Fulton County Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer
A semi-truck is considered jackknifing when its trailer folds on its hinge and is at an acute angle with the engine cab. While Jackknifing could happen for several reasons, it often is the result of the way the truck is handled. When drivers fail to exercise due caution and care, a serious accident may occur, resulting in serious damage to other drivers and passengers.
If you were involved in a truck accident, a Fulton County jackknife truck accident lawyer could talk to you about your legal claim. You may be entitled to monetary compensation for your damages under the law, and a skilled truck accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
How do Trucks Jackknife?
Semi-trucks have a balance of weight and structure that is meant to be able to hold up to the thousands of tons of weight in the trailers behind them. The most common causes of a truck jackknifing are quick braking and skidding. Other causes include:
- Curvy roads that could put the cab out of sync with the trailer;
- Truck weight that is too light and travels at a high speed;
- Bad weather which many drivers are encouraged or forced to drive through;
- Collision with another vehicle or another significantly large object;
- Steering errors; and
- Improperly loaded cargo.
Lack of driver experience is often a large contributing factor to these accidents. If a jackknife truck accident lawyer in Fulton County can prove liability for lack of adequate training, the injured individual might be able to collect compensation from both the driver and the trucking company.
Liability for Truck Crashes
Since jackknifed trucks are usually the result of how the truck was driven and how much training and experience the driver has, the truck driver and their trucking companies are usually the ones held liable. They have a duty to drive safely, maintain a safe vehicle, complete inspections, and not overpack the truck. When they violate their duty, they are negligent.
Truck Accident Statute of Limitations in Fulton County
Individuals who are injured in jackknifed truck accidents should be aware of the statute of limitations. According to Georgia Code § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the truck accident. This means that a person has two years from the date of the accident to formally file a lawsuit.
Missing this deadline will almost certainly bar a plaintiff from recovering damages in their case. Once the attorneys for the defendant receive the notice of filing and realize that the case was filed after the statute of limitations expired, they may request that the judge dismiss the suit.
Get Help from a Fulton County Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a jackknifed truck accident, do not delay seeking help from an experienced Fulton County jackknife truck accident lawyer. Each day that goes by increases the chances that important evidence could be lost or destroyed. An attorney could work to preserve the evidence in the case that could be instrumental in recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call today to get started.
