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When a semi jackknifes: how it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if you're in an accident with one

Most likely you’ve seen the harrowing pictures in the media, as these are usually significant, scary accidents. When a truck jackknifes, it’s a big deal. Jackknifing means that the trailer skids up and folds against the tractor at a very acute angle. You can think of it like a pocket knife partly opened. Any other vehicles nearby are vulnerable to being hit by the trailer as it swings around, and, as you can imagine, worst case scenarios can happen in the blink of an eye. A car can be smashed in between the tractor and its trailer, or it can be hit at any angle by the trailer as it swings out of control. Often in these accidents, especially since they tend to occur on highways at fast speeds, fatalities and serious injuries occur. If you or a loved one has been involved in a wreck with a semi tractor trailer that jackknifed, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.

In accidents with a semi truck, the other vehicles almost always have more damage

Semi-tractor trailers are to cars, trucks, and SUVs like those smaller vehicles are to pedestrians. In an accident of a semi vs. almost any other type of vehicle, the semi will do much more damage than it, and its passengers, would receive. Therefore, when truck drivers drive recklessly, negligently, distractedly, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the effects can be devastating. These trucks take longer to correct if they’re on a disastrous path, as well. Their drivers have to be extremely careful and focused at all times behind their wheels. If you were involved in a wreck where a semi truck hit you, it helps to have a personal injury lawyer skilled with truck accident cases on your side. Click here for more on what to do next.

Commercial Truck Drivers Are Especially Susceptible to Fatigued Driving

Commercial truck drivers by and large are behind the wheel longer than anyone else on the road. Increasingly, these drivers are under pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines which can make a driver feel like cutting back on sleep or using alcohol or drugs to cope with the stress. However, there are strict rules governing how long truckers must rest, though they're not always followed correctly. If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, click to learn more about your options.

One case study of how an expert witness made all the difference for an injured truck driver

When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, one can feel overwhelmed and isolated. There are many decisions to make, and many different agendas of other people and companies trying to influence those decisions. And an accident victim wants only to focus on healing. Here is a short case study of how one commercial truck driver in Bellingham, Washington, was injured in a fluke accident due to someone else's mistake, and how his case relied on the testimony of an expert witness.

This massive semi and car accident demonstrates that size does matter in crash safety

Though engineering and materials are increasingly sophisticated in manufacturing safer cars, certain factors will always favor larger vehicles. For information on the top five safest vehicles in crashes, and what you should do if you are injured in a car accident, click here for this article from Bill Coats Law, a personal injury law firm in Bellingham WA who helps victims of drunk and distracted drivers.