Practice Area
When a trailer swings out of line or a truck tips onto its side, it can sweep across several lanes in seconds. These crashes are rarely just bad luck. We investigate the speed, the load, the brakes, and the decisions that led to them.
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A jackknife happens when the cab and trailer fold toward each other, usually after hard braking, a skid, or a sudden steering correction. A rollover happens when a truck’s high center of gravity tips it onto its side, often on a curve, an exit ramp, or after an abrupt maneuver.
Speed for the conditions, how the cargo was loaded and secured, and the condition of the brakes and tires all affect whether a truck stays upright and in its lane. Those are the questions we answer with the truck’s electronic data, inspection records, and loading documents.
Common Causes
01
A heavy, top-heavy truck needs much lower speeds to stay upright in a turn.
02
Locking brakes or braking unevenly can swing the trailer out of line with the cab.
03
Poorly loaded or unsecured freight moves the center of gravity at the worst moment.
04
Light trailers have less traction and swing out more easily.
05
Worn or poorly adjusted brakes and bald tires reduce control.
06
Rain and ice demand slower speeds and gentler steering and braking.
Who Is Responsible
Liability in a truck accident case can extend well beyond the driver.
Next Steps
01
Call 911 and get checked even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like brain and spinal injuries, show symptoms hours or days later, and medical records connect your injuries to the crash.
02
If it is safe, photograph the vehicles, the scene, the truck’s DOT number, and your injuries. Collect names and phone numbers of witnesses.
03
The trucking company’s insurer may call quickly. Avoid recorded statements and do not sign anything until you have talked with a lawyer.
04
We move to preserve driver logs, electronic data, and dash-cam footage before it is lost, and we handle the insurers so you can focus on your health.
FAQ
Jackknifes usually happen when the tractor slows faster than the trailer, often from hard braking, speeding into a curve, worn brakes, or slick pavement. Many are preventable with safe speed and following distance.
It can. If cargo was overloaded, unbalanced, or not secured properly, the shipper or loading company may share responsibility along with the driver and carrier.
Every state sets its own deadline. In Georgia and Ohio, for example, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, deadlines can change depending on your situation, so talk to an attorney soon to protect your rights.
We follow a clear, step-by-step process so you always know where your case stands. Your first conversation is free, and there’s no obligation.
Free. Confidential. No obligation.
Black Trucking Lawyers serves truck accident victims nationwide through office locations across the United States.
Every state sets a deadline to file a personal injury claim, and evidence like black box and ELD data can disappear much sooner. Tell us what happened and we will explain your options.
Free. Confidential. No obligation.
