Las Vegas Jackknife Brake Accident Attorney
Representing Injury Victims Since 1985
Jackknife brake accidents happen to vehicles that are towing a trailer, such as semi-trucks, non-commercial trucks with hitches, vans, vehicles with boat trailers, etc. The Las Vegas law offices of Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen represent people who are injured in jackknife brake accidents, helping individuals and families restore their lives after these horrific accidents.
What is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife truck accident occurs when a large truck, such as a tractor-trailer or semi-truck, skids and the trailer swings outward, forming an angle with the cab of the truck that resembles the angle of a folding pocket knife, hence the term "jackknife." This type of accident is particularly dangerous because it can block multiple lanes of traffic and involve multiple vehicles.
Jackknife accidents often occur when the truck's wheels lose traction with the road surface, causing the trailer to swing out of control. This loss of traction can happen due to various factors, including:
- Slippery road conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice.
- Sudden braking or deceleration, especially if the truck is carrying a heavy load.
- Mechanical issues with the truck's braking system or tires.
- Oversteering or sudden maneuvers by the truck driver.
The consequences of a jackknife truck accident can be severe, leading to significant damage to vehicles involved, injuries to drivers and passengers, and even fatalities in some cases. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, jackknife accidents can have a widespread impact on traffic and may require extensive cleanup and recovery efforts.
Preventing jackknife accidents involves proper maintenance of the truck's braking system and tires, cautious driving in adverse weather conditions, and appropriate training for truck drivers to handle the vehicle's size and weight effectively. When a jackknife accident occurs, determining liability may involve investigating factors such as driver negligence, equipment failure, or unsafe road conditions. If you’ve ben injured in a jackknife accident, call Las Vegas jackknife brake accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Causes of Jackknife Brake Accidents
Jackknife brake accidents can be caused by:
- Skidding
- Equipment failure (e.g., the drive-axle brakes lock up)
- Incorrect use of the brakes
- Dangerous road conditions (such as slippery snow, ice)
- Driver error
Jackknife brake accidents usually happen when a truck approaches a slick spot on a roadway and the truck’s wheels lock. The driver may lose control and the truck may skid, with the trailer swinging outward to one side.
When the trailer swings outward, it may hit nearby vehicles — and with devastating consequences for those involved. These truck accidents often result in severe injuries such as fractures, broken bones, brain damage, paralysis, and even death.
Rollover Risk
When a truck jackknifes, it is also at risk of rolling over, even if it’s moving at speeds as slow as 5 mph. Jackknifing and rolling are possible whether the trailer is empty or full. If the trailer’s cargo comes loose or falls apart in a rollover, the potential damage and injuries can be even greater.
Talk to a Lawyer at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen
If you’ve been injured in a jackknife brake accident, or if your loved one was killed in such a tragic accident, schedule a private consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer at our Las Vegas office.
Don't wait to get help. Contact Las Vegas jackknife brake accident attorney today at (702) 505-8115 to schedule a free consultation.
