Attorneys for Jackknife Accident Victims in Little Rock
Experienced legal representation for those injured in Little Rock Jackknife crashes
Jackknife accidents are some of the most severe truck crashes on the road. These collisions can cause significant damage and severe injuries. If you suffered harm in a jackknife crash, working with the experienced Little Rock truck accident lawyers at Bailey & Greer, PLLC can help you hold those responsible for your injuries liable. Reach out to an attorney and start seeking compensation for your losses today.
Free Case Evaluation
Why should you work with Bailey & Greer, PLLC in your jackknife accident claim?
Bailey & Greer, PLLC is a client-focused personal injury law firm that fights to recover maximum compensation for victims of catastrophic accidents. Our attorneys have a proven record of success in cases involving large trucks and severe injuries. Some of our past case outcomes include:
- $5 million: We settled a case for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a collision involving a large truck.
- $4.1 million: Our attorneys reached a settlement for a client from Memphis who was paralyzed in a truck crash.
- $3.7 million: Our client suffered permanent spine and back injuries when an 18-wheeler rear-ended their vehicle. We took the case to trial and won a jury verdict.
You can learn more about our track record and ask your questions about our approach to truck accident litigation by scheduling a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
What is a jackknife accident?
A jackknife accident involves a semi-trailer or another large commercial vehicle that folds in on itself. When this happens, the vehicle's trailer moves to the side. As such, the truck looks similar to a jackknife.
Jackknife accidents are incredibly dangerous. When a truck driver loses control of their vehicle as it jackknifes, they put other motorists on the road in peril.
Jackknife accident examples
In January 2025, a semi-truck driver was involved in a jackknife accident on Interstate 430 in Little Rock. The driver lost control of their vehicle as they were driving in snowy conditions, and their truck's cab slammed into a guardrail. Thankfully, no accident injuries or fatalities were reported.
Previously, in February 2022, an 18-wheeler jackknifed on Interstate 530. According to Arkansas State Police, the truck — which the driver was operating in a winter storm — lost control of their vehicle. At this point, the truck slid on the roadway, and its front wheels went over a retaining wall.
Causes of jackknife accidents
As the above examples show, inclement weather and slick roads can contribute to jackknife accidents. Other reasons why jackknife crashes occur include:
Truck driver mistakes
A trucker must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive a large truck legally. However, a license does not guarantee that a trucker will do everything in their power to operate their vehicle safely.
If a trucker is driving while distracted or fatigued, they will be prone to poor focus and concentration, potentially leading to mistakes. Alternatively, if a truck driver chooses to speed or break other rules of the road, they put themselves and others in danger.
Ultimately, a single truck driver mistake can result in a jackknife accident. If a trucker commits an error that leads to a jackknife crash in which your car is damaged, or you get hurt, a truck accident lawyer in Little Rock can help you hold this individual accountable for their negligence.
Vehicle issues
A truck with faulty brakes, worn tires, or other issues has the potential to jackknife. Sometimes, a trucking company or trucker may choose to ignore vehicle repairs and maintenance. This can lead a truck driver to operate a vehicle that is unsafe.
It is reasonable to expect a trucker not to drive a vehicle with safety issues. If a trucker causes a jackknife crash and you find out that their truck was defective, this individual, their employer, or the truck manufacturer could be held responsible.
Cargo problems
Generally, a cargo loader commits substantial time and resources to make sure that a truck is filled correctly. The loader verifies that cargo is distributed evenly. It also confirms that cargo is loaded in alignment with Arkansas's size and weight laws for trucks.
Unfortunately, a cargo loader can make mistakes. If a loader overloads a truck or commits other errors, a vehicle becomes increasingly susceptible to jackknife accidents. Meanwhile, if such an accident occurs, the loader can be liable.
When it comes to jackknife accidents, err on the side of caution. Following this type of collision, request legal help. Your lawyer can walk you through the steps to take if you want to pursue compensation from any liable parties.
$1.7 Million Settlement in a Truck Accident Case
Our client was operating an 18-wheeler and was stopped in a construction zone on a rural, two-lane highway. Another 18-wheeler behind our client failed to slow down in the construction zone and slammed into the back of our client at over 50 miles per hour. The at-fault driver died in the crash. The defendant trucking company who employed the at-fault driver defended the case by saying it simply did not know how the crash occurred. Furthermore, the defendant trucking company said the crash was so bad that any technology, like the truck’s on-board camera, was completely destroyed in the crash. After conducting extensive discovery, we were able to determine that the defendant trucking company actually destroyed the on-board camera and destroyed the digital file that contained the video footage of the wreck. Soon after we made this discovery, the defendant trucking company settled for their insurance limits.
How to recover compensation in a jackknife accident case
Meet with Little Rock personal injury lawyers as soon as you can following your jackknife crash. Your attorney will ask you questions and learn about your collision. They can work to determine who is at fault for your crash.
One or more parties can be liable for a jackknife collision, including:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Cargo loader
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Government entity
You could get compensation through an auto insurance claim. However, even if a party is responsible for your jackknife crash, their insurer may dispute your claim or offer far less in compensation than what your injuries warrant. If you have an attorney on your side, you are more likely to be able to secure a reasonable settlement. Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and file a personal injury lawsuit if they refuse to make a strong settlement offer.
A lawsuit allows you to request economic and non-economic damages from any at-fault parties, including to cover losses such as your:
- Car repair costs
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
Filing a lawsuit gives you the opportunity to present your case to a judge or jury. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer can share evidence that could compel the court to rule in your favor. Proof that your attorney could use in your argument includes:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Surveillance camera footage
- Truck driver logbook
- Truck maintenance records
- Truck black box data
- Trucker's cell phone records
- Medical records
- Police report
Remember not to wait after your jackknife collision to speak to a lawyer. Based on Arkansas Code § 16-56-105, you have three years to file an insurance claim or injury lawsuit. After this time frame elapses, you cannot pursue a claim.
Do you have a Little Rock jackknife accident attorney near me?
Bailey & Greer, PLLC has an office in Little Rock, located at 415 N McKinley Suite #250-J, just steps away from the Little Rock Zoo. We represent truck accident victims and families throughout Arkansas. If your injuries make it difficult for you to visit our office, contact us to make other meeting arrangements or to schedule a virtual conference or telephone consultation.
Partner with a Little Rock truck crash lawyer
The legal team at Bailey & Greer, PLLC understands just how much a jackknife accident can disrupt your life. We work diligently to prepare an argument that makes it clear that you deserve compensation from anyone at fault for your collision. On top of that, we address your legal concerns and questions throughout your litigation.
We are available to discuss your jackknife crash case with you. To get started, contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Little Rock Office
415 N McKinley Suite #250-J, Little Rock, AR 72205
Call: 501-213-1512