Jackknife and Rollover Accidents

The term "jackknife" in connection with a truck accident refers to accidents in which a tractor-trailer forms a 90-degree angle, like a pocketknife blade. When a truck jackknifes or rolls over, it may cause substantial destruction. Trucks may weigh up to 80,000 pounds on interstate highways and pull double trailers that are 28 feet or longer. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a jackknife or rollover accident, you need to call Maryville truck accident lawyer Mark Hartsoe, who who is well versed in trucking litigation to represent you against the truck driver, the trucking company, and possibly others. At the Hartsoe Law Firm, we stand ready to help you recover monetary damages in your trucking case.

Why do jackknife accidents and rollovers occur? Most commonly, they happen because road conditions or weather conditions are poor, a truck driver is traveling too fast, a driver is taking a curve too fast, or a truck part malfunctions. If a truck driver is taking a steep curve, the driver needs to use extreme caution to avoid the trailer swinging. Similarly, any loss of traction may cause the trailer and the cab to slide, and the force of the sliding may result in a jackknife. Even a slight malfunction in a component of the truck may cause a driver traveling at a high speed on the interstate to lose control.

When a truck driver's negligence causes a jackknife or rollover that results in injuries or death, the driver may be held responsible for compensation. Truck drivers are expected to be trained to handle bad weather conditions and may have a responsibility to keep the truck well maintained to reduce the possibility of a malfunction.

You may also be able to hold the trucking company responsible. If a truck driver was in the course and scope of employment with a trucking company at the time of their negligent act, the trucking company will be held vicariously liable for the driver's actions or omissions.

Moreover, the trucking company must follow maintenance regulations and provide proper supervision and training to drivers to handle various difficult driving situations, such as jackknifing, taking wide turns, handling curvy roads, and more. A trucking company that fails to abide by the regulations or use appropriate care in hiring, training, or supervising drivers may be held directly responsible as well. Since truck wrecks cause such great damage, it is important to identify all potential sources of recovery.

If there was a defective part, it may be appropriate to bring in the manufacturer or a repairperson as a defendant. In Tennessee, a manufacturer may be held strictly liable for providing defective parts. A repairperson who supplies a defective part may bear some liability as well.

We understand how devastating jackknife and rollover accidents may be. Even when liability is obvious, trucking companies and their insurers may try to avoid liability. It is important to retain a motor vehicle collision attorney who has knowledge and skill so that an appropriate strategy is used to pursue compensation. Call the Hartsoe Law Firm at 865-804-1011 or contact us via our online form to set up a free appointment with a Maryville truck accident lawyer. We represent injured people throughout East Tennessee, including in Knox, Blount, Monroe, Loudon, Jefferson, Grainger, Cocke, Campbell, Hamblen, Greene, Anderson, Cumberland, and Fentress Counties.