Tennessee’s busiest trucking corridors—I-65, I-40, I-24, and I-840—keep our economy moving, but they also see some of the most devastating crashes. One of the worst is a jackknife accident, when a tractor-trailer folds into a sharp angle and sweeps across lanes, leaving nearby drivers little room to escape.
If you or a loved one was hurt in this type of crash, you need an experienced Nashville Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer on your side. At GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers, we represent victims from our offices in Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Clarksville, with a new Nashville office opening soon. For immediate help, call 615-823-8233 or contact us.
Why Nashville jackknife truck accidents are so dangerous
A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When a trailer whips out of alignment, it can block multiple lanes and trigger chain-reaction collisions. Jackknifes often start with sudden braking, speeding, fatigue, distraction, improper loading, or slick roads. To learn more about risks, see our article on the common causes of Tennessee truck accidents.
Weather is another frequent factor. High winds, rain, and ice reduce traction and control—conditions that can push a trailer into a jackknife. Learn more about how bad weather increases truck accident risks.
What to do after a jackknife crash
Every decision you make after a wreck can affect your claim. Start with medical care and then protect your rights by avoiding common pitfalls, such as giving recorded statements or signing quick settlements. Our FAQ explains what you can do to help your truck accident case succeed and why sending a spoliation letter is important.
Tennessee law also gives you only one year to file most personal injury claims. Learn more in How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Tennessee?.
How GriffithLaw builds strong truck accident cases
Trucking companies and their insurers act fast to protect themselves. Our attorneys move quickly to protect you. We:
- Secure black-box data, driver logs, and maintenance records
- Identify every liable party—driver, carrier, shipper, loader, or maintenance company (see why liability may fall on multiple parties)
- Calculate the full value of damages: medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care
- Take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse to pay fairly—see our verdicts and settlements
Wondering if you can sue the trucking company directly? Find out here: Can I sue the trucking company after a crash?.
Jackknife accidents on Tennessee highways
We’ve handled cases on some of the most dangerous stretches of roadway in Middle Tennessee, including:
- I-65 near Franklin and Brentwood
- I-24 through Murfreesboro
- I-40 through downtown Nashville
- Highway 41 near Clarksville
Wherever your crash happened, our local attorneys are ready to help: Franklin Truck Accident Lawyer, Murfreesboro Truck Accident Lawyer, Clarksville Truck Accident Lawyer.
Related resources
- Truck Accidents – Articles Library
- Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
- Commercial Truck Driver Mistakes That Endanger Motorists
- Common Types and Causes of Truck Underride Accidents
- Truck Accidents – FAQs
- FMCSA Trucking Safety Regulations (external authority link)
FAQ – Nashville Jackknife Truck Accidents
What is a jackknife truck accident?
It happens when a tractor-trailer folds into an L-shape, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
Who is liable for a jackknife crash in Tennessee?
Liability can extend beyond the driver to the trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a jackknife accident?
In most Tennessee injury cases, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Talk to a Nashville Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer Today
You don’t have to face the trucking company and its insurers alone. GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers is ready to stand up for you and your family. Call 615-823-8233 or contact us online for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients across Franklin, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, and Nashville.