Tractor trailer drivers work hard every day to transport essential goods across the country. Though truck drivers serve an important role in society, whenever a large truck enters the roadway, there is a risk of serious accidents. Tractor trailers are massive vehicles, often weighing 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Huge tractor trailers can inflict devastating damage and injuries to the occupants of passenger motor vehicles in the event of an accident. There are several common types of truck accidents, two of which include jackknifing and rollover accidents. These crashes are discussed below, as follows:
Large Trucks are Prone to Rollover
Tractor trailers stretch some 13 to 14 feet into the air. These tall vehicles are extremely prone to rollovers. Rollover accidents can occur from a variety of circumstances, including being hit from the side or running off the road. Rollover accidents can also occur due to a variety of truck driver behaviors, such as driving fatigue, speeding, driving while impaired by alcohol abd/or drugs, and more. These negligent behaviors can lead to loss of control, side collisions, and running off the road, which can all cause the truck to flip. A rollover truck accident will send a massive vehicle spiraling to the ground, holding the potential to injure not just the truck driver, but drivers and passengers travelling in surrounding vehicles.
Braking Issues Can Cause Trucks to Jackknife
Tractor trailers are generally equipped with three different braking mechanisms, required to control a vehicle so large. If one of these brakes locks up, the truck could jackknife. Jackknifing occurs when the trailer swings out from the truck at an angle. A jackknifing truck can create a major road hazard as it travels across the roadway, often leaving other drivers without sufficient time to stop to avoid a collision. Inexperienced or poorly trained truck drivers can make a jackknife situation worse by failing to promptly regain control of the truck when it begins to jackknife.
Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve Following a Truck Accident
Jackknife and rollover accidents most frequently result from negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or manufacturer of a component within the truck. If you have been injured in a jackknife or rollover truck accident or involved in a chain reaction crash that included a tractor trailer, you may be entitled to compensation. Truck accident lawsuits will often involve multiple defendants and can become quite complex. Your experienced truck accident attorney will investigate the crash to uncover the parties responsible and gather evidence in support of your claim.
Injured truck accident victims may be entitled to receive compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Truck accidents often result in serious injuries that could have long term implications on your life and career. Retain the assistance of an attorney as soon as possible after your crash to protect your legal rights.
Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys With Decades of Experience and a Proven Track Record of Success
If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact the Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC. We understand the serious nature of any truck accident and the long term impact an accident can have on your life and livelihood. Our prominent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured truck accident victims for over 75 years. Allow our zealous attorney team to fight for your full recovery following any truck accident. Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury. Call us today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free initial consultation.
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