Unfortunately, truck accidents caused by jackknifed tractor-trailers occur on highways in Connecticut such as I-95, I-84 and I-91.
Jackknifing refers to a truck accident where the cab and trailer “swivel” on the linkage until they form a V shape. We would all be lucky if these accidents only caused traffic backups yet tragically, they cause serious injuries to the drivers and passengers of cars in close proximity to the jackknife.
From a legal standpoint, a jackknife itself is not enough to establish negligence and to hold the truck driver responsible for injuries to others on the highway. For example, the truck driver may claim there was no choice but to slam on the brakes or swerve to avoid another vehicle and actually, another driver is at fault.
Therefore, properly investigating all the facts and surrounding circumstances are necessary to build a solid case against the driver and the trucking company.
Here are some possible ways to demonstrate truck driver negligence:
- Improper braking
- Failing to negotiate a curve
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (texting, cell phone use, eating etc.)
- Inadequate training as a commercial driver
- Driver fatigue
- Unsafe, unsecured or overweight cargo loads
- Defective equipment.
Remember, negligence must be proved in all car and truck accidents in order to be awarded any compensation.