Jackknifing occurs when a semi-truck’s wheels lock up, but the vehicle’s momentum keeps the heavy trailer moving forward until it swings to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. These types of accidents often block multiple lanes of traffic and can cause multi-car pileups. Proving liability for a jackknife crash can be difficult because trucking companies often try to blame unavoidable road conditions or other outside factors.
At McMinn, Fradin, Gray & Logan, we help people injured in jackknife truck accidents in Winston-Salem recover their damages. If you have suffered serious injuries, a dedicated truck wreck injury attorney from our firm could advocate on your behalf to prove negligence, secure vital evidence, and build a compelling case to ensure you receive the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Jackknife collisions in Winston-Salem occur when a truck’s cab and trailer fold at the pivot point, forming a V or L shape. They are typically the result of a mismatch in speed or traction between the two units. The most common causes of jackknife accidents include the following.
When a driver slams on the brakes, the truck’s wheels will lock, but the cab will continue moving, and the trailer’s momentum forces it to the side, causing a jackknife wreck.
High speeds increase a truck’s momentum, making sudden maneuvers or braking more likely to result in a skid. Speeding around curves is particularly dangerous because the trailer’s inertia can drag it outward.
Unbalanced weight distribution or unsecured cargo can shift a trailer’s center of gravity. This instability makes the rig prone to swaying or fishtailing, which can quickly escalate into a jackknife.
Poorly maintained or defective equipment—specifically worn tires, malfunctioning brakes, or faulty coupling hitches—can cause uneven braking or a total loss of steering control.
Drowsy, distracted, or otherwise negligent drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to overcorrect or brake too hard in an emergency. Lack of experience also plays a role, as untrained drivers may not know how to properly respond to a minor skid before it becomes a full jackknife.
In many Winston-Salem jackknife cases, liability for the vehicle collision extends beyond the driver. For example, if the accident was the result of factors within the driver’s control, you may have strong grounds to file a claim against both the truck driver and their employer. This is because, generally, the trucking company is responsible for its employees’ actions while they are working. The trucking company may also be directly liable if its vehicles are poorly maintained or if it engages in negligent hiring practices.
In addition, several other parties could be liable for a truck accident. This could include the cargo loading company, the maintenance provider, and the truck manufacturer. Local government entities may also share responsibility if a poorly designed road, hazardous construction zone, or failure to treat icy roads was a factor in the crash.
State law requires you to report a motor vehicle accident to authorities immediately if the crash results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Calling 911 at the scene is essential for officers to create an official crash report, which serves as critical evidence for insurance claims.
Our Winston-Salem attorneys can notify insurers in the immediate aftermath of a jackknife truck crash. We can also handle communications with adjusters to combat any tactics that could reduce a future payout. Insurance adjusters will often look for any reason to assign you a small percentage of fault to close the file. Our legal team can challenge unfair fault determinations and ensure you are not wrongfully blamed, which is necessary under the state’s strict contributory negligence laws.
Beyond the adjuster’s review, our personal injury lawyers can secure evidence such as crash reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction expert testimonies to prove liability. Once you have sought medical treatment and your injuries have stabilized, your attorney will prepare a demand package outlining your injuries, liability evidence, and a specific settlement request for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Most cases settle here. However, if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation or disputes liability entirely, our legal team can take your case to court to seek a fair settlement.
If you sustain injuries in an accident with a jackknifed vehicle, it is important to report the crash and seek medical attention immediately. It is also important to preserve any evidence from the scene, such as photos, videos, or witness contact information.
At McMinn, Fradin, Gray & Logan, we often represent people injured in jackknife truck accidents in Winston-Salem. Our attorneys can investigate your claim, determine liability, and explain what compensation you could recover. Contact us today to request a case consultation with a member of our skilled legal team.
