What is a jackknife accident? A jackknife accident refers to a traffic collision in which the trailer of an 18-wheeler, a semi-truck, or another type of large truck swings outward and folds toward the cab at an angle that resembles a pocketknife.
Talk with a Las Vegas jackknife accident lawyer if you’re involved in this type of collision, and they can detail your legal options.
A Jackknife Accident Can Happen When a Large Truck Loses Traction or Brakes Suddenly
Initially, what happens in a jackknife accident is that a large truck may lose traction or brake suddenly, which can cause the tires to lock up during heavy braking. At this point, the truck’s front cab slows down. Meanwhile, the vehicle’s heavy trailer may continue to move forward due to momentum.
When these things happen, the truck’s trailer may start to push the cab to one side. This can lead to a complete loss of steering control or cause the vehicle to roll over. This can result in a jackknife accident, along with serious harm to the truck driver and nearby motorists and pedestrians.
The team at H&P Law has over 60 years of combined experience. We offer legal guidance and support to those who have suffered losses in jackknife accidents caused by negligent parties. Trust our Las Vegas truck accident lawyer to help you with your case. We may help you recover damages through a jackknife accident claim or lawsuit. Contact us today for more information.
What Causes a Jackknife Accident Varies Based on the Circumstances of the Incident
In terms of what can cause a jackknife accident, the incident may be the result of a slick road, improper braking, speeding, or other factors. Following a jackknife accident, it may be beneficial to speak with a personal injury attorney. This is an opportunity to have a lawyer examine your case and, if warranted, represent you in a claim or lawsuit against any liable parties.
Your lawyer can give you insights into the average truck accident settlement in Las Vegas and other legal topics. On top of that, they can negotiate a settlement with an at-fault party’s insurance company for you. Ideally, you receive an insurance settlement that covers your jackknife accident losses. However, if this doesn’t happen, they may encourage you to sue.
According to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 11.190, if you want to sue a truck driver or anyone else who may be at fault for your jackknife accident, you generally have up to two years from the date of the incident to do so. Your personal injury lawyer can help you file your lawsuit and prepare your case as if it will go in front of a judge or jury.
A Jackknife Accident Can Create Significant Hazards for Motorists and Pedestrians
Those who are thinking about what a jackknife truck accident is and its potential impact should account for how this incident can affect motorists and pedestrians. Ultimately, a jackknife accident can disrupt motorists and pedestrians, and it can lead to substantial property damage, injuries, and fatalities.
In a jackknife accident, a truck’s trailer could swing across multiple lanes of traffic. When this occurs, the truck and trailer could slam into cars, resulting in a multi-vehicle pileup. Outside of this, the motorists and pedestrians involved in the incident could suffer severe harm.
Err on the side of caution after a jackknife accident. Receive medical care and continue to treat your accident injuries for as long as your doctor recommends. You may also want to work with a lawyer who can help you file a truck accident claim. With an attorney on your side, you may be well-equipped to get damages that you can use as you recover from your accident and injuries.
A Jackknife Accident May Be Preventable
Now that you know what jackknife accidents are and how they can affect those involved, it may be a good idea to consider what can be done to prevent these incidents. Truck drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, and many other parties may take measures to minimize the risk of jackknife accidents, such as:
- Avoiding hard braking
- Not braking in curves
- Steering smoothly
- Ensuring cargo is distributed evenly
- Providing truckers with proper training
- Complying with hours of service (HOS) rules and other Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
- Performing regular truck maintenance and safety inspections
Unfortunately, there are times when truckers or other parties commit careless or reckless acts that contribute to jackknife accidents. At these times, those harmed may be eligible to pursue compensation from any responsible parties through claims and lawsuits.
A Jackknife Accident Can Be a Reason for Filing a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit
In the aftermath of a jackknife accident that may have been caused by someone else, you could seek compensation through an insurance claim. Yet, even if you file a claim, a liable party’s insurance company could dispute liability or offer a lowball settlement. If either of these things occurs, you may want to proceed with a lawsuit.
Have an attorney help you file a truck accident lawsuit in Nevada. Before your case reaches trial, your lawyer may negotiate a settlement with an at-fault party. If you don’t get a settlement offer that you feel is sufficient, your lawyer can argue your case to a judge or jury.
Sadly, some jackknife accidents are fatal. If you’ve lost a family member in a fatal jackknife accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. This may allow you to secure damages for your loved one’s burial and funeral expenses and other losses. A wrongful death lawyer may help you with your case. They can detail how to prove a wrongful death in Nevada.
The Bottom Line on What’s a Jackknife Accident
As far as what’s a jackknife truck accident, there’s a lot to consider. H&P Law is a courtroom-proven and client-praised personal injury law firm. Our attorneys handle jackknife accident cases. If you are interested in filing a jackknife accident claim or lawsuit, we may be able to assist. To get started, request a free case consultation.
