Jackknife Accidents in St. George

Jackknife accidents are some of the most dangerous types of truck accidents that can happen in St. George. These accidents happen when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This can cause the truck to skid, overturn, or collide with other vehicles, leading to severe injuries and even fatalities. If you were hit by a truck that jackknifed, you have the right to take legal action against whoever was responsible. Reach out to a truck accident attorney in St. George for help.

Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents

Truck drivers navigate challenging road conditions every day. Unfortunately, many factors can cause a driver to lose control of their massive vehicle and cause a jackknife accident. The most frequent contributors to these dangerous incidents include:

• Sudden Braking: When a truck driver applies brakes too quickly or unevenly, the trailer can become unstable and swing uncontrollably.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, ice, and snow create treacherous road surfaces that reduce tire traction and truck control.
• Driver Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel compromise a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities.
• Improper Loading: Unbalanced or overweight cargo increases the likelihood of the truck’s trailer becoming unstable.
• Mechanical Failures: Brake system malfunctions or tire defects can lead to a catastrophic jackknife event.

Injuries That Can Happen in Jackknife Accidents

Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. When a jackknife accident happens, the physical consequences can be catastrophic and life-altering. Victims often sustain severe injuries that range from immediate, traumatic damage to long-term, debilitating conditions, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Partial or complete paralysis
• Multiple bone fractures
• Crushed limbs
• Amputations
• Soft tissue injuries
• Nerve damage
• Internal bleeding
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

These devastating injuries can transform your entire life. Medical treatments, ongoing rehabilitation, and potential long-term care can quickly drain your financial resources. You may face permanent disability that prevents you from returning to work, leading to lost earning potential and significant hardship. 

Identifying Liable Parties in Truck Collisions

If you were hurt in a jackknife accident in St. George, you have the right to pursue legal action. Depending on what caused the collision, you can file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. 

In most cases, the truck driver is liable for any errors or dangerous behaviors that contributed to the collision. This may involve driving while fatigued, under the influence, or violating traffic laws. Their employers can also be held liable if the accident occurred while the driver was on the job. 

In some cases, the trucking company itself may be at fault if corporate policies led to the accident, such as pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules or failing to conduct proper background checks. Beyond the truck driver and trucking company, other potentially liable parties may include vehicle manufacturers, cargo-loading companies, and maintenance providers.

Get Help with Your St. George Truck Accident Claim

Jackknife accidents can be devastating, often involving multiple parties and complex liability issues. In these situations, you deserve justice for the harm you suffered—and a St. George auto accident lawyer can help you achieve it.

At We Win Injury Law, we have extensive experience investigating these complicated truck accidents and identifying all responsible parties. We are not afraid to stand up to trucking companies and their insurers. Contact us at (435) 688-9558 for a free consultation and let our lawyers protect your rights while you focus on recovery.