Be On the Alert for Jackknife Accidents in Georgia
Jackknife truck accidents occur when the truck's trailer swings from behind it, so that it is nearly side by side with the tractor. It almost resembles a pocketknife closing. These accidents can be particularly dangerous to other vehicles on the road because they occur suddenly and the driver loses almost all control of the truck. The jackknifing truck might also barrel into other vehicles or cars could find themselves unable to stop in time to avoid the massive truck in front of them.
At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, our Georgia truck accident attorneys understand the gravity of jackknife truck accidents. We fight for the recovery of our truck accident victims from the truck drivers responsible for their injuries. Injured truck accident victims can suffer from long term and potentially even life threatening or permanent injuries. Accident victims should be compensated for their injuries so that they can continue on with their lives.
The Causes of Jackknife Accidents
Most jackknife accidents are caused by skidding of some sort. Skidding can have many different causes, with some of the most common including, but not limited to:
- Slick roads: Ice, rain, snow, and the like can all contribute to skid accidents. Inclement weather is not the only factor in such crashes. Truck drivers must assess the risks of the weather and continue at their discretion. They must adjust their driving to allow for safe travel on slippery roads. Drivers who operate a truck in dangerous conditions or drive too fast for the conditions put themselves and others at risk of jackknife accidents.
- Speeding: Speed is a factor in many jackknife accidents. Drivers who operate a truck at high rates of speed could skid or lose control, which can then lead to jackknife accidents. Excessive speed might be due to a truck driver's negligence.
- Improper braking: Truck drivers must use their brakes in a safe manner. Truck brakes are complex and truck drivers require extensive training in the proper use of brakes. A driver who is distracted, inadequately trained, or speeding could brake dangerously, causing skidding and potentially jackknife accidents.
- Mechanical failure: All trucking companies must keep trucks in safe operating condition, which includes replacing brakes and other parts in need of repair. Neglect of mechanical maintenance can lead to brake failure and jackknife accidents. Those injured in a jackknife accident caused by mechanical failure should have a cause of action against the trucking company, the manufacturer, or the truck driver.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Claim!
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you should be eligible to seek compensation from the truck driver responsible for the accident. The Georgia Truck Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, assist accident victims in Georgia and in the Southeast. Our firm has over 39 years of experience that we will dedicate to your case and our attorneys provide a wealth of knowledge and compassion to enhance your ability to obtain a full recovery.
The sooner you act after your accident, the greater your chances of reaching the best possible outcome. As such, it is important that you seek the assistance of a licensed lawyer as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source:
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/809-569.pdf