If you’ve ever driven next to a commercial truck, you’ve probably felt the slightly queasy feeling that a vehicle that size can prompt. Unfortunately, that fear isn’t unfounded — tractor-trailers can cause serious accidents that result in all manner of injuries. One of the most severe types of collisions they can cause is jackknife accidents.
If you have sustained injuries in this type of crash, hiring a Charleston truck accident lawyer can mean being able to recover losses. At Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm, our truck accident lawyer can offer the assistance you need.
Call our law office in Charleston, SC at (843) 278-2222 to schedule a free consultation.
How Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm Can Help After A Jackknife Accident In Charleston, SC
Truck accidents in Charleston, South Carolina can mean facing severe injuries that could result in medical bills you’re not sure how you’ll pay — as well as many other losses. However, if the collision occurred because of another party’s conduct, you shouldn’t have to shoulder these expenses yourself. By filing a personal injury claim, you can receive the compensation you need.
At Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm, our Charleston truck accident lawyer can help you fight for your rights. We offer services that include:
- In-depth assessment of the claim
- Investigation of the jackknife accident
- Collection of evidence
- Establishment of liability
- Negotiations with insurance adjusters
- Litigation, if needed
Our team offers a personalized approach to representation. We don’t want any of our clients to feel like they’re just another number to us, so we maintain open communications and provide the compassionate assistance you deserve. With years of experience guiding us, we’re here to help you get fair compensation.
Call our law firm to schedule a free consultation with a Charleston personal injury attorney.
What Are Jackknife Accidents, And How Do They Occur?
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a tractor-trailer swings forward toward the cabin, creating a “V” formation that looks like the shape of a pocket knife. This happens when the driver loses control of the truck and is unable to bring it to a stop. These collisions often result in catastrophic injuries for the truck driver and others on the road.
But what causes these accidents to occur? Most of the time, it’s driver error.
Distracted Driving
A trucker who isn’t paying attention to the road can be unaware of hazards until the last second. They could hit the brakes to avoid a collision, but the weight of the trailer could easily send it shooting past the cabin.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving is another serious issue. Truckers must respect service hour requirements, but they often try to push themselves to reach their destinations faster. Some trucking companies may also encourage them to break the law by offering incentives for those who make the most deliveries.
An exhausted driver can easily lose control of their truck because their reflexes and coordination are impacted. In fact, driving while tired is similar to driving while intoxicated.
Speeding
Speeding is another issue that could lead to jackknife accidents. It’s easy for a large commercial truck to lose traction on the road, especially when going too fast. Even if the trucker tries to stop, the momentum that the trailer has picked up will lead it to keep moving forward. This folds the truck in half.
Defective Truck Parts
In certain instances, the truck itself could be the problem. If the brakes fail or there’s a tire blowout, the trucker could lose control of the vehicle.
Liability In Jackknife Truck Accidents
While truck drivers are often liable for jackknife accidents, trucking companies may also share responsibility if they were negligent in their hiring, training, or maintenance practices or if they failed to adhere to safety regulations.
The employer can be liable for an accident if it hired a trucker without the necessary experience or didn’t offer the correct amount of training. The company can be held responsible if the trucker is an employee. Liability can become more complex if the truck driver is an independent contractor.
However, trucking companies can still sometimes be held liable under the doctrine of vicarious liability if the driver was acting within the scope of employment or if the company had some degree of control over the driver’s work. To determine liability, it’s essential to evaluate the specific nature of the driver’s relationship with the company.
If a defective truck part led to the collision, you can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Make sure to speak with an attorney to know exactly who the liable parties are in a commercial vehicle accident.
Contact Our Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer For A Free Consultation
If you’ve sustained injuries in a South Carolina truck accident that occurred because of another party’s negligence, filing a claim can help you recover losses. Because you’ll likely be dealing with insurance companies that cover commercial companies, however, it’s vital that you have experienced representation.
At Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm, our Charleston truck accident lawyer can help you identify the liable parties and gather evidence that can demonstrate you deserve compensation. Call us to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.
