Jackknife and overturned truck accidents can cause serious injuries to all parties involved. Because speeding is the number one known cause of fatal crashes in the United States, trucks are incredibly vulnerable to these types of accidents because of how difficult it is for truck drivers to stop or slow down suddenly.
This is primarily due to the greater weight and size of trucks, which require more time and distance to decelerate. This can cause the truck trailer to swing out of alignment with the cab, resulting in a jackknife accident.
In 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported 4,842 fatal truck crashes involving jackknifing.
Excessive speed, especially on curves, can also cause the truck to overturn on its side. According to the FMCSA, nearly half of large truck accidents resulting in truck occupant deaths occurred in crashes involving rollovers. Additionally, the vast majority of truck rollovers result primarily from driver error.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident due to negligent driving, you will need a highway truck crash law firm from Arkansas. Book a free consultation with us to be paired with a jackknife truck accident lawyer or a semi-truck rollover crash attorney.
Truck drivers also have a legal responsibility to follow local safety laws pertaining to the following:
- truck weight and size
- truck following distance
- a duty of care to other drivers
What is a Jackknife or Overturned Truck Accident?
Jackknifing refers to a type of truck accident in which a vehicle, especially a semi-truck or 18-wheeler tractor trailer, folds in on itself, resembling the shape of a folding jackknife. The trailer swings out to the side, forming a sharp angle with the cab. As a result, it can collide with other vehicles on the road, potentially crushing smaller vehicles.
As seen in this first example, a semi-truck jackknifes before striking the other vehicles.
An overturned truck accident, also known as a rollover crash, occurs when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. This can easily result in an overturned semi-truck lawsuit if at least one driver was at fault.
Types of trucks prone to these types of accidents include:
- semi-trucks
- tractor trailers
- articulated trucks
Articulated trucks are large commercial trucks with a tractor and a trailer that are joined at a pivot point.
Common Causes of Jackknife and Overturned Truck Accidents
The most common cause of jackknife and overturned truck accidents is driver error. Causes include:
- mechanical issues (brake failure, poor tire traction, suspension issues, defective steering)
- speeding
- strong winds
- distracted driving
- driving while fatigued
- improper maneuvering
- slippery road conditions
- collision with another vehicle
- potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces
- poor visibility due to fog, rain, snow, or ice
- sudden changes such as a sharp curve or incline
- evasive maneuvers like swerving to avoid a collision
- improperly secured cargo, disrupting the truck’s balance
- tailgating, causing sudden braking, which can lock up the wheels
Common Injuries in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents can result in:
- traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- death
- whiplash
- broken bones
- airbag injuries
- limb amputations
- soft tissue injuries
- spinal cord injuries
- burns and lacerations
- neck and back injuries
- internal organ damage
Steps to Take if You Were in a Truck Accident
A commonly asked question is, “What should you do after an auto accident?” Once everyone involved in the accident has received immediate medical attention, follow these steps:
- Seek safety.
- Call the police.
- Do not admit fault.
- Gather any evidence you can.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Exchange information with the other driver and trucking company.
- Consult a highway truck crash lawyer in Arkansas.
- Stay at the scene if you are medically cleared to do so.
- Preserve the evidence. Do not get repairs until a lawyer has inspected your vehicle.
Moving yourself and your vehicle to a safe location is crucial to prevent further damage. This is typically the shoulder of the road, as far from traffic as possible. You may even be able to move to a parking lot or side street. Turn on your hazards to warn other drivers.
Drivers must report accidents to the police if property damage exceeds $1,000 or there are injuries or fatalities. They also must report the accident to the Arkansas Office of Driver Services within 30 days.
In case the other driver flees the scene, take down a description of:
- the make/model/year of the vehicle
- the other driver
- the license plate number
- the trucking company (if a commercial truck)
How to Recognize You Are Not at Fault for a Truck Accident
If the other person failed to obey the laws of the road, that is typically a sign they are at fault for the crash. It’s possible both people can be at fault for an accident, but it’s important for you to never admit fault since that statement can be used against you and might not even be true or relevant.
For example, sometimes people will say things like, “It’s my fault. I should have never left the house in the middle of a storm.” This statement could be used against you, even if the other driver was at fault for speeding while driving on slippery roads.
The following indicators may be used to determine fault if they prove the other driver was negligent:
- phone records
- photos or videos
- witness statements
- homeowners’ cameras
- accident reconstruction reports
- surveillance footage showing the intersection
- breathalyzer tests that show blood alcohol content (BAC)
This evidence can be crucial when it comes to how fault is determined in an overturned semi-truck lawsuit. Arkansas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages.
To establish fault, you must prove the other driver was negligent. Arkansas uses a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages, but if you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
A jackknife truck accident lawyer can help you determine whose fault the accident was.
Our Process for Truck Accident Cases
You may be wondering how a semi-truck rollover crash attorney can help you. We help clients by:
- collecting evidence
- protecting your rights
- informing you of next steps
- establishing the other driver’s fault
- negotiating with insurance companies
- suing the responsible party for personal injury
- meeting deadlines, also known as statutes of limitations
- filling out necessary paperwork and representing you legally
Our highway truck crash lawyers in Arkansas are experienced in handling these types of collisions. We will meet with you for an initial consultation, answer all your questions, and be your trusted friend throughout this process. We’ve got this!
Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries
Victims of negligent driving can recover compensation for the following:
- injuries
- lost wages
- medical bills
- wrongful death
- property damage
- pain and suffering
Compensation can range widely depending on the severity of injuries, level of liability, insurance policy, expenses incurred, evidence secured, and other individual circumstances of the case. Some victims may recover $100,000 while others settle for $500,000 or more.
Reach out for a free consultation with one of our truck accident attorneys to get started on your road to recovering the maximum compensation for your losses.
