Jackknife Accidents In Portland

Being in a truck accident is always a frightening experience, but jackknife accidents are particularly traumatic. They can result in catastrophic injuries as well as fatalities and could involve many people. After jackknife accidents in Portland that occurred because of another party’s misconduct, you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation. 

At Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we represent people throughout Oregon who have sustained losses in all manner of accidents. Our Oregon jackknife accident lawyers can assist you as you prepare your claim and represent you in court if that’s the best option to achieve fair compensation, Call today at (503) 773-3333 for a free consultation. 

How Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After An Accident In Portland, OR

Truck accidents can cause some of the most severe injuries, including head trauma, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries. These will mean facing significant medical bills, and they could render you unable to work for weeks or months at a time. To help you recover the losses you sustained, you may have the right to file a lawsuit. 

At Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of Portland truck accident attorneys provides the guidance and support you need as you begin a civil legal action. We can help by:

• Evaluating the claim
• Investigating the jackknife truck accident
• Establishing liability based on the cause of the accident
• Negotiating with insurance companies for a settlement
• Representing your case in court if a settlement isn’t possible

We have more than a decade of experience helping people in Oregon who have suffered as a result of another party’s negligence. We’re available 24/7 because we know emergencies occur at any hour. When you choose us, you can expect compassionate and fierce representation. Contact our lawyers to schedule a free consultation. 

What Are Jackknife Truck Accidents And How Do They Occur?

Jackknife truck accidents occur most often with tractor-trailers. These crashes involve the trailer shifting in such a way that it forms a “V” with the cabin, putting everyone in the truck’s path in danger of being crushed. These accidents can happen for a number of reasons, including driver errors, maintenance problems, and cargo loading issues.  

Fatigued Driving

Truckers spend hours at the wheel, which can be exhausting. Very fatigued drivers face the same problems as intoxicated drivers because their reflexes and coordination are severely impacted. They will struggle to react appropriately to hazards on the road. 

They could hit the brakes, for example, sending the cabin skidding and allowing the trailer to shift ahead and form that dreaded jackknife formation. Fatigued drivers can also fall asleep and lose control of the truck completely. 

Intoxicated Drivers

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is never safe, but it can become deadly when it involves commercial trucks. These trucks are so large that the driver needs all of their faculties intact to keep everyone safe on the road. If they’re intoxicated, they won’t be able to manage the vehicle as required. 

Coordination issues and reckless behavior are enhanced by intoxication. These behaviors can lead the trucker to make errors while driving that could lead to jackknife accidents. 

Distracted Driving

Driving while doing anything else is dangerous. A trucker who’s not paying attention to the road won’t notice hazards until it’s too late. They may try to avoid hitting an object or person. The maneuvers they perform, whether braking or sudden turning, can send the trailer racing forward so that it folds the truck in half. 

Speeding

Speeding while driving a truck not only increases the likelihood of jackknife accidents; it also makes the outcomes of these collisions more serious. The force on impact could crush passenger vehicles. 

Truck Maintenance Problems

Commercial trucks have to be assessed every time they go out on the road. If the maintenance team or trucker doesn’t perform these checks, they could miss serious issues like malfunctioning brakes. If any part of the truck fails while on the road, the vehicle could skid out of control.

Cargo Loading Issues

If commercial trucks aren’t loaded correctly, the cargo can shift during transport. This changes the vehicle’s center of gravity, making it easier for truckers to lose control of it. That’s especially problematic when turning or taking curves. 

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Portland For A Free Consultation  

Jackknife truck accidents may leave you battling severe injuries that prevent you from living your life as you used to. If the accident occurred because of negligence or wrongful conduct, it’s possible to hold the liable parties responsible for your losses. 

At Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of Portland truck accident lawyers offers the assistance you need when beginning your claim. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our Oregon personal injury lawyers.