Truck accidents are some of the most dangerous accidents on our roads. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, 4,136 people died in a large truck crash in 2018. It seems like there are often reports on the news about a truck that has jackknifed. Jackknifed semis can cause some of the most serious car crashes on our roads in the Kent area.
A jackknife semi on Washington highways happens frequently. Typically the truck sprawls across several lanes of the highway and occurs when the cab of the truck goes one direction and the trailer goes the other. There are many reasons to cause a truck to jackknife. One of the most common reasons is improper brake maintenance on the truck. If the brakes are not properly maintained, the axels can lock up and the trailer is pushed out to the side of the cab.
Another reason is that the driver is traveling too fast. Sudden breaking by a truck driver can be too much for a trailer to handle and cause it to stop at a different speed than the cab. Road conditions are also a reason a truck can jackknife. Slippery roads can cause the truck to slide and the trailer going one way and the cab the other. Also, driver inexperience can cause these accidents. Drivers who are fatigued or new may not be able to handle the truck when they encounter these challenging situations.
A truck accident often is serious and can cause critical and even fatal injuries. A legal professional who is skilled in truck accidents can help a victim recover compensation for their injuries. They can investigate what caused the accident and who is at fault. Negligent drivers can be held accountable for their mistake.