Jackknife incidents involving commercial trucks can cause major traffic disruptions. When the trailer of a semi-truck comes out of alignment with the cab or tractor, the driver can lose control. They could end up blocking multiple lanes of traffic or causing major collisions.
Those affected by jackknife incidents often have only a few seconds to react when a truck driver loses control. They may face devastating injuries and massive property damage losses. Who is typically at fault for a crash and is, therefore, liable for the expenses generated by a jackknife incident?
The driver
Jackknife incidents often occur because drivers fail to pay attention to their vehicles or maneuver too aggressively. In scenarios where the driver is an owner-operator who owns their own truck and sets their own schedule, they may be directly liable for the expenses generated by the crash.
The trucking company
Jackknife incidents can be a result of inadequate employee training or improper vetting during the hiring process. They can also be the result of insufficient vehicle maintenance. Even if the employee is technically at fault, vicarious liability may make an employer liable for a crash caused by a driver on the clock.
Client organizations
The businesses hiring transportation companies may load their own trailers. Maintenance issues with the trailer and improper loading could cause a collision. If a client sends a driver out with an imbalanced load or without advising them of liquid contents in the trailer, that could lead to a preventable wreck.
Pursuing compensation after a semi-truck collision can be a complicated process. Motorists may need help evaluating liability and requesting compensation from the appropriate party, and that’s okay.
