Jackknife truck accidents in Mesa can be devastating, and anyone who has seen one on a freeway knows how overwhelming it can be. When a truck folds in on itself, the trailer can block several lanes of traffic and involve multiple vehicles in seconds. If you were caught in one of these accidents, you may be struggling with painful injuries, missed time from work, and the stress of mounting bills.

At Elmm Law Group, our tractor-trailer collision attorney understands what you are going through. These cases are not just about filing a claim; they are about helping you recover and hold the trucking industry accountable for unsafe practices.

What Can Cause Jackknife Truck Accidents?

Several factors can trigger a jackknife crash, which is often linked to driver error or conditions beyond their control. Common causes include:

• Stepping on the brakes too hard or too suddenly
• Driving at unsafe speeds, especially on curves or ramps
• Shifting or overloaded cargo that throws the truck off balance
• Driving while fatigued or distracted during long shifts

State law makes it clear that drivers must adjust their speed to road conditions. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-701, motorists are required to operate their vehicles at a reasonable and prudent speed, taking into account the road and traffic conditions. When a truck driver ignores this duty, the results can lead to a catastrophic jackknife truck crash in Mesa.

How Weather Contributes to Jackknife Truck Crashes

The city may not experience snow and ice like other parts of the country, but the weather still significantly contributes toward truck safety. Sudden monsoon storms bring heavy rain and slick roads, while dust storms reduce visibility to almost nothing. In these conditions, a truck driver who does not slow down or pull over can increase the risk of losing control of the truck and jackknifing it across a Mesa highway.

This is one reason why these cases often involve questions of judgment. A driver may not technically be breaking the speed limit, but if they were traveling too fast for storm conditions, they could still be found negligent.

Proving Responsibility After a Jackknife Truck Wreck

Pinpointing liability in these cases is rarely straightforward, as it often involves more than just the driver. The responsible parties may include the trucking company for unsafe scheduling or inadequate training, and cargo handlers for improperly loading the trailer. It may also include maintenance crews for failing to check the brakes, tires, or steering systems on the truck.

A.R.S. §12-2505, which is the state’s comparative negligence rule, also comes into effect. Even if you are found partly responsible for the jackknife truck crash in Mesa, you could still recover damages, although the amount would be reduced by your share of fault. This law ensures that victims are not shut out of compensation because of minor mistakes.

Impacts of Jackknife Truck Accidents

When a jackknife truck accident shuts down a major highway, it does not just affect those in the crash. Emergency responders experience delays, commuters must reroute, and local businesses can face delivery setbacks.

These impacts mean that pursuing claims for this type of crash not only serves individual justice. It also contributes toward making the roads safer from jackknife truck accidents for everyone in the Mesa community.

Call an Attorney Today for Legal Help After a Jackknife Truck Crash in Mesa

Jackknife truck accidents in Mesa can lead to difficult recoveries, which is not something anyone should face alone. At Elmm Law Group, we treat our clients with compassion, moving cases forward quickly while fighting for the best possible outcome.

Call our local truck accident lawyer today for a free consultation and learn how we could help you protect your rights and begin rebuilding after a devastating crash.