditions, drivers manage to steer both trucks and their trailers in the direction they intend to go. If a trailer becomes partially detached or imbalanced, it can cause the trailer to veer off course, which then results in the driver losing control of the vehicle. This is commonly referred to as jackknifing.

What causes jackknifing accidents?

There are numerous reasons why a trailer may lose traction on the road. If a truck applies its brakes too harshly, then the wheels can lock up. This can cause the cab to come to a stop more quickly than the trailer, with the weight of the trailer causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Imbalanced loads are another frequent source of jackknifing incidents. If a truck is overloaded, the weight can shift around quickly, generating a force that the truck is incapable of handling. At the same time, if a trailer is empty, this can also be dangerous. A lack of weight in the rear end means there is less downforce, and the driver may fail to anticipate how little traction they have in their rear wheels.

If you’ve been hit by a truck and suffered injuries, then you may have to take extended time off of work to recover. This can hit your finances hard. To recuperate some of your losses, it may be in your best interests to consider a personal injury claim.

 

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