Jackknife Truck Accidents in Rialto

Jackknife truck accidents in Rialto happen when a semitruck’s trailer swings out to a sharp angle from the cab, resembling a folding pocket knife. In this situation, the truck driver can easily lose control and cause severe multicar pileups, devastating injuries, and fatalities.

After such an accident, our trusted car accident attorneys at CD Law could manage the complex legal process. Which involves multiple liable parties and powerful insurance companies. You can rely on our legal team to investigate the accident, determine who is at fault, and build a strong case to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Are the Top Causes of Jackknife Truck Collisions?

Jackknifing typically occurs when the cab and trailer of a semitruck lose synchronization and traction. The trailer’s momentum causes it to swing and skid sideways  instead of the trailer following the cab in a straight line. These accidents can happen suddenly and at high speeds, leaving other drivers little or no time to react. The top causes of jackknife truck collisions include:

• Improper or sudden braking: Braking too hard or suddenly, especially while turning or on slippery roads, can cause the trailer wheels to lock up and lose traction
• Excessive speed: Driving too fast for the road or weather conditions makes it difficult for the truck driver to maintain control and increases the risk of the trailer losing traction, particularly on a curve or downhill slope
• Oversteering or overcorrecting: If the truck driver overcorrects or turns the wheel too sharply, especially at high speeds, the truck can jackknife
• Driver fatigue or distraction: Distracted or drowsy truck drivers have delayed reaction times and impaired judgment, preventing them from reacting properly to changing road conditions or other vehicles
• Brake problems: Poorly maintained, defective, broken, or mismatched brakes can contribute to a jackknife collision
• Tire failure: Worn-out or damaged tires lose traction more easily, and a sudden blowout can cause the driver to lose control of the truck
• Negligent maintenance: Trucking companies that fail to perform regular, mandated maintenance inspections could be held responsible if equipment failure caused the jackknife
• Improperly loaded cargo: If a trailer is overloaded, unbalanced, or if the cargo is unsecured, the truck’s center of gravity can change during turns or braking, causing the trailer to become unstable

Jackknife truck crash cases in Rialto tend to be more complex than typical car accidents because multiple parties may be liable and the injuries involved can be severe. Potential defendants could include the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and manufacturers.

Pursuing an Injury Claim After a Jackknife Truck Crash

After a Rialto jackknife truck collision, it is vital to seek medical treatment for your injuries and prioritize your health and well-being. Whether you receive care at a local hospital, such as Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, or elsewhere, comprehensive medical records are crucial evidence that could help connect your injuries directly to the crash.

To prove negligence, your claim must demonstrate four key elements:

• Duty of care: The defendant (e.g., the truck driver or trucking company) had a legal obligation to act with a standard of reasonable care to ensure the safety of others on the road
• Breach of duty: The defendant failed to uphold that duty by speeding, driving distracted, or engaging in another negligent act
• Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty was the direct cause of the jackknife crash and your injuries
• Damages: You suffered actual injuries or losses from the accident, including economic damages (e.g., medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering)

After the crash, do not make any statements that could be used against you later. Insurance adjusters try to minimize payouts and may contact you soon after the crash to get a recorded statement. Our attorneys could handle all communication with the insurance companies and help you navigate the claim, including investigating the cause, identifying all liable parties, and gathering critical evidence.

Speak With a Rialto Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney Today

Determining who is responsible for jackknife truck accidents in Rialto can be challenging. Our attorneys at CD Law could determine the sources of liability and the extent of your recoverable damages. Contact us today to request your free case consultation and discuss your legal options with one of our experienced attorneys.