Chattanooga Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer

One severe risk on the roads and highways in Chattanooga involves a collision with an 18-wheeler. Weighing as much as 80,000 pounds, these massive commercial vehicles can leave a path of devastation after a crash. Few truck accidents are as devastating as a jackknife truck crash.

A jackknife truck crash occurs when a commercial truck loses control and begins to skid. The truck and trailer then begin to travel in opposite directions, causing the truck to fold up like a pocketknife. A jackknifing truck can cause significant damage as it slides, particularly if it crosses multiple lanes. In some cases, the truck and trailer could block all lanes of traffic.

If you have been struck by a jackknifing 18-wheeler, a dedicated injury attorney could help you pursue legal action. You have the right to seek monetary compensation if the truck operator was at fault. A Chattanooga jackknife truck accident lawyer could help you obtain financial compensation.

Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents

Different factors can combine to cause a jackknife accident. While many of these collisions occur due to driver error, other factors are also frequently to blame. An experienced attorney could help a person injured in a Chattanooga jackknife truck accident identify the cause of their collision.

There are countless causes of jackknife truck accidents that relate to operator error or negligence. A careless truck driver traveling too fast under the conditions could be at risk of jackknifing. A fatigued or inattentive truck driver might also fail to notice a curve and lose control when overcorrecting.

Poor training can also lead to a jackknife accident. While truck operators must hold a commercial license, some employers are more selective than others during the hiring process. In some cases, a trucking company that hires a driver with a history of accidents could pay deeply for it.

Defective roadways and hazardous conditions can also have an impact. In many cases, both of these factors could combine to cause a jackknife accident. If a road is poorly designed or maintained, it could lead to a crash that could have been avoided on a properly maintained roadway.

Responsible Parties in a Jackknife Crash

Part of bringing a jackknife truck accident claim is identifying the people or entities responsible for the crash. The factors that go into a jackknife truck accident could guide a Chattanooga attorney on the parties to pursue litigation against.

A negligent truck operator could face liability if he or she is responsible for a jackknife crash. It is worth noting that in some cases that a driver’s employer could also be held accountable for the accident that transpired. If the truck operator was working within the scope of his or her employment, an injured motorist could sue both driver and employer for damages. An employer could also be held accountable for damages if its negligent hiring process put a dangerous operator behind the wheel. Other entities that could be responsible for a jackknife crash include:

  • Truck manufacturers
  • Truck part manufacturers
  • Mechanics
  • State or local government

Let a Chattanooga Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney Help

If you are involved in a jackknife truck crash, you have to decide on a course of action. If you believe the truck owner or operator was responsible for the crash, you have the opportunity to hold them accountable through litigation.

That said, a delay could damage your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. Contact a Chattanooga jackknife truck accident lawyer to get started on your case.

Chattanooga Truck Accident Lawyer