Jackknife Truck Accidents in Charleston County

When moving at high speed, any vehicle can pose a serious threat, but trucks are especially dangerous. One particularly hazardous configuration occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle. This so-called jackknife incident is named for the visual similarity to a folding pocketknife.

Jackknife truck accidents in Charleston County can cause serious injuries and even death. If you or a loved one has been impacted by one of these accidents, you should reach out to a semi-truck wreck attorney to explore your case in more detail. Often, a jackknife truck collision indicates a driver error or a truck malfunction. Either way, you may be entitled to compensation for losses such as medical bills, repair expenses, and lost wages.

Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents

Obviously, a truck should not be in the jackknife position, so something had to go wrong for it to occur. The most common causes of jackknife tractor-trailer crashes in Charleston County include issues with the brakes. In some cases, the driver has made an error in braking, such as overcorrection or poor braking technique. In poor road conditions, hard stops on slick roads can make a jackknife outcome more likely. Another potential driver error that may cause jackknife accidents is driving too fast on steep hills or during sharp turns.

In other cases, the truck may have a mechanical issue or have been improperly loaded. If the brakes are faulty, the tread on the tires is worn, or the suspension needs repair, a jackknife accident can be more likely.

Assigning Fault in a Truck Accident

South Carolina uses comparative negligence law under South Carolina Code § 15-38-15. This means that an injured party can sue for damages if they are found to be less than 51 percent at fault. This concept is especially important in truck accidents because there may be multiple parties partially at fault, including the injured driver.

A jackknife big rig crash in Charleston County may include multiple layers of responsibility, including negligence on the part of:

• Cargo loaders who may have improperly loaded the truck
• Manufacturers who may have built faulty mechanical components
• The carrier responsible for training the driver and maintaining the truck
• Third-party servicers who may have improperly serviced brakes or tires
• The truck driver (distracted driving, driving too fast in poor conditions, etc.)

Piecing together this web of potentially at-fault individuals and businesses can be complex, and it can take time to investigate the incident in detail and reach settlement agreements or pursue a lawsuit against each individual responsible party.

Get Help from a Jackknife Truck Collision Attorney in Charleston County

Jackknife truck accidents in Charleston County can range from straightforward to incredibly complex. The individual details of the case will determine exactly what you need to do to pursue compensation for your losses.

A lawyer could help sift through the details and find any holes that need further investigation. Being thorough in considering all the potential responsible parties means that you will have more opportunities to receive the compensation you deserve and need.

A dedicated attorney attuned to details could help at each stage in the process, from making sure that fault is accurately assigned to ensuring that losses are fully documented to advising on settlement agreements.

If you are ready to talk over your case, reach out today to speak with a lawyer who is ready to answer your questions and help make a plan.