Nashville Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer

A jackknife accident occurs when an articulated truck — one with separate sections and a pivot point — swerves so that the two sections fold in the shape of a jackknife. A truck that has jackknifed is extremely dangerous to all surrounding vehicles because the driver has lost control possibly leading to severe consequences. In most cases vehicles that collide with a truck in a jackknife accident are seriously damaged, resulting in serious injuries to the driver and/or passengers. Over the years, we have acquired considerable experience assisting victims that have been injured in jackknife accidents in the greater Nashville area. When a client who has been in an accident such as this one hires us, we know that they are under a considerable amount of stress, and are possibly also in pain because of the injuries they have sustained. As you focus on your recovery, our team of legal experts is committed to fighting for you, and making sure that you receive maximum compensation.

What are some of the causes of jackknife accidents?

A range of factors can cause a jackknife accident, including poor road conditions, negligent driving, and potential equipment malfunction. For instance, rainy weather conditions or sleet might cause a truck to veer uncontrollably, causing it to jackknife. On the other hand, a negligent driver might mistakenly apply the wrong brakes on the truck, causing the front wheels to lock as the rear ones keep moving. Unfortunately, as the victim of a jackknife accident, it is not likely that you will be able to know what the exact cause was. One of the first things that our team of legal professionals will do, however, is to conduct a thorough investigation to determine who or what was responsible for the collision.

Who is responsible for a jackknife accident?

While it is likely that driver negligence was the main cause behind the accident, a number of other parties could also be held responsible. This includes:

  • The trucking company
  • The cargo loading company
  • The maintenance company
  • The manufacturer of the truck or the individual truck parts
  • An individual or entity that contributed to disrupting traffic before the accident

The complex web of actors involved in a jackknife accident sometimes means that the case will involve parties from several different states, ending up in federal court. Combined with the fact that the trucking company will usually hire an experienced lawyer specializing in truck accidents means that you also need to have a serious team of legal experts on your side.

What are some of the most common injuries that can occur in a jackknife accident?

When a truck jackknifes at a high speed, it can cause major injuries, multi-car collisions, and even damage to road infrastructure. In the worst-case scenario, a jackknife accident can cause multiple fatal outcomes by causing a chain collision. However, if the truck driver is lucky, no other vehicles will be hit by the truck as it jackknifes, or the individuals involved will only sustain minor injuries. Take a look at some of the most common injuries that result from a jackknife accident:

  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Skull and spine fractures
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Lacerations, cuts, and bruises

If you or someone you know has been in this type of truck accident, please seek medical attention immediately. You may feel like you have not sustained any major injuries, but this does not mean you haven’t. Symptoms may appear hours and even days after the actual accident, causing even greater damage requiring further medical interventions.

Can a jackknife accident be prevented?

A truck driver has full responsibility and control over the truck while it is on the road. It is, therefore, the driver’s job to exercise maximum caution and judgment in handling the truck. This means knowing when to apply which brake, as well as how to safely maneuver the vehicle in difficult weather conditions. A gradual slowdown is crucial and must be employed to minimize any sudden movements. In addition, the driver is in charge of making sure that the cargo is safely and properly loaded onto the truck. While the driver does have considerable control over the truck, jackknife accidents are not always fully preventable. If you would like to find out more about what caused your jackknife accident in Nashville, contact one of our legal professionals for further assistance.

How much can I expect from a jackknife accident settlement?

How much you receive as part of a settlement depends on a variety of factors. The insurance company or the jury will take all of these into consideration. They will examine the extent of the damage and injuries that were sustained, and whether the driver of the truck acted in an irresponsible or negligent way. How your life has been impacted by the accident will also be considered — have you been able to go back to work? How long was your hospital stay? Will you have to undergo extensive physical rehabilitation? Therefore, the settlement that you receive will generally cover the following expenses:

  • All of the medical bills that you will incur as a result of the accident
  • Potential costs of rehabilitation
  • Wages that you may have lost as a result of the accident
  • Emotional distress
  • Disability-related costs
  • Others

Contact a Nashville jackknife truck accident lawyer

If your life has in some way been affected by a truck accident one of our specialists can help. We will assist you as you navigate your finances and manage the stress that you have been exposed to. We can even ease your financial worries by working on a contingency basis, this means that you will not have to pay us a dime until your compensation is settled. For more information on how our Nashville jackknife truck accident lawyer can help you, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation today.