Jackknifed big rig causes multiple-vehicle crash on I-94
Detroit, MI – Several people were injured after a big rig jackknifed and caused a multiple-vehicle crash near Chelsea in Washtenaw County. According to local police, the trucker lost control of the vehicle due to snowy road conditions. This led to several secondary crashes involving another two semi-trucks and three passenger vehicles. Traffic on I-94 was closed for several hours with the police advising motorists to look for alternate routes.
Recovering damages after a multiple-vehicle crash is a nightmare as the liability of each driver needs to be assessed. The trucker that lost control of the big rig will bear most of the fault, but the insurance company will want to know if other drivers involved were somewhat negligent. Under Michigan’s comparative negligence laws, a driver’s damages will be reduced by a percentage corresponding to their share of the blame. To avoid an unpleasant situation, if you were involved in a multiple-vehicle crash make sure to contact a trustworthy Detroit car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
What are jackknife truck accidents?
The term jackknife is used to describe crashes involving any sort of truck that has two separate parts, a cab and a trailer. When, for some reason, the truck folds on itself forming a V-shape at 90 degrees it will resemble a pocket knife.
What are the most common causes of jackknife accidents?
Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous. Due to its size, the truck may block several lanes and other road users won’t have enough time to avoid a collision. The most common causes of jackknife accidents include:
- Inexperienced truckers
- Speeding
- Improper braking
- Mechanical failure
- Poor road conditions
- Taking a turn too quickly
- Fatigued driving
- Load shifting
You should get hold of the police report as soon as possible and have your Detroit truck accident lawyers examine it. Keep in mind that in a truck accident, you may have more than one part that is liable for damages. Your lawyers will have to investigate the accident thoroughly to determine whether it was all the trucker’s fault or whether other parties may also be to blame.
When can you sue the trucking company?
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. Your damages may be considerable, but a trucker’s insurance may not cover your financial losses. Trucking companies, on the other hand, must carry liability coverage between $750,000 and $5 million, depending on the type of cargo they transport. A seasoned truck accident lawyer will look if there’s anything the company can be blamed for.
For instance, if there was a mechanical failure that led to the trucker losing control of the vehicle, they may be able to build a case against their employer.
Your lawyers will also want to know what kind of training the trucker had. If the company did not provide adequate training and left a young driver at the wheel of an 80,000 lbs big rig they may be held accountable for the ensuing accident.
At the same time, if there was a problem with the way the cargo was balanced and secured, your lawyers may hold the owner of the cargo or the shipping company accountable.
Have you been injured in a truck accident?
If you or a loved one were recently injured in a truck accident, the experienced attorneys at the Neumann Law Group can help. Our truck accident lawyers are skilled and experienced at determining liability for this type of crash. Through our dedicated representation, we have secured significant compensation for our injured clients and their families. To learn more and schedule a free initial consultation, call our office at 800-525-6386.