How Atlanta Jackknife Truck Accidents Happen and Who May Be Liable in a Claim
Atlanta jackknife truck accidents occur when a truck trailer swings out at an angle from the truck cab. They happen suddenly, impact drivers in other lanes, and can cause potentially life-threatening injuries.
Unfortunately, in addition to being among the most serious types of truck crashes in Georgia, jackknife crashes are also among the most common. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain common causes and who may be held liable in a claim.
Why Jackknife Truck Accidents Happen on Atlanta Roads
Jackknife crashes in Atlanta happen when a truck trailer swings out and away from the cab. Once a truck begins to jackknife, the driver has very little ability to regain control. At highway speeds, the trailer can sweep across multiple lanes, striking any vehicle in its path.
On I-75, I-85, and other busy Atlanta highways, heavy traffic means that when a jackknife occurs, nearby motorists are often impacted. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) claims that common reasons these crashes happen include:
- Uneven loads, resulting in uneven weight distribution.
- Sudden braking, which may cause the rear wheels to lock up.
- Brake system failures and lack of maintenance.
- Speeding on curved ramps or highway interchanges.
- Driver error, such as overcorrecting during a skid or failing to account for the trailer’s momentum.
Under Georgia law, both the truck driver and the trucking company may be held responsible when a jackknife crash injures other drivers.
Who Is Responsible When an Atlanta Jackknife Truck Accident Happens?
Atlanta jackknife truck accidents can cause devastating injuries to drivers in multiple lanes. One of the most common questions we hear from clients after a jackknife crash is who is actually responsible. The answer often goes beyond the truck driver alone.
Depending on what caused the trailer to swing out, the trucking company, a third-party maintenance contractor, parts manufacturers, or even other drivers may share liability. Evidence that can help in determining who is liable includes:
- Truck black box data, capturing speed, braking inputs, and steering activity in the moments before the crash.
- Truck brake inspection and maintenance records that reveal whether known issues went unaddressed.
- Truck driver hours-of-service logs and training history, which may point to fatigue or inadequate preparation as a cause.
- Cargo loading records showing whether improper weight distribution contributed to the crash.
- Traffic surveillance footage showing how the accident unfolded.
- Witness statements and photos from the scene, as well as testimony from truck accident reconstruction experts.
Trucking companies and their legal teams often move quickly, and vital evidence can disappear. To protect your rights to compensation, get professional legal help right away.
Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Jackknife truck accidents in Atlanta are common and can cause life-threatening harm. Shiver Hamilton Campbell investigates these crashes, identifies those responsible, and fights to get victims and their families the maximum compensation.
We represent clients in Decator, Sandy Springs, Savannah, and throughout Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Fulton Counties. Contact our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers and request a consultation today.
Source:
fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/large-truck-crash-causation-study https://georgiacourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apportionment-of-Damages-Terry.pdf
