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While any crash involving a heavy commercial vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler, can be severe or deadly, jackknife collisions are among the most serious. When a trucker loses control of the vehicle and the trailer swings out toward the truck’s cab, cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians near them can suffer severe and catastrophic consequences.
Most auto collisions—including those involving tractor-trailers—are entirely avoidable, and you may pursue a payout when someone else’s carelessness causes it. For more information, speak to a knowledgeable lawyer qualified to handle claims for jackknife truck accidents in Westlake Village.
Jackknifing refers to crashes involving large tractor-trailers, with the trailer swinging out and towards the vehicle’s cab, forming the shape of a jackknife. These crashes often result from trucker errors, such as sudden braking leading to loss of control, and usually happen during hazardous road conditions or while taking sharp turns too quickly.
Jackknife collisions primarily involve multi-axle tractor-trailers and happen after something compromises the tractor and trailer connector. The highway events occur after the operator abruptly applies the breakers, causing the vehicle to skid. Crashes may also involve oversteering around sharp turns, traveling at high speeds, inclement weather, or defective roadways.
Jackknife wrecks are among the most severe on the highway, resulting in catastrophic consequences for truckers, car drivers, and passengers. Practical tools for prevention include ensuring truckers receive adequate training for safe handling and maneuvering 18-wheelers during all weather conditions and situations.
Other essential steps to avoid crashes include teaching truckers the importance of:
Understanding why they occur and learning practical ways to prevent them is the most effective way to reduce the number of jackknife truck crashes in Westlake Village.
Determining fault for jackknife collisions entails a thorough investigation and evidence review, and more than one party could be at fault. Examples of the potentially liable parties include:
A review of evidence, including surveillance footage and videos, black box data, photos, and witness statements, can help identify the person or business responsible for the crash.
The award for damages can vary substantially, depending on the specifics of the event, including the actions of those involved, the severity of bodily harm, and the level of negligence. The physical, emotional, and financial harm from Westlake Village jackknife truck collisions is often substantial, and the settlement may be significant. Per the California Civil Jury Instructions CACI No. 3900, some examples of recoverable damages include:
An experienced lawyer could help an injured person navigate the process while handling communications and negotiations to fight for a fair settlement.
Professional truckers undergo extensive training to operate their vehicles safely and must adhere to federal and state laws to prevent harming motorists on the roadways. When non-compliance by the operator or other related parties leads to crashes, the civil court will hold them financially responsible.
Contact a skilled lawyer at our firm if you or a loved one were hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Westlake Village. Call soon to schedule an appointment and begin preparing right away.
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