Nashville Truck Jackknife Accident Lawyers
Fighting for truck accident victims throughout Tennessee
The drivers of trucks with cabs and trailers need to be aware of many dangers, including the possibility that the cab and the trailer may not travel in unison, which can cause the cab to twist around and face the trailer. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, our Nashville truck jackknife accident lawyers have been strong advocates for truck accident victims and families for more than 25 years. We are skilled at showing why jackknife accidents happen and who is responsible. We have obtained multi-million recoveries and recoveries for hundreds of thousands of dollars for many of our clients. Our Nashville jackknife truck accident lawyers have the skills and professional relationships to assert your right to compensation today.
We are proud to announce that Rocky McElhaney was announced as Nashville’s best attorney for the 10th time.
How can we help?
"When I was a teenager, Dad got hurt. Insurance company wouldn't pay. We lost our house. But, Dad got a lawyer and we got justice. That's the moment I decided to become an attorney. As a lawyer, I have dedicated my life to helping injury victims."
~ Rocky
What is a jackknife accident?
Jackknife accidents generally involve a tractor (cab) and a trailer – that are joined together by a hitch. These types of truck accidents normally happen when the tractor and tractor fail to travel in the same direction and/or the same direction. In some cases, the trailer can push the tractor. In other cases, the tractor can push the trailer. The net result is that the trailer swings away from the tractor, and the tractor turns around towards the trailer. Essentially, the tractor and trailer close in on each other like the blades of a jackknife.
Why do jackknife accidents happen in Nashville?
Our Nashville truck jackknife accident lawyers work with the police, investigators, and truck industry experts to determine how these accidents happen and why they are preventable. Some of the factors that contribute to truck jackknife include trailers that are only partially full, braking too hard, skidding, wet or slippery roads, and driving in curves.
Driver error
Drivers of 18-wheelers, semis, and other combination trucks should understand what causes a truck jackknife accident so they can take preventable measures. Some of the many causes of truck jackknife accidents include:
- Speeding. The faster a truck travels, the more time and distance the truck needs to come to a full stop. Drivers should drive slowly when they drive downhill.
- Skidding. Skidding is a major cause of truck accidents in Nashville. Truck drivers should prioritize avoiding skidding by slowing down, especially on slick surfaces.
- Improper braking. Drivers who slam on their brakes are risking a jackknife. Truck drivers should avoid tailgating, braking in curves, braking while going downhill, swerving and braking, and braking in rainy or inclement weather. Drivers should know which brakes to use.
- Driver fatigue and driver distraction. Every truck driver in Nashville should focus entirely on their driving so they can respond to any emergencies.
Non-driver causes
Trucking companies may be liable for a Nashville truck jackknife accident that injures you or takes the life of your loved one if they fail to:
- Properly maintain the truck. Brakes, tires, the truck hitch, and truck suspensions should be inspected, repaired, and replaced on a regular basis, including before each trip.
- Educate their drivers. The companies involved in the truck shipment should ensure that their drivers understand the risks of a jackknife accident and what precautions to take.
- Load the cargo securely. Cargo that shifts while the truck is operating can cause a driver to lose the ability to safely control their truck.
In addition to tractor trailers, Rocky McElhaney Law Firm also represents the victims of accidents involving trucks or cars that use a hitch to haul a camper, storage vehicle, or any object that has wheels.
Truck drivers and truck companies should keep current with the latest technologies and equipment that can reduce the risk of a jackknife accident in Nashville.
How dangerous are jackknife accidents?
Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, jackknife accidents can lead to devastating consequences. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2020, there were 4,842 fatal jackknife accidents and 107,000 jackknife accidents that caused injuries.
The consequences of a jackknife accident anywhere in Tennessee can be catastrophic or fatal. The driver becomes unable to steer, and the combination (tractor and trailer) may roll over. The cargo can also spill, creating additional risks. Any vehicles near the jackknifed truck may collide with the truck or be pushed off the road.
At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we represent truck drivers, drivers of other vehicles, passengers, pedestrians, and bicycle riders when jackknife accidents happen. We have working relationships with respected medical professionals to handle all types of serious personal injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, traumatic amputation, fractures, internal bleeding, chronic neck and shoulder pain, nerve damage, burns, and other injuries.
Our Nashville truck jackknife accident lawyers also represent families when your parent, spouse, child, or any other close relative dies. We file wrongful death actions on behalf of the family members.
Who is responsible for a jackknife accident in Nashville?
Our Nashville truck jackknife accident lawyers file claims against everyone responsible for your accident, including:
- The truck driver
- The employer of the truck driver
- Drivers of other vehicles who cause a truck to jackknife
- The trucking companies involved in the shipment, including the truck broker who arranges the shipment
- The owner of the truck if the owner differs from the truck driver
- Maintenance and repair companies who fail to examine the parts of the truck that can cause a jackknife accident
- The manufacturers of any defective truck parts
- The companies involved in loading the cargo
- The Tennessee Department of Transportation and other governmental agencies and entities
How much is my jackknife truck accident case worth in Tennessee?
Truck accidents are traumatic. Cars are simply no match for the height, length, and weight of tractor-trailers. The lives of many victims are often never the same as before the accident. Our Nashville truck jackknife accident lawyers work with your doctors (and our network of doctors when necessary) to verify your injuries, review all the treatments you will need including treatments for any complications that are reasonably likely to occur), and all the ways your life is much more difficult, physically and emotionally, due to the truck accident.
We demand compensation for all your current and future:
- Medical bills
- Lost income and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of bodily function
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- Loss of consortium (the ability to enjoy marital relations)
We also demand the responsible parties pay wrongful death damages, which include the funeral and burial costs, the pain and suffering of your loved one, the loss of financial support, and the loss of personal support (care, guidance, society, love, and companionship).
Do you have a Nashville jackknife accident lawyer near me?
Rocky McElhaney Law Firm has two offices in Nashville: one at 545 Mainstream Dr., Suite 105 and another at 615 Main Street, B21. If you are too injured or ill to come to our offices, we make home and hospital visits. We also consult with clients by phone or through video consultations.
Our Nashville truck accident lawyers are ready to answer all your questions and guide you through the claims process.
Speak with our experienced Nashville truck jackknife accident lawyers today
We understand how upset and anxious you are. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we have helped many accident victims obtain strong recoveries, often for the insurance policy limits. Our Nashville truck jackknife accident attorneys will fight for all the compensation you deserve. Call us now or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent clients in Nashville, East Nashville, Hendersonville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, and across Tennessee. We handle truck accident claims on a contingency fee basis.