Columbia Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer

Columbia Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney

When we get in the car to drive, most of us do so without a second thought. However, driving is inherently risky, especially when cars and large trucks share the same roadways. Unfortunately, jackknife accidents are not uncommon for semi trucks, and they can result in serious injuries to people in other cars. If you live in the Columbia area and need to file a claim, you need the help of an experienced Columbia jackknife truck accident lawyer.

About the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

If you have been injured, you may feel overwhelmed by the process of pursuing compensation. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we have been serving the people of South Carolina for thirty years. We pursue justice and satisfactory outcomes for our clients, working tirelessly for them through some of the most challenging moments in their lives. Our office is located in Sumter, convenient for our Columbia clients, and we are always a phone call away.

What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

A jackknife truck accident is when the trailer being pulled by a semi-truck swings to either side, forming a “jackknife” shape at the joint between the truck and the trailer. These situations are particularly dangerous because the swinging trailer can collide with vehicles across multiple other lanes, traveling in either direction.

Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents

Just like any other vehicle, wherever there are trucks, there are truck accidents. In 2022, the United States recorded more than 116,000 accidents involving semi-trucks. In South Carolina, 87 people lost their lives in semi-truck-involved crashes in 2023. As with passenger vehicle accidents, there are myriad factors that can contribute to a jackknife truck crash. The following are a few of the most common: 

• Distracted driving. The ever-increasing integration of technology into human life is causing an uptick in device-related distracted driving. Jackknife accidents often happen when a truck driver hits the brakes too hard, such as when they look up from a screen to find they are too close to another car.
• Mechanical failure. It takes a lot of friction to stop a large vehicle like a semi truck, and brake failure is a real possibility. If brakes fail, a jackknife situation is very possible, as the trailer may continue moving independently of the truck.
• Weather and environment. Some factors that influence road accidents are beyond human control, and weather is one of them. Ice and snow can create slick conditions that increase the risk of jackknife accidents. In Columbia, where snow and ice are not particularly common, this can be especially dangerous.

What to Do if You Are Involved in a Jackknife Truck Accident in Columbia

If you are involved in a jackknife truck accident, the first thing you should do is seek any emergency medical care you need. If you are able, you should also call the police and report the accident. Get the other driver’s insurance information if possible and collect contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident and may be able to provide a statement.

The next step is to file an insurance claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Usually, this involves calling the insurance company and providing basic information about yourself and what happened. South Carolina is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents, so the insurance company will not send a check for your claim until it receives the police report and confirms that the other driver was liable for the accident.

Why You Should Hire a Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer

If you are hit by a jackknifed semi, it is always a good idea to hire a jackknife truck accident lawyer. Insurance companies try their hardest to save money however they can. In an effort to protect their bottom lines, they sometimes deny claims they should accept, or otherwise underpay for damages their policies say they should cover. This is where a good lawyer comes in.

FAQs About Jackknife Truck Accident Law

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer in Columbia?

The cost of a jackknife truck accident lawyer in Columbia varies significantly from case to case and depends on the complexity of the case and individual lawyers’ fees and fee structures. However, most attorneys who work in this area of law take cases on a contingency basis. This means that, instead of taking a fee up front, they receive part of any compensation they secure for their client.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Jackknife Truck Accident in Columbia?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in South Carolina is set in Section 15-3-530 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. According to this statute, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. After that three-year time frame, you can no longer pursue compensation through the legal system.

What Damages Can I Collect for a Jackknife Truck Accident Injury?

A fair settlement package for a jackknife truck accident injury should take care of medical bills, including emergency care and any necessary ongoing care, such as physical therapy. Compensation should also offset any wages you lost if you needed to take time off work when you were injured. Finally, you can be compensated for pain and suffering, which includes both physical pain and psychological trauma.

How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated?

It may seem strange to quantify pain and suffering, but this is standard in personal injury compensation. Usually, pain and suffering are calculated using the per diem or multiplier method. In the per diem method, the calculation is based on the injured person’s typical earnings. In the multiplier method, the victim’s total financial loss is multiplied by a factor determined by the overall impact of the accident on the victim’s life.

Hire a Trusted Attorney – Contact the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

If you have been injured in a jackknife truck accident, you may feel like your life is in pieces. Aside from your physical pain, mounting medical bills and lost wages may cause you significant stress. However, you don’t have to go through this situation alone. Contact the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III today to learn how we can help you.