According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately five percent of all commercial truck accidents are jackknifes. These crashes—which are most common on highways—have the potential to cause serious, even catastrophic injuries. At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we fight for justice for injured victims and their families. Here, our Georgia truck accident lawyer provides a comprehensive guide to jackknife crashes.
What is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife truck accident is a type of crash that occurs when a truck’s trailer skids and the trailer swings out from behind the trailer. In doing so, the tractor trailer forms an acute angle—similar to that of a folding pocket knife. These have the potential to be bad accidents.
Common Causes of a Jackknife Truck Accident
Jackknife truck accidents can happen for a wide range of different reasons. The crash should be carefully investigated to determine exactly what happened to cause it. Some of the most common causes of jackknife truck accidents include:
- Speeding: Speeding is cited as a factor in many jackknife truck accidents in Georgia. Indeed, it is a leading cause of these types of collisions. Speeding reduces a truck driver’s reaction time. It also increases the distance needed to bring a truck to a safe stop. When traveling too fast, any sudden need to slow down or maneuver can cause the trailer to swing uncontrollably. That imbalance between the truck and trailer can cause a jackknife situation. Another issue is that higher speed can make it more difficult to regain control once the truck’s trailer begins to fishtail. In other words, jackknifes are more difficult to stop.
- Braking Issues (Driver or Vehicle): Brake issues are also cited in many jackknife truck accidents in Georgia. If the truck’s brakes are not in good working condition or if they are applied unevenly, the wheels can lock up, causing the trailer to skid. Indeed, sudden or forceful braking—especially on slick roads—may cause the truck’s trailer to become unstable and to swing around. A truck’s brakes must be regularly inspected.
- Undertrained Truckers: A big truck is a big responsibility. The operation of tractor trailers involves complex maneuvers. Drivers need to be skilled and experienced. Whether it is wide turns, controlled braking, or skid recovery techniques, proper training is a must. Drivers who have not received comprehensive instruction may misjudge turning radii or panic when encountering slippery roads. That inexperience can cause a jackknife crash.
- Distracted Driving: Truckers must always ensure that their full focus and attention is on the road. If a trucker is distracted, he or she may have to make an immediate corrective maneuver to avoid a road hazard. When this happens, there is a major risk of a jackknife accident. Distracted truckers are negligent. They can be held accountable for a crash.
- Poorly Loaded Cargo: When a tractor trailer’s cargo is not balanced correctly, the uneven weight distribution can shift during transit. Any sudden shift of weight may cause the trailer to sway or pull the tractor off its intended path. If the truck attempts to correct the sway or brake aggressively, the trailer can swing out and cause a jackknife crash. Overloaded trailers and/or unrestrained cargo also put excessive stress on the truck’s braking system.
Truck Jackknife Accidents are Dangerous
As noted previously, the FMCSA estimates that 5 percent of truck accidents nationwide are jackknife crashes. For reference, that means that nearly 500 tractor trailer jackknife wrecks happen in Georgia alone each year. These can be especially dangerous accidents. Many of these accidents happen on highways. Further, truck jackknifes can lead to multiple lanes being affected or outright blocked. In some cases, a truck’s swinging trailer may strike nearby vehicles.
Georgia is a Fault-Based Truck Accident State
In Georgia, a fault-based standard of liability is used for truck accidents. Any party whose negligence is a factor in causing a jackknife crash can be held liable for the resulting damages. That may include a trucker, trucking company, or even the truck manufacturer. Every truck jackknife crash should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. A lawyer can help you gather and prepare all of the evidence that you need to prove fault and establish liability.
Note: A comparative fault standard applies in Georgia. If you are held partially at fault for a jackknife truck accident, you can still seek compensation as long as you do not bear majority blame for the wreck. However, your recovery will be reduced proportionate to your level of fault.
Recovering Compensation for a Jackknife Truck Accident in Georgia
Were you hurt in a jackknife crash in Georgia? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including any non-economic losses. Our Georgia truck accident lawyers are committed to helping people secure the maximum recovery. Through a personal injury claim, truck accident victims can seek compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Physical therapy;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death.
Why Rely On Our Georgia Truck Accident Attorneys for a Jackknife Crash
Georgia truck accident lawsuits are complicated. If you were involved in a crash caused by a jackknifed tractor trailer, you may have a lot of questions about your rights and your options. At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we provide personalized legal representation to injured victims. Our history of verdicts and settlements tell the story. We know how to deliver results to clients. Since 1997, our Georgia truck accident lawyers have helped injured victims recover millions in financial compensation. Your initial consultation is free and carries zero additional obligations.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Georgia Truck Accident Lawyers Today
At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Georgia truck accident attorneys are committed to fighting for justice for injured victims. You need full and fair compensation. If you or your loved one was hurt in a jackknife crash, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, fully confidential case review. We represent truck accident victims in Atlanta, Augusta, and throughout Georgia.