Jackknife accidents are a specific kind of truck crash where the tractor-trailer swings out to the side of the cab, creating a shape that looks like a jackknife or pocket knife. Jackknifing can only happen with large commercial motor vehicles, and the consequences can be deadly when this kind of accident occurs.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a jackknife accident, Marc Brown Law Firm is here to help. Our team understands the legal issues raised in a jackknife crash, and we know how to put together strong legal arguments in the aftermath of these serious accidents.
To find out more about the assistance we can offer, give us a call today.
How do jackknife accidents happen?
Jackknife accidents usually occur when a series of things go wrong. Some of the most common causes of jackknife accidents include:
- Improper or unsafe braking, particularly on wet or slippery roads
- Speeding, especially when traveling downhill or when navigating curves.
- Unbalanced cargo or poorly loaded cargo that causes swaying of the trailer
- Fatigued or distracted driving that results in delayed reactions
- Mechanical defects, including brake failure
- Bad weather driving
Professional truck drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. A failure to follow safety regulations could make the truck driver or the company employing the driver legally liable for losses.
How to find the right South Carolina jackknife accident lawyer
If you need to find an attorney after your jackknife accident, here are some of the key things that you should look for to make sure you have the right representation:
- An attorney familiar with these types of crashes. You need a lawyer who understands how jackknife accidents happen, what rules are often broken, and how to prove who is to blame.
- A strong advocate who has stood up to trucking companies in the past. Trucking companies often try to do everything they can to avoid liability, including sending investigators to the crash scene to try to disprove fault. You need a lawyer who knows how to stand up to these companies, demand the necessary evidence from the truck’s onboard recorder, bring in our own expert investigators, and demand a fair settlement.
- Experienced litigators. We are experienced litigators, which means we can go the distance and present a compelling claim at trial. Because trucking companies know that we are ready to go to court, this also increases their willingness to make a fair settlement offer.
If you turn to Marc Brown Law Firm, you can count on our South Carolina accident attorneys to bring solid legal experience to your case to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
Find a South Carolina jackknife accident lawyer serving your area
It’s important you find an attorney familiar with local trucking companies and local laws where your accident took place. From our offices in Columbia, SC, Marc Brown Law Firm is prepared and ready to represent clients after jackknife accidents in and around the surrounding areas:
- Allendale
- Bamberg
- Bishopville
- Charleston
- Columbia
- Hampton
- Hardeeville
- Greenville
- Kingstree
- Marion
- Orangeburg
- Ridgeland
- Sumter
- Winnsboro
If you live in these locations or anywhere throughout South Carolina, give us a call to schedule your free consultation and learn what our jackknife accident lawyers can do for you.