Tractor-trailers are incredibly heavy, fast-moving trucks that require several systems to operate properly and stay on the road safely. When the trailer gains speed on the cab, it can swing out at a sharp angle, forming a “V” or “L” shape. This type of accident causes serious injuries and losses when others are in the way.
At H&P Law, our Henderson jackknife accident lawyer can help you find out who is at fault for your injuries. With over 60 years of combined experience, our Henderson truck accident lawyers know how to hold insurance companies accountable.
Common Reasons Drivers Lose Control and a Jackknife Happens
Jackknifing can result in a tractor-trailer rolling over, a driver completely losing control of the vehicle, and high-speed head-on collisions. Experienced, careful, and focused drivers prevent the most common causes of these accidents. The most common reasons tractor-trailers jackknife include:
- Sudden braking: Distraction is typically behind this. A car stops hard in front of the truck, or a driver fails to notice a need to change lanes. Hard braking and stopping can cause the trailer’s wheels to lock up. Even experienced drivers fail to control conditions in these situations.
- Road conditions: When there is ice or wet conditions, and drivers fail to slow down, the risk of jackknifing increases.
- Cargo loading failures: Improper cargo balance can cause one set of wheels to elevate, causing the trailer to swing out of balance.
- Excessive speed: Truck drivers who speed are at increased risk, especially when approaching curves. This causes the driver to brake harder, leading to the same loss of control.
- Hills and empty trailers: It is more likely that a truck will jackknife on a hill it is traveling down or when the trailer is empty, but it is essential to know that these factors alone are typically not enough. Reckless driving often goes hand in hand with the process.
- Driver error: Most often, drivers with limited experience are to blame for jackknifing due to oversteering, making turns too quickly, or failing to adjust to road conditions promptly.
- Fatigue: Driver fatigue contributes to these accidents because it impairs a driver’s ability to maintain full focus on the roadway.
To find out what happened in your case, expect our attorneys to look at all details present, including witness statements, accident video from traffic cameras, and commercial truck logs. Our Henderson personal injury lawyer at H&P Law will dive into all aspects of this incident to assign fault to all parties involved. This aggressive approach protects the value of your case.
Who May Be at Fault for Your Jackknife Accident
One of the reasons your Henderson jackknife accident lawyer will be aggressive in building your case evidence is to seek compensation against all parties that contributed to the incident. This increases the amount of financial protection available to you, which can be essential when serious injuries occur. Consider some examples of who may be at fault in a jackknife accident:
- The truck driver: Reckless driving, fatigue, and impairment are common causes of these accidents that truck drivers can avoid.
- The trucking company: Hiring an inexperienced or uncertified driver can increase the risk of these incidents, and failing to comply with federal regulations can also contribute.
- The cargo-loading company: These companies are responsible for loading trucks to ensure weight distribution and stability during high-speed road trips.
- The mechanical team: Failed maintenance or improper repairs can also contribute, especially if a truck loses brakes or tires.
Gathering as much information as possible about these accidents allows our jackknife accident attorney in Henderson to fully understand why they occurred and against whom we can file a claim. You can expect us to examine all angles of this accident to gather that information on your behalf.
What to Do After a Jackknife Accident
If you are a victim struck by a jackknife truck, take action right away to protect yourself by getting out of further injury and calling 911. We recommend staying at the scene and offering help to others if it is safe for you to do so.
We also recommend gathering all the evidence you can, including photos and videos of the area, witness statements, and medical reports. Then contact our legal team and browse our case results to learn about our track record of success.
Potential Damages in a Henderson Jackknife Accident
Every accident has the risk of causing serious injuries and the loss of life, but these truck accidents tend to be particularly dangerous. They occur rapidly, and multiple people could be struck. The law allows you to recover all damages you can demonstrate apply to your situation. Examples of these losses include:
- Medical costs: Hospitalizations, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care needs
- Lost income: Loss of wages for missed work, loss of earning capacity, and any other implications to your career
- Property damage: Recovery of losses to repair or replace your vehicle
- Pain and suffering: This includes your suffering at the time of the accident and throughout your journey forward to healing
- Emotional trauma: Mental health complications, including those from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety
- Loss of quality of life: Changes in the things you can do and cannot engage in, permanent disability, and catastrophic injuries
Under the Nevada statute of limitations (NRS Chapter 11), victims of most personal injuries, such as these, have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in court for damages. Our legal team will fight for an out-of-court settlement that maximizes your claim value without putting your future on the line. Do not wait to secure legal guidance to protect these rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Henderson Jackknife Accident Attorney Now
Put your trust in H&P Law. Our decades of experience recovering millions of dollars in losses for our clients matter to your case. Set up a free consultation.
Learn how our jackknife accident lawyer in Henderson can protect you in these difficult situations. There is no fee unless we win your case.
