Atlanta Jackknife Truck Accidents on I-20 and I-75: Why They Happen and Who Is Liable In A Claim
Interstates like I-20 and I-75 are busy corridors filled with tractor-trailers at all hours. They are hotspots for jackknife truck accidents in Atlanta, a dangerous type of crash where the trailer swings out at an angle, impacting motorists in other lanes. These wrecks can cause massive pileups and potentially life-altering injuries.
Determining who is responsible can pose challenges in the aftermath, impacting your rights to compensation. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers help victims get a sense of justice and the total amount they need to recover. Find out how jackknife accidents happen in Georgia and who can be held liable in a claim.
Why Jackknife Accidents Happen on Georgia Interstates
Reports from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) show that jackknife accidents are common on major highways and interstates throughout the United States and can cause devastating harm to motorists in surrounding lanes. They typically happen when a truck driver loses control of their rig.
If the truck trailer’s momentum doesn’t match the cab’s movement, the truck can skid or swing into other lanes. Factors that increase the likelihood of jackknife accidents in Atlanta include:
- Speeding or sudden braking, especially in heavy local traffic;
- Wet or slick road conditions, such as rain or oil on the pavement;
- Improperly loaded cargo, causing dangerous weight shifts during turns;
- Driver fatigue, leading to delayed reactions;
- Equipment failures, like worn brakes or faulty tires.
On high-speed interstates like I-20 and I-75, jackknife truck accidents are particularly dangerous, often involve multiple vehicles, and can cause catastrophic harm.
Who Can Be Held Liable After an Atlanta Jackknife Crash?
Unlike a two-car collision, jackknife accidents in Atlanta often involve multiple at-fault parties. Determining liability requires careful investigation into what caused the trailer to swing out. Those who may be responsible include:
- The truck driver, if speeding, fatigue, or driving errors contributed to the crash.
- The trucking company, due to poor training, scheduling pressure, or negligent maintenance.
- Cargo loaders, if improperly balanced loads create instability.
- Manufacturers, when equipment defects (such as bad brakes) led to the accident.
- Other drivers, if a passenger car’s actions triggered the chain reaction
Under the Georgia Code, you have the right to seek compensation from all those at fault, even if your own actions were partially to blame. As long as you weren’t more than 50 percent responsible, you can seek payment for your property damages, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Speak With Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Being involved in a jackknife accident in Atlanta on I-20, I-75, or on other Georgia roadways can be overwhelming. These crashes cause severe injuries, lost income, and lasting trauma.
Shiver Hamilton Campbell protects victims in these complex claims and fights for the maximum compensation. We proudly serve clients across the state, including Savannah, St. Simons Island, Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Jonesboro, Marietta, Roswell, and all of Gwinnett, Fulton, and DeKalb Counties. To speak with our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers, call or contact us online and request a consultation today.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/vehicles-table-17-large-trucks-crashes-jackknife-occurrence-and-crash-6
advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=c185f789-3cb9-4733-8af0-74f
