Jackknife Accidents: Insurance Claims and Trucking Accidents

Jackknife accidents can be a deadly occurrence on roads and interstates throughout the United States.  A jackknifing occurs when the trailer of a tractor-trailer truck loses control, swings out, and forms an acute angle relative to the cab.  These accidents are often caused by adverse road conditions, improper braking, or equipment failure. 

In some cases, a collision with another motor vehicle may cause the truck to jackknife.  Jackknifing is likelier to occur when the trailer is empty or carrying a light load.  In certain instances, jackknifing can cause the vehicle to roll over.  Tandem trailer jackknife accidents happen when the rear tandem trailer locks up before the drive axle tandems or the front axle.  This type of accident is often preventable.

Accident Claims for Jackknife Auto Accident

The driver may not necessarily be negligent if the truck jackknifes due to an abrupt turn that he or she takes to avoid a motorist or stalled vehicle, or if it was due to unforeseeable road conditions.  As with any personal injury claim, proving negligence will be the most important aspect of your case.  You may be able to sue the tractor-trailer owner, the driver, and/or the manufacturers of any defective parts that contributed to the accident.

Possible Insurance Impact

An accident affects your insurance in many different ways, depending on certain details of the accident, as well as each insurer’s underwriting guidelines.  Your rates may be increased or your policy may not be renewed if the accident is your fault. 

If a policyholder is not considered to be at fault, your insurance rates may not be increased.  However, it may cause you to lose your good driver discount, which can range up to 20 percent of your policy.  Whether or not there were injuries involved will also have different impacts on rates.  The police report may be acceptable proof of no injury, however, not all companies will accept it since people may not feel injured until several days later.

Drivers who have been involved in an accident should worry needlessly how it will affect their rates.  If premiums happen to increase, an individual may simply purchase insurance from another carrier who will offer lower rates.  The best way to achieve this is to compare auto insurance from multiple companies in order to narrow down the list.

Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have of a family member has been an unwitting victim in a jackknifing accident, you should consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case.  Victims may be entitled to compensation for any resulting medical expenses, emotional suffering, lost wages and property damage.