When a commercial truck jackknifes, the impact can be catastrophic. Jackknife accidents have been known to cause multi-car pile-ups and devastating injuries. If you have suffered traumatic injuries or damages as a result of your involvement in a truck wreck, you may have the right to financial compensation for your losses.
Working with a reputable Greenville jackknife truck accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm could be the solution to your financial woes. A dedicated Greenville truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you demand the fair compensation you are entitled to and hold the liable party accountable. Contact our legal team to request a free consultation and find out more about how jackknife truck accidents happen, who should be sued, and what to expect from the personal injury claims process.
Commonality of Commercial Truck Wrecks in South Carolina
With the prevalence of trucking accidents continuing to disrupt people’s lives, it has never been more important to demand justice. By holding the liable party accountable, you are taking steps to reduce the number of collisions that may occur in the future. With help from your dedicated personal injury lawyer in Greenville, you can recover the compensation you are entitled to and potentially prevent others from enduring similar injuries.
According to the most recently available data from the South Carolina Commercial Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Fact Book, motor vehicle and commercial truck accidents are a serious cause for concern across the state. This data states that there is at least one car accident every 3.6 minutes, injuries from car accidents occur every 14.4 minutes, and someone is killed every 7.3 hours in a motor vehicle wreck.
There were 1,198 fatalities, a total of over 90,000 injuries, and 147,724 total collisions. Of these, there were 1,157 deaths involving commercial trucks. These amounted to approximately $5.2 billion in economic losses for injury victims and accident survivors across the state.
How Jackknife Truck Accidents Happen
Jackknife truck accidents occur when the trailer of the big rig pushes the cab of the truck in another direction. When this happens, the commercial truck folds where the trailer is attached. This often causes the trucker to lose control of the big rig, causing the trailer to swing out to one side and block several lanes of traffic.
However, identifying what caused the trailer portion to push the cab in another direction will be crucial in figuring out who should be held accountable for your injuries and damages. The at-fault party will be expected to repay you in full. You may be able to file a claim with the insurance company to recoup a portion of your losses, and any remaining damages can be sought through your truck accident lawsuit.
Top Causes of Jackknife Trucking Collisions
Jackknife truck accidents typically occur due to the negligent or wrongful actions of another. This frequently involves unsafe driving by the trucker or other motorists on the roadways. Some examples of negligent driving could include:
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Road rage
- Driving while fatigued
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots
- Refusing to stop at traffic lights or stop signs
- Failure to yield to the right of way
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Making illegal turns
However, jackknife truck accidents can also happen when trucks are overloaded, inexperienced drivers are operating tractor-trailers, dangerous road conditions are present, or motor vehicle parts malfunction. It should come as no surprise that several parties could share responsibility for the injuries you sustained. Once we have identified the at-fault party, we can move forward with the claims process.
Parties Who Could Be Sued
More often than not, truck drivers and trucking companies are found liable for victim’s damages. However, the cause of your jackknife truck accident will determine who should be sued. Auto parts manufacturers and designers, the South Carolina Department of Transportation, cargo loaders, the owner of the big rig, and other third parties could all be partially at fault.
Exploring Your Legal Options for Justice After a Jackknife Truck Accident in Greenville
Your jackknife truck accident attorney in Greenville will carefully evaluate your case to ensure we are taking advantage of all opportunities for financial relief. While you may have thought you could file a claim with the insurance company and access the compensation you deserve, it may surprise you to learn that insurance companies often push back. When insurance coverage is insufficient, you may need to consider alternative options.
Since South Carolina is a fault insurance state according to the South Carolina Department of Insurance’s FAQs, filing a claim against the liable party’s insurance policy is generally the first step in the claims process. Unfortunately, these policies typically do not offer compensation for any type of loss other than economic damages. You will also be limited by the amount of coverage the policyholder has purchased.
However, you do not need to lose hope. Any damages the insurance company does not compensate you for can be demanded through your truck accident personal injury claim. While you will not face the same limitations that come with an insurance claim, there is a $500,000 cap per person and $1,000,000 cap per accident on the amount of damages that can be awarded when you file a claim against a government agency according to §15-78-120 of the S.C. Code.
Connect with a Greenville Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The fallout of your commercial truck accident does not need to be the end of your life. When you have access to the financial compensation that is rightfully yours, you can regain control of your situation and build a better tomorrow. Do not let the liable party get away with it.
Make them pay. Turn to a trusted Greenville jackknife truck accident attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm and overcome these difficult times. Complete our quick contact form or call our office when you are ready to schedule your 100% free consultation.
