Jackknife Accident Attorney In Hattiesburg
When a commercial truck jackknifes due to hard braking, speeding, or a chain reaction, innocent drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians can get seriously injured or killed. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, you need the experienced local Hattiesburg jackknife accident lawyer from WaideLaw.
Hattiesburg and the surrounding communities are part of a Mississippi logistics hub that relies on commercial trucking. Hattiesburg area businesses, like Jones Logistics, The Merchants Company, and local stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Publix, all rely on inventory supplied by commercial trucks. Trucks and cars mix in traffic every day, creating an environment where accidents can occur.
Defining a Jackknife Accident
Jackknife accidents involving large trucks are common. They occur when a secondary trailer is attached via a free-moving hitch. The hitch makes it easier for trucks to turn, navigate traffic circles, and deal with construction zones. Unless the hitched trailer has separate brakes, a jackknife incident can happen when a truck stops suddenly, but the trailer continues forward. When the hitched trailer swings to the side at a 90-degree angle, it is jackknifed.
Jackknifing can also be caused by stopping with faulty brakes, on wet or slippery road surfaces, and steep grades. Leaving enough distance between vehicles to ensure a safe stopping distance is good practice for all drivers. When a swinging trailer hits another vehicle or person, they often cause serious injuries or fatalities. Damages from a jackknife injury case frequently lead to personal injury or wrongful death claims.
Claim settlements can be significant, as they often include present and future medical costs and lost earning capacity. You need a dedicated Hattiesburg jackknife accident attorney on your side.
Why Hire a Jackknife Accident Lawyer From WaideLaw in Hattiesburg?
Jackknife accidents account for roughly 5% of all commercial truck accidents nationwide, according to the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). The problem with jackknifing is that it typically results in multi-vehicle accidents, road closures, severe injuries, and frequent fatalities.
2023 statistics show that Mississippi has a significantly higher-than-average fatality rate of 1.65 per 100M VMT. 2025 data reported by the FMSCA indicate that Mississippi continues to experience higher accident rates.
After suffering such an accident, hire a jackknife accident lawyer in Hattiesburg. WaideLaw founder Daniel Waide’s humble roots and local upbringing on a family farm have taught him the value of hard work, accountability, and integrity. He brings all those values to every jackknife accident case he manages. You can trust WaideLaw to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
Jackknife Accident Claims and Mississippi Law
All commercial truck accidents, including those involving a jackknifed truck, are impacted by Mississippi’s contributory negligence law. Contributory negligence simply means that you can only claim damages on the percentage of the accident that was not your fault. After an accident occurs, the police and insurers conduct an investigation that assigns a percentage of fault to each driver involved. If you are 30% at fault, then you can only claim damages for the 70% of the accident that was not your fault.
If you’re involved in an accident with a jackknifed truck, seek medical attention immediately. If possible, document the scene by taking pictures. When police arrive, ask them for a copy of the police accident report. As soon as possible, schedule a consultation with a Hattiesburg jackknife accident attorney, especially one familiar with Mississippi jackknife accident laws and commercial trucking.
Consider meeting with the experienced and ethical lawyer from WaideLaw. Our law firm can be your dedicated ally, fighting for your interests and rights to fair compensation. We are part of the Hattiesburg community, supporting local sports teams, local health initiatives, and projects to improve public safety. You are part of our community. Let us put our legal skills to work for your case.
FAQs
Is Mississippi a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
No, Mississippi is not a no-fault state for car accidents. In Mississippi, victims of a vehicle accident caused by another driver can file for full insurance compensation from the driver, the driver’s insurance, or the company’s insurance for commercial vehicles. Full compensation means that the driver at fault pays for:
- Medical bills
- Wages or earnings lost
- Pain and suffering
- The costs of future medical needs
What Is the Negligence Rule in Mississippi?
The negligence rule or law in Mississippi is called the contributory negligence rule. It allows for injured parties to file a personal injury claim, even if they share fault in causing the accident. The amount of compensation they can get is reduced based on their percentage of fault. For example, if you were found by the police and insurance investigation to be 50% at fault, you can claim only 50% of the cost.
Can You Recover From a Jackknife When Driving a Large Truck?
A driver can sometimes recover from a jackknife. When driving a large truck hitched to a trailer, they can prevent a jackknife when the trailer has not reached a 90-degree angle. Experienced drivers can release the brakes to regain traction or prevent a jackknife by steering into the skid. Once an attached trailer is out of alignment with the truck, the driver cannot steer or stop, often crashing into other vehicles, pedestrians, and barriers.
Is Jackknifing Always the Driver’s Fault in Mississippi?
No, jackknifing is not always the driver’s fault in Mississippi. Jackknifing occurs when a truck towing a trailer is forced to brake suddenly. Sudden hard braking may cause an improperly loaded trailer to swing or fall. Bald tires, bad brakes, or even drivers of other cars slamming on their brakes can contribute to a jackknife accident.
Choose WaideLaw
WaideLaw is a powerful advocate for Hattiesburg residents and people from the surrounding areas. We protect those who have suffered an injury or the death of a loved one. WaideLaw offers compassionate, results-driven representation. Let us relentlessly pursue justice with unwavering advocacy and dedicated support. Contact us today, and let our dedicated team get you the compensation you need and deserve.
