Greenville Jackknife Accident Lawyers
Jackknife accidents are among the most dangerous and sudden commercial vehicle collisions on South Carolina roadways. These incidents typically involve tractor-trailers or semi-trucks losing control of their trailers, causing them to swing out in a “V” shape and collide with other vehicles. The sudden, unpredictable movement of the trailer often leaves little time for surrounding drivers to react, resulting in catastrophic injuries, property damage, and sometimes fatalities. At Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys, our Greenville jackknife accident lawyers provide the experience, resources, and compassionate guidance necessary to help victims deal with the aftermath of these high-stakes collisions.
Our team has decades of combined experience representing clients in complex truck accident cases across Upstate South Carolina. We also bring knowledge from defending commercial carriers and insurance companies, which gives us insight into how trucking companies approach claims and disputes. This dual experience allows us to anticipate defense strategies, conduct thorough investigations, and fight for the full compensation our clients deserve.
Jackknife crashes are not only physically dangerous but also emotionally and financially overwhelming. Victims often face extensive medical treatment, lost income, and the long-term consequences of catastrophic injuries. Our attorneys work to provide aggressive legal advocacy while offering compassionate support during these challenging times.
How Jackknife Accidents Happen
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings outward at an acute angle to the cab, creating a V-shaped configuration that can strike vehicles in adjacent lanes or the vehicle pulling the trailer itself. The movement often happens due to sudden braking, slippery road conditions, mechanical failure, or driver error. The unpredictable nature of these accidents makes them particularly dangerous and legally complex.
Jackknife accidents most frequently occur on Greenville’s interstates, including I-85 and I-385, as well as on rural highways where sudden stops, sharp curves, or wet conditions can destabilize trailers. Multi-vehicle collisions are common, as the swinging trailer can block multiple lanes, strike vehicles in adjacent lanes, or cause secondary accidents as drivers attempt to evade the trailer.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Greenville
Jackknife collisions typically involve a combination of human error, mechanical issues, and environmental conditions. The most frequent causes include:
- Driver error: Sudden braking, speeding, fatigue, distraction, or improper handling of the truck.
- Weather and road conditions: Wet, icy, or uneven pavement can reduce traction and make a trailer more likely to swing out.
- Mechanical failure: Brake malfunction, tire blowouts, or suspension issues can destabilize the trailer.
- Improper cargo loading: Uneven or shifting cargo can affect the trailer’s center of gravity and increase jackknife risk.
- Trailer or vehicle design flaws: Poorly maintained or defective trailers can contribute to loss of control.
Identifying the precise cause of a jackknife accident is critical to establishing liability. Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts, engineers, and trucking specialists to understand exactly what led to the collision and to determine all potentially responsible parties. Due to the large size of commercial trucks and the sudden nature of these crashes, injuries are often catastrophic. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries and concussions, or spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and nerve damage. Other severe injuries include fractures and crushed limbs, internal organ damage and internal bleeding, severe lacerations and road rash, and burn injuries in fires resulting from collision impact or spilled cargo.
The severity of these injuries often requires long-term medical care, multiple surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation. Our Greenville jackknife accident lawyers ensure that all losses, both economic and non-economic, are considered in pursuing compensation.
Liability in Greenville Jackknife Accident Cases
Liability in jackknife accidents can include several different entities. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver, for negligent or reckless operation
- The trucking company, for failing to train, supervise, or monitor driver compliance with hours-of-service regulations
- Vehicle maintenance or repair companies for defective brakes, tires, or suspension systems
- Cargo loaders or distributors for improperly secured or overloaded cargo
- Manufacturers for defects in trailers, axles, or braking systems
- Government entities, if road design or negligent maintenance contributed to the crash
Because liability can involve multiple parties and complex evidence, our attorneys leverage their experience defending commercial claims to anticipate the arguments insurers and trucking companies will raise. This allows us to develop stronger strategies and advocate effectively for victims. Insurance carriers handling jackknife accident claims often try to reduce payouts, particularly when injuries are severe. Common tactics include shifting blame to the victim or other drivers involved, minimizing the severity or extent of injuries, delaying investigation or requesting incomplete documentation, offering low settlement amounts before the full scope of damages is known, or utilizing technicalities related to trucking regulations to reduce liability.
Our Greenville truck accident lawyers counter these tactics with thorough evidence, expert consultation, and aggressive negotiation, ensuring that victims’ rights and compensation needs are fully protected.
How Our Greenville Jackknife Accident Lawyers Help
Jackknife accident claims require specialized knowledge and comprehensive investigation. Our team provides full-service representation that includes: conducting detailed accident analysis, reviewing truck and trailer maintenance records, obtaining black box data and driver logs, securing medical documentation, consulting accident reconstruction and engineering experts, identifying all liable parties, negotiating with insurers, and preparing cases for trial when necessary. Throughout the process, we provide compassionate, client-focused guidance to ease the burden on victims.
Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, long-term care, rehabilitation, property damage, permanent disability, and wrongful death damages for surviving family members. Our attorneys work to ensure that every loss is documented and fully presented to maximize recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackknife Accidents
What causes a truck to jackknife?
Jackknife accidents are typically caused by a combination of driver error, mechanical failure, poor road conditions, improperly loaded cargo, or defective trailers.
Who can be held responsible in a jackknife accident?
Liability may extend to the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road conditions.
What injuries are common in jackknife collisions?
Victims often suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, internal organ damage, severe lacerations, burn injuries, and, in some cases, wrongful death.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes. South Carolina uses comparative negligence rules, allowing recovery proportional to the other parties’ fault, even if you share some, but not most, of the blame.
Do jackknife accident cases usually go to trial?
Many cases settle through negotiation, but due to the complexity and severity of these accidents, some claims require litigation. Our firm prepares every case as if it may go to trial.
Call Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a jackknife accident in Greenville, our attorneys are ready to help. We combine deep experience, detailed investigation, and a compassionate, client-focused approach to pursue maximum compensation. Contact Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can protect your rights and guide you forward after a jackknife crash.
