Jackson, TN Jackknife Accidents
Jackknifing occurs when the cab and trailer of an 18-wheeler fold, almost to the point of separation. Imagine if you were driving down the road, abiding by the posted speed limit, and suddenly you saw the side of a trailer swinging directly into the path of your car. These accidents are highly dangerous if the trailer viciously swings into another vehicle because tractor trailers are much larger in size than the average vehicle driven through Jackson. Thus, it is even more dangerous when a jackknifing accident occurs on Interstate 40 or another highway, as faster speeds can cause harder and heavier impacts. If you are injured or a loved one was killed in a jackknife accident, you should retain skilled legal representation to fight on your behalf. Our Jackson truck accident lawyers represent clients injured throughout Madison County and Tennessee. Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz has more than 30 lawyers and over 100 staff members, which makes us the largest plaintiff’s personal injury law firm based in Tennessee.
Pursuing Damages Against a Truck Driver or Trucking Company
Jackknife accidents typically occur because a commercial truck driver or large trucking company was careless or did not do what they were supposed to do. For example, common causes or contributing factors of these incidents include:
- Speeding
- Wet or icy roads
- Sharp curves
- Equipment failure
- Inadequate maintenance of the truck
Tractor trailer drivers must be aware of their surroundings at all times. Failure to take necessary actions is usually proof of negligence, or failure to reasonably act under the given set of circumstances. If you can prove the driver breached this standard of care and caused your accident, you may be able to recover damages. Your truck accident lawyer may need to retain an accident reconstruction expert to be able to prove the defendant’s responsibility for jackknifing.
Weather can play a large role in a jackknife accident. If a tractor trailer driver is driving in icy weather in Jackson and the driver fails to adjust his speed accordingly, it is likely he breached a duty owed to others on the road to drive safely if he jackknifes and crashes into another car. If the trucker was in the process of making a delivery to a customer, the employer may be vicariously liable for any resulting damages. Vicarious liability can exist when an employee acts negligently while in the course and scope of employment or if an agent is on or about the business of the principal.
Trucking companies should make sure their drivers are properly trained to operate the tractor trailer or 18-wheeler. Drivers must possess all certifications and licenses required by federal and Tennessee law. When new regulations get introduced or existing laws are changed, employers must react accordingly and make sure their employees are aware of new developments. Companies that fail to properly train or update staff members may be liable for inadequate training. Other direct theories of liability include negligent supervision or negligent hiring, if the company hires a driver with a history of driving under the influence, speeding, or breaking the law, for instance.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Lawyer in the Jackson Area
Jackknife wrecks in Tennessee and surrounding states may result in severe injuries like paralysis, brain trauma, fractures, or loss of limbs. Victims of these crashes should contact the jackknife accident attorneys at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz. Contact our office by calling 800-529-4004 or by completing our online form to set up a free consultation.
