Tractor trailer accidents can be devastating when these large trucks collide with passenger vehicles. Tractor trailers can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, and may require as much as 40% times more time to stop than a car. Tractor trailers are unique because the trailer, or the part of the truck carrying cargo, attaches to the cab. These trucks can also operate without the trailer attached, but this practice can be dangerous because the trucks handle differently when they don’t have the weight of the trailer.

The tractor trailer accident lawyers at Heilman Law Group, P.A. in Jackson, Mississippi work closely with victims and families who have been hurt due to the negligence or neglect of a truck driver or truck company. Our firm understands the sometimes-complex laws that govern drivers and truck companies, and holds these companies accountable when their drivers break the law. Injuries from truck accidents can be severe and life-altering. You may be facing high medical expenses, lost wages from time missed on the job, and pain and suffering damages. Visit the 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Heilman Law Group, P.A. in Jackson, Mississippi today to learn more about your rights and options.

Dangers of Jack-Knife Accidents in Jackson, MS

 Truck drivers work long hours to support their families. They want to get home alive just like the rest of us. But, increased pressure from companies to deliver goods on tight schedules, coupled with some drivers becoming owner-operators, has resulted in drivers working longer hours, taking fewer breaks, and being more likely to be in situations where they may break the law. When you combine fatigue, or speeding with an 80,000-pound tractor trailer, you have a recipe for disaster.

Tractor trailers can jack-knife. This can occur during wet road conditions, but it can also occur if a trailer is underweight. Jack-knife accidents can result in serious injuries for passenger vehicle occupants and for truck drivers as well. What causes jack-knife accidents? Here are a few factors:

• Wet weather. In wet weather, if the trailer’s wheels skid or exceed the speeds of the cab, the tractor trailer can jack-knife.
• Speeding. Speeding itself won’t result in a jack-knife, but if a driver needs to suddenly slam on the brakes, then the rear trailer can continue to accelerate faster than the cab. This can result in a jack-knife accident.
• Turns. Sharp turns, or sudden curves can cause a tractor trailer to “fold” resulting in a jack-knife.
• Brake failure. If brakes fail or if a company or driver fails to perform proper maintenance on a truck, then a jack-knife accident can occur.

When a truck jack-knifes, it poses a serious risk to other drivers on the road. The driver may lose control of the truck and the truck may skid into other lanes, or completely block other lanes of traffic. If you or a loved one has been involved in a jack-knife accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. Contact the Heilman Law Group, P.A., tractor trailer accident lawyers in Jackson, MS.

18-Wheeler Injuries in Jackson, Mississippi 

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, passenger vehicle riders are more likely to die in large truck crashes than truck drivers. Smaller vehicles typically weigh much less than 18 wheelers or large trucks. The injuries that individuals suffer in these accidents can be severe. Individuals may suffer spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, back or neck injuries, shoulder injuries, internal injuries, and other serious conditions. These conditions can take weeks or even months to heal. In some cases, these injuries are life-altering and require long-term care and nursing assistance for victims. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident, contact the 18-wheeler accident lawyer at the Heilman Law Group, P.A. in Jackson, MS. Truck companies and drivers are required to have high insurance policies to protect them in the event of a crash. Victims and families may be able to collect money to cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages from their accidents.

You may only have a limited amount of time to seek damages under the law. The  tractor trailer accident attorneys at Heilman Law Group, P.A. in Jackson, Mississippi help families seek justice and the maximum possible recovery permitted under the law. If you have been hurt due to another company or driver’s negligence, you may have rights. Truck companies may have teams of lawyers fighting for their interests. You need a lawyer on your side.