Truck Jackknife Accident Lawyers

Jackknife truck accidents are among the most common types of serious truck accidents. Every year, there are about 2,000 such crashes nationwide. A little less than 200 of them are fatal. Injured truck accident victims and the families of fatal jackknife truck accident victims are typically entitled to pursue compensation for their crash-related medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other damages. Collecting compensation typically starts with filing an injury insurance claim. The claim process can be complex. A successful application must be supported by evidence like crash scene photos, medical records, accident reports, witness statements, expert testimony, video, and trucking records, among other things. An experienced jackknife truck accident attorney understands the special circumstances in truck accidents. They know how to investigate complicated cases involving trucking companies located out of state or out of the country. While victims focus on healing, they negotiate aggressively for results.

What is the average jackknife truck accident settlement?

For jackknife truck accidents, it's difficult to determine an average settlement amount as each case has its unique circumstances. In general, there are several factors that influence the settlement amount. These include the extent of injuries, medical care required, duration of recovery, and the impact on the victim's quality of life.

Due to the severity of jackknife truck accidents, a settlement in this type of case could range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some jackknife accidents result in million-dollar recoveries. An experienced attorney familiar with jackknife accidents can build a strong case and demand a compensation package that prioritizes their client's medical care and overall well-being.

In general, yes, injured victims have the option to pursue a lawsuit to collect economic damages, but this may not always be necessary. In fact, many jackknife truck accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations without the need for court intervention. However, there are scenarios where a victim of a jackknife truck accident should consider filing a lawsuit. One such situation is when negotiations with the insurance company stall, and they fail to offer a substantial settlement or deny the claim. Another is when the extent of damages surpasses the available insurance policy limits. If it was a fatal jackknife truck accident, a wrongful death lawsuit may be called for. In such cases, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to obtain just compensation.

Who is at fault in a jackknife truck accident?

Jackknife truck accidents can occur for many reasons and vehicle failure, or cargo problems are among the most common. That’s why there are many potential liable parties in a jackknife accident. Jackknife accident victims may be eligible to take action against multiple at-fault parties. Examples of people and entities that may be at-fault in a jackknife truck wreck include:

• Trucking company.
• Truck owner.
• Trucker.
• Defective truck parts manufacturer.
• Maintenance crew or supervisor.
• Cargo owner.
• Cargo handlers.
• Defective tire manufacturer (tire blowout).
• Government inspectors.
• Truck repair and maintenance shops.

Determining fault in a jackknife truck accident can be complicated, and it's essential to consult an experienced jackknife truck accident attorney who can investigate the accident's circumstances and identify the responsible parties. Truck accident lawyers with winning track records know how to find and collect evidence that is unique to truck accidents. This includes things like data from the truck's black box, inspection and maintenance records of the truck, and the driver's logbook.

Some jackknife truck accidents are considered “non-collision” accidents because the first harmful event did not involve hitting an object. An example of this is when a trucker brakes hard to avoid a sudden hazard in the road. They may lose control of the vehicle and slide into a jackknife without hitting something first. Even in non-collision crashes, a jackknifed truck can do a lot of damage as it skids or rolls down the road into other people, buildings, and vehicles. Common factors in jackknife truck accidents include:

• Brake or other vehicle equipment failure.
• Driver error like overcorrecting, speeding, or taking a curve too fast.
• Improper loading. If the cargo is not correctly loaded, distributed, or secured, it can cause the truck to lose balance and jackknife.
• Poor vehicle maintenance.
• Tire blowouts.
• Road conditions. Slippery or icy roads, debris on the road, or other hazardous conditions can cause the driver to lose control of the truck, leading to a jackknife truck accident.
• Improper training or supervision.

Common jackknife truck accident injuries

Jackknife truck accidents are highly dangerous and can result in life-altering injuries for victims, which is why those injured in jackknife truck accidents deserve to receive maximum compensation for their losses. Common and serious jackknife truck accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) like brain hemorrhages, twisted or severed nerves, contusions, and concussion.
• Fractured bones. Bones at the highest risk of being broken in a jackknife truck accident include those in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
• Internal injuries like organ damage, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs.
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) that lead to reduced control of body function, motion, or paralysis.

A jackknife truck accident lawyer can assist injured victims by navigating the complexities of truck accident cases and negotiating aggressively for maximum results.

If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a jackknife truck accident, it's crucial to seek the help of an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. The legal process can be overwhelming, but a knowledgeable jackknife truck accident attorney can guide you through every step. Truck accident lawyers typically represent injured victims for a contingency fee, which is a percentage of the final recovery. That means if they don’t win, you don’t pay. Contact a jackknife truck accident lawyer today to schedule a free case consultation and learn more about your legal options for financial compensation.