When a truck driver loses control of their tractor-trailer, 80,000 pounds of cargo and the truck are suddenly moving at high speed towards other drivers and pedestrians. Jackknife accidents are some of the most dangerous because once they begin to occur, truck drivers struggle to control them.
Victims of these incidents need a skilled Pahrump jackknife accident lawyer available to navigate the complexities in getting justice. At H&P Law, our Pahrump truck accident lawyers bring over six decades of combined experience to this fight.
What a Jackknife Accident Is and Why It Happens
Jackknife accidents get their name from the “V” or “L” shape that the tractor and trailer create once the vehicle stops moving, much like that of a pocketknife. This type of accident occurs when the back end of the truck moves rapidly forward, overcoming the movement of the tractor or the front end of the truck. Once it happens, it is hard for the truck driver to regain control, and that creates a dangerous situation:
- The trailer is likely to slide across several lanes of traffic, striking any vehicle in its path.
- The trailer can block oncoming traffic and create a head-on collision, especially at high speeds.
- Multi-vehicle crashes are very common, with one vehicle failing to stop in time to avoid striking another.
- The momentum can push the truck further, often onto the side of the road or across the center lane, striking anyone in the process.
- Rollovers are also common due to the force of the incident.
These accidents happen for numerous reasons, including speeding by truck drivers, inexperience, especially when handling hills, poor cargo loading, and brake or tire failures. Drivers may cause the truck to jackknife if they step on the brakes too hard, apply them suddenly, or operate at a speed that is too fast for the road conditions. Every situation is vastly different because conditions can be so unpredictable.
What Makes Jackknife Truck Accidents So Complex
Victims of these accidents have the legal right to pursue a claim for all losses they have, including economic and non-economic damages. Yet, insurance companies for trucking companies and drivers tend to be aggressive in finding ways to reduce the compensation paid out. There are several reasons why we suggest hiring a jackknife accident attorney in Pahrump to fight for your rights in these cases.
- Proving fault is complex. Numerous parties could be at fault, including the truck driver, their employer, the truck owner, the cargo loading company, and others. It is up to you to use evidence to determine all parties at fault.
- Multiple vehicles could be involved. The more vehicles involved, the more complex the case gets. If another driver strikes you, you may have to seek compensation against that driver’s insurance, even if the accident was due to the jackknifed truck.
- Evidence is not always easily accessible. Commercial data boxes and logs can provide insight into what went wrong, as can drivers’ medical records and cargo-loading failures. This is valuable evidence, but the truck company may not share it with you openly.
With the guidance of a Pahrump jackknife accident attorney, our legal team will pursue fair compensation for you, proving fault and losses with evidence. You do not have to wait for the insurance company to take action to ensure you are treated fairly.
Once you hire our Pahrump personal injury lawyer at H&P Law, we will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
Jackknife Accidents Cause Serious Injuries
Victims of jackknife accidents often suffer incredible injuries and losses because of the fast-moving vehicles striking them. The amount of momentum and force involved often leads to a serious risk of loss of life or catastrophic injuries. In our experience, some of the most noted injuries in these accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries due to blows to the head or rapid back-and-forth movement
- Whiplash or other shoulder and neck injuries
- Broken bones and complex fractures requiring surgical care
- Burns from chemical exposure and explosion complications
- Spinal column damage resulting in broken or damaged vertebrae or spinal cord injuries
- Amputations of digits or limbs
- Internal organ damage
If you have serious injuries like these, brought on by the recklessness of a truck driver, our lawyer can be a critical asset to you. Expect us to investigate, build your claim, and document all losses to the fullest extent possible. You are not alone in this process.
Filing a Claim in a Jackknife Accident Case
Victims of jackknife accidents often face serious risks of long-term implications, including pain, medical limitations, and mental health complications. After getting medical care, contact our legal team to pursue legal action. Let us handle matters with the insurance company to protect your right to fair compensation. You may receive compensation for:
- Medical costs, including current and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering for all of the complications you faced and will continue to experience
- Loss of income from missing bonuses, earnings, and benefits at your job
- Diminished earning capacity if you cannot go back to the same type of work or work as much
- Mental health complications, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression
- Disfigurement for scars, burns, and amputations
- Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle
It is imperative that you contact our legal team as soon as possible in these cases. Under the Nevada statute of limitations (NRS Chapter 11), you have just two years from the date the injury occurred to file a claim against those who caused your injuries, or you may lose your right to any compensation. That can be financially devastating. Instead, allow us to build a case, fight for a settlement, or take those who hurt you to court.
Contact Our Pahrump Jackknife Accident Attorney Now
H&P Law believes in fighting for our clients, providing you with extensive legal representation and compassion when you need it the most. Insurance companies are not on your side, but with our help, you can expect far different results. Set up a free consultation with us now.
Find your jackknife accident lawyer in Pahrump with us, start the legal process, and let us fight for your full recovery of damages.
