Jackson, MS Jackknife Accidents

As in most other types of tractor-trailer accident cases, victims of jackknife accidents in Jackson will need to prove that the negligence of the truck driver, their employer, or both caused their injuries. In jackknife cases, the mechanism of the accident itself can give clues about the negligent actions or inaction involved. Often, jackknifing occurs because the trailer’s tires lose traction and are unable to maintain their grip on the road. There are several common causes for this loss of traction, including driver distraction, improper braking, poor road conditions, and improper maintenance of the vehicle.

Heavy trucks are a common sight on the three main interstates in the Jackson area (I-20, I-55, and I-220), as well as on US-49, US-80, and other major roads. When they strike a passenger car, the people in the car are much more likely than the truck driver to suffer serious harm. Of the 81 people who lost their lives in fatal truck accidents in Mississippi in 2014, 68 were occupants of cars or people outside vehicles. This percentage correlates roughly to the national average and was not significantly different from previous years. Unfortunately, fatal accidents increased by over 50% in Jackson from 2013 to 2014, suggesting that drivers continue to use inadequate care.

Depending on the facts of your case, different legal theories can be used to hold both the truck driver and the trucking company liable for your injuries. Generally, trucking companies can be held responsible for the actions of their truck drivers that are within the course and scope of the driver’s employment with the company. This is called vicarious liability. An example of vicarious liability under Mississippi law would be a situation where a truck driver, driving from one warehouse to another, looks down at his phone and starts to veer off the road. The driver then brakes suddenly and causes the truck to jackknife and collide with another car, resulting in injuries. As long as the driver was on the job at the time and traveling on an authorized route, a court would likely hold the trucking company responsible for the injuries caused by the driver’s negligence.

Other ways that trucking companies can be held responsible in a jackknife accident include negligent hiring, negligent training, negligent supervision, and the direct negligence of the company itself. For instance, negligent training could arise if the company failed to ensure that the driver received sufficient training regarding operation of the truck and steps to avoid jackknifing. By consulting with a tractor-trailer accident lawyer in Jackson, you can understand the various legal theories that can be used to help you recover for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses.