In automobile accidents, "jackknifing" occurs when a truck hauling a trailer begins to skid. If the driver is unable to correct it in time, this may cause the trailer to push the towing vehicle until its cab is facing the trailer and collides with it. In many jackknife truck accidents, the entire tractor-trailer will overturn due to the driver's loss of control over the vehicle’s movement.
If you were injured in a jackknife truck accident in Alpharetta, you may be able to recover monetary damages from any at-fault parties involved. With the help of a hardworking truck accident attorney, you could pursue your claim and seek financial compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes and Effects of Jackknifing in Big Rig Trucking Accidents
There can be many variables in big rig truck collisions, and each incident will have different circumstances that contributed to the crash. A discerning truck accident attorney nearby could help those considering civil litigation to determine who may be held liable based on their specific case. However, in most semi accident cases, a tractor-trailer jackknifes due to one of the following reasons:
- Operator error (e.g. the driver is distracted, fatigued, or intoxicated)
- Poor weather conditions
- Following other vehicles too closely
- Hazardous road conditions (e.g. icy or snow-compacted roads)
- Speeding
- Improper loading or overloading
Regardless of how a jackknifing traffic wreck occurs, the damage of tractor-trailer collisions can be catastrophic. In many jackknife semi-truck accidents, the injuries sustained by motorists, passengers, or other pedestrians involved are severe. Permanent brain or spinal cord damage is not uncommon in these types of traffic collisions, and in certain cases the injuries could even be fatal. Because these collisions can have such heavy consequences, jackknifing truck accident cases in Alpharetta must be handled with care and urgency by a diligent legal professional.
Rules and Regulations Applicable to Truck Drivers
In Georgia, commercial and non-commercial semi-tractor-trailer trucks engaging in interstate or intrastate hauling are subject to size and weight restrictions under §32-6-26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. A vehicle traveling on any interstate or state highway is not to exceed 80,000 pounds without prior obtainment of a permit, as outlined in O.C.G.A. §32-6-28.
Motorists involved in any traffic accident, including jackknife semi-truck collisions, are also subject to O.C.G.A. §40-6-270 to 279. This statute states that if an accident causes injury, death, or property damage to another, each motorist involved—not just the motorist responsible for causing the crash—is obligated to report the incident as quickly as possible to the appropriate authorities. As such, Alpharetta residents injured in jackknifing truck accidents should first contact the local authorities and seek medical care before reaching out to nearby legal assistance for any potential personal injury claims.
Talk with a Lawyer about Jackknife Truck Accidents in Alpharetta
Jackknifing is an extremely dangerous phenomenon, and victims of this type of trucking accident are put at risk of severe bodily harm or permanent disability. Unfortunately, the burdens of physical injury can be exacerbated by steep medical and rehabilitative costs. When the stakes are this high, civil litigation may be the best option for financial recovery.
If you or someone in your life has sustained injuries in a jackknife accident, financial compensation may be available for damages incurred by a negligent truck driver or semi operator. An injury claim could be key to receiving monetary recovery for your losses. Reach out to a well-versed personal injury lawyer for more information on jackknife truck accidents in Alpharetta and potential claims for compensation.