Jackknifing refers to the process during which and its trailer form an L or V shape as they veer off of the highway. Although such an accident can be fatal, there are steps that can be taken to prevent one from happening. For instance, truckers should check their trailers frequently while driving on Pennsylvania highways. This can be done by making use of the truck’s mirrors, especially whenever the truck has to brake hard.
A jackknife is more likely if a truck has an empty trailer because it weighs less than a full trailer. Therefore, it is easy to brake too hard, and there is also less friction between the wheels and the road. Another tactic is to avoid braking when making a turn. Instead, it can be a better idea to slow down prior to the turn, which leads to less force being applied to the brakes.
If a tractor jackknife looks imminent, a driver can still prevent it from occurring by taking his or her foot off of the gas. Once the tractor’s wheels have regained traction, a driver can then try to steer out of it. If a trailer’s wheels lose traction, drivers should try to increase their speed to allow the trailer to regain proper alignment.
Drivers who cause car accidents are generally liable for damages incurred by injured victims, such as hospital bills, lose wages or lose future earnings because of accident injuries. In some cases, crash victims will incur medical bills related to their injuries for the rest of their lives. An attorney may be able to help those who are hurt in an accident obtain compensation. In some cases, multiple parties are liable in a car crash, and an attorney may help identify those parties.
