Know the Dangers of Jackknife Truck Accidents in Tennessee

A jackknife truck accident is one of the most terrifying types of truck accidents. In a jackknife accident, the cab and trailer fold in on each other forming a 90-degree angle. The hinging effect is comparable to a pocketknife blade folding into its handle. When a tractor-trailer jackknifes, the truck can spread across the road, colliding with vehicles traveling in both directions and causing them to crash into each other. Trucks that jackknife also have a tendency to flip over. Adding to the danger, most trucks contain shipments, which can be thousands of pounds and can spill onto the road.

Why do trucks jackknife?

Many factors can cause a truck to jackknife. Common risk factors include:

• Roads with steep curves
• Rainy weather, which makes the roads slick and oily
• Speeding

Just driving too fast for conditions can cause a truck to jackknife. It helps to go slow so that quick brake usage can be avoided. Applying the brakes quickly is a major contributing factor to jackknife wrecks.

Injuries that are common to jackknife crashes

Drivers and passengers who collide with the truck, passengers in the truck, and the truck-driver himself/herself can suffer serious injuries or even death. Typical injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Concussions
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Nerve damage
• Heart attacks

When death occurs, our Nashville truck accident attorneys bring wrongful death claims on behalf of the family members.

Who is accountable for jackknife accidents?

The driver should be accountable for any injuries or fatalities his/her careless conduct causes. Other possible defendants include:

• The shipping company. The truck business that hired the driver may also be accountable for the accident. Truck companies often pressure their drivers to meet unreasonable deadlines and to drive while they are tired or fatigued.
• A manufacturer. The manufacturer of the truck—or of truck parts—may also be responsible for the accident if the truck or part was designed improperly, made poorly, or if the instruction manual was improperly written. In these product liability cases, we work to prove there was a defect and that the defect caused the injuries or death.
• Those responsible for the road. The state government, local government, or repair crews may also be responsible if the road was faulty or repairs were negligent.

We sue all responsible parties for pain and suffering, all applicable medical bills, lost wages, disfigurement, and scarring.

The Rocky McElhaney Law Firm understands how to prove fault when truck wrecks harm you or your loved ones. Our trial attorneys in Nashville, Hendersonville and Knoxville speak with everyone involved, investigate the vehicles and the scene of the accident, and conduct extensive discovery. We even work with traffic reconstruction experts when necessary. For help now, please phone us 615-425-2500 or fill out our contact form.