Jackknife Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur in various ways, but one of the most dangerous is a jackknife accident. Jackknifing refers to the angle of the trailer and the tractor end up in, a “V” shape, much like that of a pocket knife. When the truck folds into a V position, it is very hard for the truck driver to control what happens. Jackknife truck accidents can be very dangerous and cause significant injury when the driver loses control. At Selvidge Injury Law, our Nashville truck accident lawyer is here to answer your questions. Contact us at (615) 864-0343 for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents

Various factors contribute to jackknife truck accidents. Most of the time, they occur when the driver loses control over the vehicle because the trailer (the back portion) is gaining more momentum. This leads to the trailer swinging out to the side of the truck, even as the tractor (front portion) begins to slow. This scenario may occur for several reasons:

• The driver is tired and is therefore unable to control the movement of the truck properly
• The driver is traveling at a high rate of speed, which allows the trailer and tractor to operate in an unsafe manner
• The truck suddenly stops. If there is not enough time for the trailer to slow down, that can lead to jackknifing.
• Turning too quickly or taking a very tight turn can lead to jackknifing
• Poor weather conditions and visibility due to factors such as ice or fog
• Lack of experience and training causes a driver to be unable to control the movements of the vehicle properly
• Reacting quickly to road conditions, such as sudden turns to avoid objects in the road, leading to overcompensating
• Mechanical failures if the equipment on the truck is not working as expected

In most situations, a jackknifing truck is a deadly weapon because it is very hard to control. If that driver strikes another person or vehicle, it can lead to serious injuries. Call our Nashville car accident lawyer to discuss your case with a legal professional today.

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Who Is At Fault in a Jackknife Truck Accident?

The details of the case, including the cause of what happened, ultimately determine who is responsible for these accidents. Here are some examples of what could be found:

• The truck company:The trucking company may be responsible for the injuries caused if their driver did not have proper training to meet the requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It may also be responsible if the truck was not properly maintained or the driver was operating for too many hours at a time, in violation of hours-of-service laws.
• The truck driver: The driver may be responsible if they are intoxicated, speeding, or otherwise operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner, and that causes the accident.
• Cargo loading companies: If the cargo loader did not position items properly, and that led to the accident due to a shift, that company could be responsible.
• Truck manufacturers: In situations where equipment fails, the truck manufacturing company could be held accountable for the losses victims experience.

These are complicated cases. Jackknife truck accidents often cause serious injury and increase the risk of fatalities.

Seek the Guidance of a Nashville Jackknife Truck Attorney

If you are hurt due to a jackknife truck accident, turn to our legal team at Selvidge Injury Law for a free consultation. Our personal injury lawyer in Nashville TN provide comprehensive legal support to victims who have been injured due to the recklessness of truck drivers and trucking companies.