Jackknife Truck Accidents in Atlanta: How They Happen And Who May Be To Blame
Jackknife crashes are considered one of the most dangerous types of truck accidents in Atlanta. They can happen when sudden stops or swerves cause the truck’s trailer to swing out, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. Find out more about how jackknife truck accidents in Atlanta happen and who may be liable.
Common Causes Of Jackknife Truck Accidents In Atlanta?
Jackknife truck accidents in Atlanta pose significant risks on the road and often end up impacting drivers across multiple lanes. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), they are one of the most common types of truck crashes. Each year they claim the lives of nearly 5,000 people throughout the United States.
Adverse road or weather conditions are common factors that increase the odds of Atlanta jackknife accidents, but negligent behavior on the part of others is often ultimately to blame. Examples include:
- Sudden braking, which can lock the truck’s wheels, causing the trailer to swing out into other lanes;
- Speeding or going too fast for conditions makes it harder to maintain traction, increasing the risk of jackknifes;
- Poorly maintained brakes can cause uneven stopping, leading to loss of control;
- Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, making it harder for the driver to control the truck;
- Fatigue or inexperience, which makes drivers more likely to make sudden moves that can cause jackknifing.
Because of the high risk of multi-vehicle collisions, jackknife accidents that happen on highways and interstates throughout Atlanta can cause catastrophic injuries.
Who Is Liable When An Atlanta Jackknife Truck Accident Happens?
When a jackknife accident in Atlanta happens, determining who is liable often poses challenges. Trucking companies and insurers often try to shift blame. However, evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and accident reports help establish fault.
Under Georgia’s comparative negligence laws, multiple parties may share liability for an Atlanta jackknife accident. This includes:
- The truck driver, if they were speeding, distracted, or failed to follow safety regulations;
- The trucking company, if they failed to maintain the truck, overloaded the trailer, or pressured the driver to meet unsafe deadlines;
- Parts manufacturers, if faulty brakes or other defective parts contributed to the accident;
- Other drivers, if their reckless behavior caused the truck to swerve or brake suddenly.
Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers gather evidence, analyze crash reports, and fight to get you the compensation needed to cover your property damages, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
To Get The Compensation You Need To Recover, Contact Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
Jackknife truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Shiver Hamilton, LLC represents victims and their families, providing the caring support and trusted legal guidance they need to hold those at fault accountable.
To get the total compensation you need to recover in a claim, contact our office. We protect the rights of people in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and throughout DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett County. Request a consultation with our Atlanta truck accident lawyers today.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/vehicles-table-17-large-trucks-crashes-jackknife-occurrence-and-crash-6
georgiacourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apportionment-of-Damages-Terry.pdf
