Atlanta Jackknife Accident Lawyer

Atlanta Jackknife Accident Attorney

A jackknife can happen out of nowhere, and when it happens, it can change your life forever. You may be driving along 1-75 through the city, or on I-85, and then a truck’s trailer swings into your path, and an accident becomes unavoidable. In the blink of an eye, everything can change: your finances, your health, and your future. If you or a loved one has suffered in a jackknife accident, an Atlanta jackknife accident lawyer is here to help you recover compensation.

About Personal Injury Attorney Stephen T. LaBriola

Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers®, attorney Stephen T. LaBriola is here to help those who have been injured in Atlanta jackknife accidents. At Fellows LaBriola LLP, we use our experience and knowledge of Georgia courts to fight for the justice and compensation our clients deserve. These cases can be particularly difficult when it comes to determining liability, but Stephen T. LaBriola understands the Fulton County court system, where your case will likely be heard. He can review your case and help you determine your legal options for recovering compensation and justice.

Causes of Atlanta Jackknife Accidents

Every year, roughly 76,000 people are injured in accidents involving large commercial trucks. Many of these accidents occur when a truck jackknifes, or when the truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. When this happens, the trailer is often left blocking several lanes of traffic and poses a significant threat to other drivers.

There are several reasons why these accidents take place. In Atlanta, the most common causes of jackknife accidents include:

• Brake failure. This is one of the main causes of jackknife accidents. It occurs when the brakes of a truck fail, and the driver is unable to slow down or stop the truck properly. This can make it easier for the trailer to swing widely out of control, especially in cases where the truck is forced to stop suddenly or when making steep descents downhill.
• Speeding. Another cause of jackknife accidents is speeding. Due to their weight and size, a commercial semi-truck requires more space and time to come to a complete stop. If a driver is operating their truck at too high a speed, they are at a greater risk of losing control of their vehicle more easily when attempting to make a sudden turn or stop, which can lead to a jackknife accident.
• Wet or slippery roads. Poor weather and road conditions are another common cause of jackknife accidents. When it rains and temperatures are cold enough, the roads can freeze over. Even the most cautious truck drivers can easily lose control of their vehicles when the roads become icy or wet. If the tires on the trailer lose traction, the whole truck can begin to slide, making perfect conditions for a jackknife accident.
• Improperly loaded cargo. When cargo is not properly loaded onto a trailer, it can shift in transit, making the entire truck unstable. If the cargo is not secure or its weight is not evenly distributed, this can increase the chances of a jackknife accident. Overloaded cargo accounts for 65% of all fatal traffic accidents.
• Poor truck maintenance. Another cause of jackknife accidents is poor maintenance of the truck itself, particularly in the areas of tire maintenance and the braking system. If a truck is not properly maintained, it is more likely for something to go wrong and for the driver to lose control of their vehicle, especially in emergency situations or when making a sudden or sharp turn.

Common Injuries in Jackknife Accidents

The injuries that can result from a jackknife accident can be severe. When a trailer swings out into oncoming traffic, it essentially becomes a moving wall, generating an incredible amount of force. A crash of this nature can lead to multi-car pileups and devastating, long-lasting, and fatal injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Blunt force trauma
• Crushing or pinning injuries
• Broken bones, internal bleeding, or internal organ damage
• Injuries that can result in wrongful death

FAQs

What Compensation Am I Owed in a Jackknife Accident?

Depending on the severity of your accident, there are several forms of compensation you may be able to seek. The most common forms of compensation include any related medical costs, lost wages, the loss of your future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of the enjoyment or quality of life, and wrongful death damages.

What if the Truck Driver Denies Fault in Georgia?

In a jackknife accident in Atlanta, if the truck driver is to blame but denies liability, you still have plenty of legal options. Your attorney can launch an investigation into the accident to gather the evidence necessary to support your claim of liability. These forms of evidence can include the police report, the truck’s black box data, available video footage, and any witness statements.

How Can a Lawyer Support Me?

When you work with an attorney in your jackknife accident claim, they can manage all the communications between you and the other involved parties. They can also ensure that critical materials and evidence are preserved, and can review the full scope of your losses, making sure that you recover the maximum amount of compensation available.

How Do You Prove a Personal Injury Claim?​​

Proving a personal injury claim, like those involved in jackknife accidents, can be difficult, and it will be up to you and your lawyer to establish the burden of proof. In order to do so, you must be able to prove that the truck driver or other liable party owed you a duty of care, that this duty was breached through unsafe or negligent behavior, that the breach caused your injuries, and that you suffered harm.

Hire a Jackknife Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Atlanta jackknife accident, attorney Stephen T. LaBriola is here for you. Contact his office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, learn your legal options, and learn more regarding why you need to hire a jackknife accident lawyer as soon as possible.