In Need of a Jackknife Truck Accident and Injury Lawyer?
At the Russell Law Firm, LLC, our Baton Rouge truck accident and injury lawyers know that commercial vehicle collisions can happen in several ways in Louisiana. Unfortunately, when an 80,000-pound semi-truck is involved in a crash with much smaller passenger vehicles, the car’s occupants are more likely to be catastrophically or fatally injured.
One of the most dangerous types of tractor-trailer or semi-truck crashes results from a truck jackknifing. This occurs when the trailer swings outward, forming a 90-degree angle with the truck’s cab. The term “jackknife” is used because the truck and trailer configuration resembles a jackknife’s folding action.
Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous due to the potential for the trailer to swing into adjacent lanes of traffic, creating a significant hazard for other vehicles on the road.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a semi-truck jackknife accident in Louisiana, our East Baton Rouge Parish wants to hear your story so we can help you pursue the liable party — or combination of parties — for your full financial recovery.
What Factors Can Contribute to Semi-truck Jackknife Accidents in Louisiana?
Several factors can contribute to semi-truck jackknife accidents, including:
- Slippery Roads
Wet road conditions can reduce traction, increasing the likelihood of a jackknife if the truck’s wheels lose grip.
- Speeding
Driving too fast for road conditions or exceeding the safe speed for a commercial vehicle can make it more challenging for the driver to maintain control, causing the trailer to jackknife when making sudden stops.
- Braking Issues
Sudden or improper braking, especially on slippery surfaces, can lead to loss of control and a jackknife situation.
- Equipment Malfunctions
Mechanical failures in the braking system or other truck components can contribute to jackknife accidents.
- Driver Error
Mistakes by the truck driver, like oversteering or failing to react appropriately to changing road conditions, can contribute to jackknifing.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Semi-Truck Jackknifing Accidents in Louisiana?
Determining liability for a jackknife truck accident can be complex and depends on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident.
Potential parties who may be held liable for a Louisiana jackknife truck accident include:
- Truck Driver
The truck driver may be liable if their actions or negligence contributed to the jackknife accident. This could include speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, or failure to adapt to adverse road conditions.
- Trucking Company
The trucking company that owns or operates the commercial truck may be held liable if it can be demonstrated that they were negligent in maintenance, hiring practices, training, or scheduling that contributed to the accident.
- Maintenance and Repair Providers
If the jackknife accident resulted from a mechanical failure or defect, like issues with the truck’s braking system, the party responsible for maintenance and repairs may be liable. This could include the trucking company or a third-party maintenance provider.
- Manufacturers
If a defective part or component contributed to the jackknife accident, the manufacturer of that part may be held liable. This could include manufacturers of braking systems, tires, or other critical components.
- Cargo Loaders
Improper loading or unsecured cargo can affect a truck’s stability, potentially contributing to a jackknife accident. The party responsible for loading the cargo may be held liable if their negligence is a contributing factor.
- Other Drivers
In some cases, other drivers on the road may contribute to a jackknife accident. For example, if a passenger vehicle cuts off a truck, leading to sudden braking and loss of control, that driver may share liability.
Determining liability often involves thoroughly investigating the accident, examining evidence, and considering state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry. It is not uncommon for multiple parties to share liability to varying degrees.
Contact Our Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a jackknife truck accident caused by negligence in Louisiana, contact our dedicated Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys today at 225-307-0088 or online to get the legal support you need to produce real results for your unique case.
The Russell Law Firm is in Your Corner, and We Fight to Win.
Information furnished herein is only general and not a substitute for personalized legal advice. Any discussions and photographs herein depict no actual event or scene but merely a dramatization.