Can I Sue If a Semi Truck Jackknifed and Hit Me?

Jackknife accidents are among the most serious types of collisions involving 18-wheelers. They occur when the trailer swings out from behind the cab, making it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the truck. You may have a claim if you were injured or lost a loved one in a semi-truck jackknife accident.

As a general rule, jackknife accidents should not happen. If semi-trucks are properly loaded, well-maintained, and their drivers exercise due care behind the wheel, there are very few circumstances in which a loss of control resulting in a jackknife is justified. An experienced Arkansas 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Oliver Law Firm can help you pursue just compensation.

If a semi-truck jackknifed and hit you, we will investigate promptly. This ensures that important evidence is collected right away and your legal rights are preserved.

Call Oliver Law Firm at (479) 202-5200 today for a FREE consultation. Our trucking accident attorneys serve clients in Rogers, nearby communities such as Bentonville, and throughout Arkansas.

When Can You Sue for a Semi-Truck Jackknife Accident in Arkansas?

If you hire an experienced truck accident lawyer to represent you, one of your lawyer’s first priorities will be to determine why the semi-truck jackknifed. While several issues can cause a jackknife crash, you must be able to pinpoint the specific cause of the accident in order to seek compensation.

Some examples of potential grounds for a semi-truck jackknife accident claim in Arkansas include:

Overloading or Improper Cargo Loading

Overloading and improper cargo loading are common factors in semi-truck jackknife accidents. If a semi-truck’s load exceeds the truck’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVRW), this can make it more difficult to stop the truck safely. When the driver applies the brakes, the overloaded trailer may push the rear of the cab forward, and this can cause the truck to jackknife.

Failing to properly secure a semi-truck’s cargo and other cargo loading errors can increase the risk of a jackknife accident as well. Even if the truck driver is not negligent behind the wheel, the improper distribution of cargo might make it impossible to avoid a serious accident.

Inadequate Semi-Truck Maintenance

Inadequate maintenance is a common factor in many types of serious and fatal truck accidents, including jackknife collisions. Negligent maintenance can lead to:

• Tire blowouts
• Brake failures
• Hydraulic failures
• Electrical failures
• And more

These and other mechanical issues can cause truck drivers to suddenly and unexpectedly lose control. Depending on the mechanics of the crash, the trailer may jackknife and strike one or more vehicles.

Semi-Truck Defects

While maintenance issues arise over time, defects often exist when a semi-truck leaves the factory. Defective components can fail unpredictably, even if the truck is properly maintained and operated safely.

Multiple parties may be sued if a defect causes the semi-truck to jackknife. This may include the truck’s manufacturer, the manufacturer of the defective component, etc.

The Truck Driver’s Negligence

While cargo-related and truck-related issues can cause jackknife accidents in some cases, the majority of these accidents result from truck driver negligence. Speeding, braking suddenly, and driving while distracted are three common examples of the numerous driver-related issues that can (and do) result in preventable jackknife accidents.

Another Driver’s Negligence

Other drivers’ poor decisions behind the wheel may also lead to a semi-truck jackknife accident in some cases. For example, if a car or SUV driver merges in front of a semi-truck and then slams on the brakes, the truck driver may have no choice but to slam on the brakes too. In this scenario, the question then becomes whether the car or SUV driver is solely responsible for the accident or whether the truck driver played a role as well.

Road Hazards and Defects

Hazards in the road, defective road design, and improper maintenance may all contribute to jackknife accidents as well. Poorly designed onramps and offramps, dangerous road construction zones, and other types of road-related issues may also provide grounds for jackknife truck accident victims to seek compensation.

Regardless of the factor or factors involved in a semi-truck jackknife accident, conducting a comprehensive investigation is the first step toward determining the defendant(s) in your case. Thorough investigation is also crucial for assessing the value of your truck accident claim.

To maximize your chances of filing a successful lawsuit, you should hire a lawyer to open an investigation right away.

Contact an Arkansas Semi-Truck Jackknife Accident Lawyer Today

At Oliver Law Firm, commercial truck accident litigation is a major focus of our practice. We also have extensive experience taking cases to trial and winning. These qualities enable us to provide superior representation for the victims of semi-truck jackknife accidents, whether in settlement negotiations or the courtroom.
To speak with an experienced Arkansas truck accident lawyer, call (479) 202-5200 today for a FREE consultation. Based in Rogers, Oliver Law Firm serves clients throughout Northwest Arkansas and other areas of the state.