Jackknife accidents are a type of accident that are specific to articulated vehicles, which are vehicles that are made up of multiple segments attached by a movable joint. When a semi-truck jackknifes, the trailer folds in against the cab, often coming to rest fully against the cab of the truck. A truck that has jackknifed is virtually impossible to control, making it extremely dangerous to any other motorists in the vicinity. Under South Carolina law victims of jackknife accidents caused by someone else’s negligence are generally entitled to compensation.
What Kinds of Errors Can Cause Jackknife Accidents?
Jackknife accidents can occur for a variety of reasons that tend to indicate negligence on the part of a truck driver. Some of the more common include the following:
- Speeding
- Improper braking
- Failing to properly load cargo
- Failing to properly secure cargo
- Ignoring adverse weather conditions
After a jackknife accident, victims should be certain to have a lawyer review the facts of their case. In some instances, it may be necessary to have an accident reconstruction expert thoroughly analyze the way in which the accident occurred in order to determine whether it was attributable to truck driver error. In addition, these kinds of accidents may also be the result of noncompliance with federal trucking regulations, which may be sufficient to establish legal liability.
Accident Victims Should Seek Medical Attention
People who are injured in accidents involving large commercial trucks should always seek medical attention, even if they do not believe that they are seriously injured. Doing so will ensure that any injuries that you may have sustained are identified, treated, and documented in a way that will help protect your right to recover compensation.
Contact a Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer Today
People that have been hurt in jackknife accidents or other accidents involving large commercial trucks can often recover substantial monetary compensation for their injuries and other losses. For this reason, it is critical for anyone that has been involved in an accident to talk to a Charleston truck accident attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with attorney Frank Hartman, call our office today at 843-300-7600 or send us an email through our online contact form.