Injured in a Jackknife Crash? Here’s Who May Be Liable

Jackknife trucking accidents are among the most dangerous and complicated types of crashes on the road. But what is a jackknife accident, exactly? A jackknife crash occurs when the trailer of a large truck swings out to the side, creating a sharp angle with the cab, much like a folding pocket knife. These accidents often lead to catastrophic damage, multi-vehicle collisions, and serious injuries.

In this article, we'll discuss how liability in jackknife trucking accidents is determined and how a personal injury attorney can help injured victims receive the compensation they’re owed.

Who Is at Fault in Jackknife Accidents?

Liability in these cases depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the crash. In many cases, the truck driver may be at fault if they were speeding, driving while fatigued, or braking improperly, especially on wet or curved roads. However, fault doesn't always lie solely with the driver.

Trucking companies can also be liable for failing to maintain their vehicles, pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, or not properly training their staff. Other possible parties include cargo loading companies (if improperly secured cargo contributed to the accident) or even vehicle manufacturers (if mechanical failure played a role).

These cases can be more complicated than standard car crashes because multiple parties may share responsibility. When determining liability in such accidents, investigators examine evidence like driver logs, dash cam footage, black box data, and maintenance records to pinpoint who acted negligently. While the causes of jackknife truck accidents can vary, identifying them is key to understanding who is at fault.

Proving Negligence

To hold a party legally responsible for an accident, the injured party must prove that negligence occurred. In legal terms, negligence means someone failed to act with reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. To establish this, four key elements must be presented: duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. In the context of jackknife trucking accidents, a truck driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely, especially under hazardous conditions. If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or failed to adjust their driving to match road or weather conditions, such as not slowing down during a heavy rainstorm, that could be considered a breach of their duty. When a trailer loses traction and swings out uncontrollably, it often points to driver error or poor handling of the vehicle.

However, liability may also extend beyond the driver. A trucking company has a legal obligation to properly maintain its fleet and ensure all safety systems, especially the braking system, are functioning correctly. If a truck jackknifed due to worn brake pads or a neglected mechanical issue, the company's failure to perform routine inspections or repairs could be grounds for negligence. Additionally, if the company encouraged unsafe practices, such as pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, that could strengthen a claim against them.

Proving these elements often requires detailed evidence, such as logbooks, maintenance records, witness statements, accident reconstruction reports, and data from the truck's black box. With multiple parties potentially at fault, these cases can quickly become complex. One of the many advantages of hiring a truck accident attorney is their ability to gather and interpret this evidence to build a strong case for liability.

Need a Personal Injury Attorney in North Hollywood or Glendale?

Proving liability in these types of accidents is essential to holding the right parties accountable and securing the compensation you're entitled to. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a jackknife crash, don't navigate the legal process alone. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can help protect your rights, gather crucial evidence, and fight for the full value of your claim.

As an established law firm in North Hollywood, we've proudly served clients throughout Southern California since 1998, recovering millions of dollars on their behalf. With 24/7 support, we offer immediate guidance for injured victims who need strong legal representation. Contact Yepremyan Law Firm today for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in North Hollywood or a personal injury attorney in Glendale.

Our firm works on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters. This means you pay nothing unless your case has been settled or won—no recovery, no fee.

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