Types of Trucking Accidents: Non-Collision

California Trucking Accidents - Non-Collision:  Jackknifing and Rollovers

The Dolan Law Firm understands the risks that truck drivers take everyday when they enter their vehicles.  We also understand the risks they pose to other people on the roadway.  The types of trucking accidents have been divided into two groups, types of trucking accidents involving a collision, and types of trucking accidents not involving a collision.  This page discusses some of the non-collision types of trucking accidents, including jackknifing and rollovers.

If you have been involved in a California trucking accident, contact us for a free consultation. We represent the people of Northern California who have been involved in a truck crash. 

Bay Area Jackknifing Accident Attorneys

According to Technical Services, there are three brakes in an 18-wheeler tractor-trailer truck:  The steering axle brakes, the drive axle brakes, and the trailer axle brakes.  When the steering axle brakes lock up, you cannot steer and the truck will move straight ahead regardless of the wheel angle.  When a tractor trailer's drive axle brakes lock up, jackknifing will occur. When the trailer axle brakes lock up, you will get trailer swing, which will affect the directional stability of the truck.  Obviously, ABS (anti-lock brake system) will prevent these from happening.  However, many trucks are missing ABS from one, or more of these braking systems.  If you are involved in tractor trailer accident due to brakes locking up, such as a jackknife, contact an experienced California truck accident attorney for a free consultation to discuss your situation.

California Truck Rollover Accident Lawyers

Big trucks, from 18-wheeler tractor-trailer trucks to commercial vans (as well as minivans and conversion vans) are easy to rollover.  The tendency for a vehicle to rollover is dependant on the g-force required to roll the vehicle.  G-force is created when a vehicle corners.  According to Technical Services, the g-forces required to roll a car are 1.3, pickups require 1.1 g's, jeep type vehicles require .8 - 1.0 g's, fully loaded semi-trucks are about .4 g's or lower, and a half empty tanker with bad suspension may only require .15 g's to rollover.  While cars cannot generate 1.3 g's cornering, trucks can easily generate the .4 g's needed to cause a truck rollover.  Trucks can generate approximately 4 g's from quick steering maneuvers used to attempt to avoid collisions, as well as from cornering too fast.  In addition, truck rollovers can occur at speeds as low as 5 mph, if there is a strong tipping influence present.  If a truck driver leaves the road, the driver should straighten out the vehicle and bring it to a stop, get out and evaluate the situation.  Many truck rollovers happen when a truck driver attempts to get return to the road.  Truck rollovers may also happen in the tractor trailer is improperly loaded, or loaded too high.  If it appears safe, then attempt to return the truck to the road slowly, and at as shallow an angle as possible.  If in doubt, call a tow truck to get you back on level ground.  If you are injured in a truck rollover accident in California, contact us for a free consultation and discover how our experience, knowledge, and skill can help you.

A Premier California Truck Accident Law Firm

The Dolan Law Firm
1438 Market Street
San Francisco, CA  94102
Phone:  415.421.2800
Toll Free:  888.424.5352
Fax:  415.421.2832