Jackknife accidents are among the most dangerous and complex types of truck accidents in South Carolina and beyond. These jackknife truck accidents happen when a commercial truck or semi-truck folds sharply at the hitch, resembling a folding pocket knife, causing severe risks on highways such as I-26 and I-95. The impact can lead to catastrophic injury, large-scale collisions, and complicated truck accident claims involving insurance companies and insurance adjusters. If you or a loved one has been affected by a jackknife accident or jackknife truck accident, it is crucial to understand the causes, potential truck accident injuries, and the legal assistance available from an experienced truck accident lawyer or truck accident attorney.
What is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck trailer swings out sideways, creating an acute angle or sharp angle with the truck cab. This sudden folding motion causes a loss of control and can block multiple lanes of traffic, often resulting in major accidents and truck jackknife accident pileups involving passenger vehicles and other commercial vehicles. The term “jackknife” is used because the truck resembles the shape of a folding knife when the trailer swing happens.
Why Do Jackknife Accidents Happen?
Several common reasons contribute to jackknife accidents, including:
- Improper braking or sudden braking: When a truck driver brakes suddenly, especially on slippery roads or icy roads, the trailer skids causing a loss of traction and the trailer to swing out.
- Brake failure or defective brakes: Equipment failure or worn brakes can cause mechanical failure leading to loss of control.
- Poor weather conditions like bad weather, dangerous weather conditions, rain, snow, and icy roads increase the risk by reducing traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Improper cargo loading or improper loading: When cargo shifts during transit, it changes the truck’s center of gravity, causing instability and increasing the risk of jackknife truck crashes.
- Driver error, including driver error, distracted driving, reckless driving, inexperienced truck drivers, or lack of training can all cause jackknife crashes.
- Road conditions such as curvy roads, steep hills, and highway congestion can increase the chances of fatal jackknife accidents.
Injuries and Consequences of Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife collisions often cause severe injury and catastrophic injury including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis
- Multiple broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and internal injuries
- Severe burns and lacerations
- Emotional trauma, emotional distress, and PTSD
These injuries require extensive medical care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation leading to significant medical expenses, loss of income, and financial burden.
Who is Liable in a Jackknife Accident?
Determining liable parties or responsible parties can be complex and may include:
- The truck driver for driver error or negligence
- The trucking company for improper hiring, vehicle maintenance, or regular maintenance checks failures
- Cargo loaders for improper cargo loading
- Manufacturers or mechanics responsible for equipment malfunction or mechanical failure
Identifying all fault parties or negligent parties is crucial for successful truck accident lawsuits and to recover fair compensation and maximum compensation.
How Ted Law Firm Can Help With Your Truck Accident Claim
At Ted Law Firm, our attorneys know the intricacies of truck accident claims including those caused by jackknife accidents. We will:
- Investigate thoroughly with police reports, maintenance records, and driver logs
- Identify all liable parties and insurance providers
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters for the best insurance claim
- Fight for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
- Provide legal representation and legal guidance with compassion
We are skilled truck accident lawyers with a strong track record of helping truck accident victims get justice.
What to Do After a Jackknife Accident
If involved in a jackknife crash, do the following:
- Seek immediate medical care
- Report the accident to police and get the official report
- Take photos of the scene and vehicle damage
- Do NOT admit fault or give statements to insurance companies without an experienced truck accident lawyer
- Contact a personal injury lawyer today
Understanding Insurance Claims and Your Rights
Insurance companies try to minimize payouts on commercial truck and semi-truck accidents. Without legal assistance, you may accept a low settlement. We will help you:
- Understand your insurance policy and insurance details
- Communicate with insurance adjusters and insurance providers
- Get fair compensation covering all expenses and loss of income
Prevention: How to Avoid Jackknife Accidents
Preventing jackknife truck accidents involves:
- Equipping trucks with anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Providing proper training for drivers
- Conducting regular maintenance and vehicle maintenance checks
- Ensuring proper cargo loading to avoid imbalance
- Being alert to road conditions and poor weather
Why Choose Legal Support After a Jackknife Accident
Jackknife truck accidents aren’t simple. They often involve multiple liable parties, powerful insurance companies, and complex federal trucking regulations.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one, having a legal team that understands South Carolina law and the trucking industry is essential for protecting your rights and future.
Contact Ted Law Firm Today
If injured in a jackknife accident or any truck accident in South Carolina, call Ted Law Firm for a free consultation with skilled attorneys ready to fight for your rights and financial compensation. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys will guide you through every step and help secure the justice your family deserves. Let Ted Law Firm handle the legal stress while you focus on healing. We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta, Orangeburg, Columbia, Charleston and Summerville. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s reckless or criminal behavior, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Let Ted Law Firm help you file a successful claim for emotional damages.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
