Charleston Truck Jackknife Accident Attorney

Suffered Injuries as a Result of a Charleston Jackknife Accident?

Jackknife accidents, where a tractor-trailer/truck/18-wheeler’s two parts swing together in a jackknife shape, is an extremely frightening type of accident.

Given the size of a truck and the driver's lack of control in these situations, these accidents can involve multiple vehicles and have devastating consequences.

If you were a motorist injured as a result of a jackknife accident in Charleston, or your loved one was tragically killed in a jackknife accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Allen Law will fight for you to receive the justice you deserve. Call us today at (843) 882-5005.

I represent clients the way I would want to be treated: with respect, honesty, and a commitment toward great results.”
- Julian Allen

Main Causes of Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident is generally the result of a truck driver braking or changing direction too abruptly, causing the wheels to lock or lose their grip on the road and the vehicle to slide into the jackknife position.

Jackknifing can result from inexperienced or poorly trained drivers who are not used to operating such large vehicles. As a truck has many components, poorly maintained or inspected parts can also contribute to the likelihood of this type of accident. Overloaded or improperly loaded trailers that do not have a proper weight distribution also increase the risk of a truck jackknifing.

Like all motor vehicle accidents, if the truck driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fatigued, or speeding, this also increases the risk of accidents. As the main cause of these accidents is a sudden steering change or abrupt braking, a distracted truck driver, or one with impaired motor skills, is far more likely to cause a jackknife accident.

Common Places for Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents are more common on highways and freeways for the simple reason that trucks are traveling along these roads most often. Icy weather or wet roads can also make jackknifing more likely, as this causes slippery roads and decreases the traction of the truck’s wheels. Jackknife accidents are also common on corners along routes where trucks travel, as a truck entering a corner with too much speed or quickly overcorrecting can result in jackknifing.

Why Jackknife Accidents Are So Dangerous

Jackknife accidents can be some of the most devastating types of accidents for two reasons.

First, the nature of this type of accident, where the truck and trailer fold into a v-like shape, often taking up more than one lane of traffic and skidding some distance while out of control, means these accidents often involve multiple vehicles.

Second, the speed at which the truck is sliding combined with its heavy weight also means the impact to motorists struck by the truck or trailer can be devastating. Jackknife accidents can cause severe injuries, including fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal injuries, and sometimes result in fatalities.

Why Get a Charleston Jackknife Accident Lawyer?

If you were involved in a Charleston jackknife accident or lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Who is liable will depend on whether the driver’s negligence (e.g., by speeding, driving distracted, or while fatigued) caused the crash or whether another entity (potentially the manufacturer of faulty parts) caused the collision.

A Charleston truck accident lawyer is crucial in these cases for investigating and proving fault, negotiating a fair settlement with insurance providers, or, where necessary, advocating for injured parties to receive favorable compensation in court.

Attorney Julian Allen, as a former defense attorney for insurance companies, knows the tactics used to deny or reduce compensation claims and how to counter them. Call us today at (843) 882-5005 for a free consultation.