Who Is at Fault for a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Jackknife accidents are among the most dangerous and devastating of all accidents. Often, the injuries sustained in jackknife accidents are severe. At times, jackknife accidents result in death. Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of jackknife accidents. However, often, these accidents are caused by negligence. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a jackknife accident due to the negligence of another party, you may be eligible to recover compensation. However, determining liability in a jackknife accident case can be challenging. In this article, we discuss who may be at fault for a jackknife accident.
What Is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings towards one side, leading to the truck folding like a jackknife. A jackknife accident can have devastating consequences. This is mainly because of the size and weight of trucks. Not only can a jackknife accident be dangerous to the truck’s driver, but it can also be dangerous to other road users. When a jackknife accident occurs, it can damage multiple vehicles and cause a massive pile-up. Depending on the cargo being transported, this type of accident can result in spills, explosions, or fire.
Who Is Liable for a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Like other truck accidents, multiple parties may be to blame for a jackknife accident. People often assume that the driver is always to blame for a jackknife accident. Indeed, driver negligence is often to blame for jackknife accidents. However, sometimes, other factors beyond the driver’s control may contribute to the occurrence of a jackknife accident. In such cases, multiple parties may be liable for the accident. It can be challenging to determine liability after a jackknife accident. Determining liability usually entails conducting a thorough investigation. For this reason, it is vital that if you or a loved one was involved in a jackknife accident, you retain a skilled truck accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you determine who is liable for the accident. That said, the following are some of the parties that may be at fault for a jackknife truck accident;
Truck Driver
The following are some of the ways drivers can cause jackknife truck accidents;
- Improper braking
- Speeding
- Turning too quickly
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
Trucking Company
A trucking company may be at fault for a jackknife accident if, for example, it failed to properly train the driver, enforce safety regulations, or maintain the truck.
Truck Manufacturer
Manufacturers may be at fault for a jackknife accident if a defect in the truck contributed to the accident.
Maintenance Provider
A third party responsible for maintaining the truck may be held liable if it failed to perform proper maintenance on the truck.
Cargo Loaders
If the third-party loading company, for instance, overloaded the truck or failed to secure the load properly, it may be held liable for the accident.
Government Entity
If the accident resulted from a road defect, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road could be held liable.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Our Fort Myers personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm have decades of experience representing victims of truck accidents and their families. Contact us today and schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Ocala, Naples, Tampa, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, and Melbourne areas.
