Jackknife Truck Accidents in Hampton

Jackknife accidents are associated with semi-trucks. They occur when a driver loses control of a big rig and the truck folds in on itself at a 90-degree angle like a folded pocketknife. The trailer may slide sideways across the width of the highway. Any loss of control of a big rig presents devastating consequences for other road users. Jackknife truck accidents in Hampton often involve multiple vehicles and injuries.

Jackknife truck accidents in Hampton are most likely to occur on I-64. Thousands of big rigs use this busy interstate every day to reach the Port of Virginia in Norfolk or Virginia International Gateway in Portsmouth. Truckers are often in a rush and become frustrated at the congestion they experience going across the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). Tractor-trailer crashes also occur on busy roadways including Mercury Boulevard, Settlers Landing Road, and Old Buckroe Road.

The severe shortage of truck drivers means more inexperienced drivers are getting behind the wheel of big rigs that are challenging to handle.

Jackknife accidents can cause debilitating injuries to multiple people. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in a Hampton jackknife trucking accident, you should contact the experienced legal team at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers as soon as possible.

How Trucker Negligence Can Cause Jackknifing

Jackknifing accidents are caused by many factors. Typically, the truck driver is to blame. In some circumstances, a trucking company, loading firm, or another entity could be held liable for injuries and deaths caused by a jackknifing truck.

Jackknifing is caused by an 18-wheeler making a sudden stop or turn. The trailer cannot stop or slow quickly enough and it swings outwards, causing the semi-truck to fishtail. It’s a dangerous situation for the trucker and other vehicles on the highway. Jackknifing accidents can be caused by the following:

• A truck speeding;
• A driver failing to deal with slick weather conditions such as rain, ice, or snow;
• A driver failing to slow down on an exit ramp or a curve;
• Drunk driving;
• Distracted driving;
• Drowsy driving;
• Tailgating:
• A brake failure or another mechanical issue;
• Overloaded or improperly loaded trailers;
• Equipment malfunctions.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Jackknife Truck Accident in Hampton?

The driver of a truck that jackknifes can often be held liable for injuries. Typically, the trucking company can be held liable for the actions or inactions of its driver. Trucking companies that employ drivers are responsible for background checks and tracking how many hours drivers spend on the road. Trucking companies can be held liable for the negligence of their employees that occurs on the job.

A shipper or a loading company can be held liable for injuries if incorrect loading causes a tractor-trailer to jackknife.

A maintenance facility may be held liable for jackknifing accidents caused by poorly maintained brakes or another mechanical part, while vendors providing services to the carrier could also carry liability. The manufacturer of a defective part that caused an accident can be sued under the law of product liability. Occasionally, highway authorities have been held responsible for jackknifing accidents for failing to treat slick road surfaces.

When to Take Action Over a Jackknife Accident in Hampton

Under Virginia law, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of the accident. Tractor-trailer crashes follow the same rule. Although this seems like a long time, trucking accidents are very complicated. Jackknife accidents often involve multiple parties. Trucking companies respond fast to accident scenes, sending teams of lawyers to conduct an investigation. People who suffer injuries sometimes waste months trying to negotiate with insurance companies or neglect their legal rights while they concentrate on their recovery. It’s important to speak to an experienced Hampton trucking attorney as soon as possible after the incident. Our team may be able to take on your case, allowing you to recover without worrying about the legal red tape.

Trucking accidents are associated with catastrophic injuries such as spinal and brain injuries, and other broken bones. It’s vital to hold the trucking company accountable for the full extent of your injuries and to secure as much money as possible for your long-term care needs.

The attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers have a long track record in winning multi-million dollar settlements in trucking cases. Please call us for a free consultation. We have client meeting locations in Hampton, Newport News, and every other city in Hampton Roads.