Jackknife Truck Accidents in Jonesboro
Due to the immense amount of cargo that they can carry, commercial tractor-trailers are almost always the heaviest vehicles on any road. Unfortunately, this excess weight, combined with the unique hitching mechanism connecting the cab and trailer, makes these massive trucks prone to losing traction during sudden stops or swerves, which could lead to the trailer skidding out sideways, behind, or in front of the cab.
This kind of accident is called “jackknifing,” and it has the potential to cause catastrophic harm to the occupants of any smaller vehicles that the out-of-control truck hits during its skid. Fortunately, experienced truck accident lawyers who know how devastating a jackknife truck accident in Jonesboro are available to help you seek fair compensation if you were recently hurt in this type of a wreck.
What Causes Trucks to Jackknife?
For the most part, jackknife tractor-trailer collisions in Jonesboro and elsewhere in the state of Georgia stem from a truck’s tires losing traction against the road surface. This can occur for a number of different reasons. For example, jackknife wrecks are much more common during inclement weather conditions that leave roads wet or icy, or when fog obscures a truck driver’s visibility.
Another common cause of jackknife crashes are a failure by mechanics or service technicians to provide proper maintenance to a truck. Poorly-functioning brakes might lock up during sudden stops or during routine driving, leading to a loss of traction that could easily lead to jackknifing at high speeds.
Finally, driver negligence contributes to a lot of jackknife truck crashes that occur in and around Jonesboro. A trucker who negligently disobeys traffic laws, does not pay attention to road conditions, or drives while drunk or fatigued, may be responsible for causing their truck to jackknife due to their negligent behavior. This could also impart civil liability onto them or their employer. A truck accident attorney could provide crucial assistance in identifying the appropriate defendant for a claim and taking appropriate action against them.
Seeking Comprehensive Financial Recovery
No matter who specifically is responsible for a local jackknifing truck incident, individuals injured as a result can seek restitution for both economic and non-economic damages if they can prove liability in civil court or settlement negotiations. This means they can demand compensation not only for losses with objective values like medical treatment and car repairs, but also subjective forms of harm like physical pain associated with injuries.
However, even if someone suffers catastrophic injuries that will last for their rest of their life due to a jackknifing tractor-trailer, they only have a limited amount of time to file suit over those injuries. Specifically, under Official Code of Georgia §9-3-33, prospective civil plaintiffs in Jonesboro have a maximum of two years after discovering a personal injury to start the civil litigation process for ensuing damages.
Talk to a Lawyer About A Jackknife Truck Accident in Jonesboro
Jackknife truck accidents in Jonesboro are among the most dangerous roadway incidents that drivers and passengers can find themselves involved in. Tractor-trailers that are fully loaded with cargo can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal law, and when one of those trucks hits a commuter car, the smaller vehicle is almost always damaged beyond repair. It also creates life-threatening injuries for the occupants.
Fortunately, comprehensive civil recovery is possible even after incidents of this magnitude, with help from a truck accident lawyer. Call today to discuss your legal options.
