Watching the trailer of a truck jackknife or swing out toward you can be terrifying and cause serious injuries and losses if you’re in close proximity. A Summerlin jackknife accident lawyer can help you if the accident was caused by negligent actions on the part of the truck driver or other parties in the truck industry. Legal representation can help you take the necessary legal steps to offset your losses.
H&P Law helps you navigate the aftermath of a jackknife accident so you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our team has over 60 years of combined experience fighting for clients and helping them through some of the most difficult times of their lives. A Summerlin truck accident lawyer provides you with exceptional service, compassionate support, and aggressive representation to secure you results.
How Jackknife Accidents Occur
Jackknife accidents occur when the cab and the trailer of a semi-truck move independently of each other. When this happens, the truck and trailer fold in on themselves and create a “V” shape. It also means that drivers generally lose control of the truck, which may make it more likely to tip over, especially if its center of gravity shifts too much.
When a jackknife accident occurs, one of two things is likely to have occurred. Something happened that caused either the truck’s wheels or the trailer’s wheels to lock up. When there is enough momentum, the two parts of an 18-wheeler become out of sync, and either the truck or the trailer pulls the other part with it.
A jackknife accident can be extremely dangerous for both truck drivers and other motorists. A truck’s trailer may swing out wide as it starts to jackknife, which can quickly span multiple lanes of traffic and sweep other vehicles along with it if they’re in the way. The force of this impact can cause extensive damage and devastating losses.
Consult a Jackknife Accident Attorney in Summerlin to Navigate Liability Matters in Your Case
It can be difficult to determine who holds liability in a truck accident because there are multiple parties who could have contributed to the accident. Truck drivers are a common liable party because they have the most direct control over their trucks and can respond to potential hazards while driving. However, there are less obvious parties who you may also be able to hold liable.
Trucking companies could be held liable for inadequate training, setting demanding schedules, and failing to enforce trucking regulations. Cargo loaders could be at fault for failing to properly load, secure, and balance cargo, and mechanics can be at fault for poor maintenance and inspections. Furthermore, manufacturers can be responsible if their trucks or truck parts are defective.
The Summerlin personal injury lawyers at H&P Law help you determine who’s at fault for your accident and establish their negligence in the accident. We gather evidence from black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and more to back up your claim. Our team builds a case that shows that the liable party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty of care through their actions, caused the accident, and is liable for the losses you suffered.
Common Causes and Injuries Involved in Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents can result from a variety of factors. These events can be caused by speeding, braking suddenly, failing to account for poor road conditions or curves, imbalanced cargo, or mechanical issues. Creless or reckless actions, such as driving while fatigued, intoxicated, or distracted, can also contribute to these wrecks.
When the trailer of a truck swings out, it can cause extensive damage to vehicles in its path and result in severe injuries. Injuries may include brain or spine injuries, internal bleeding, broken bones, and so much more. Catastrophic injuries are also common in these accidents, which can permanently affect your life.
According to the most recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data on large trucks in crashes by jackknife occurrence and crash severity, this type of accident contributed to 1,000 injury crashes and 169 fatal crashes during the most recent year reported on. Any party involved in a jackknife accident should receive prompt medical care to get treatment for their injuries.
Ease the Burden of Your Recovery With Compensation
Losses sustained in a jackknife accident can be extensive, given the size, weight, and force of impact involved in this type of accident. When you’re looking at mounting expenses and an altered lifestyle, recovering damages can make the overall recovery process easier after an accident. Some jackknife accident losses that may be covered by compensation may include the following:
- Emergency, ongoing, and rehabilitative medical care
- Medical equipment and accommodations for the home and/or vehicle
- Property damage repair or replacement costs
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Funeral and burial expenses for fatal accidents
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms
- Decreased enjoyment or overall quality of life
- Loss of companionship, consortium, services, support, or inheritance
The scope of your losses often dictates the value of your potential settlement. The more severe your injuries, the more compensation you may be entitled to in your case. Other factors can also affect how much your case is worth, so it’s important to talk with a Summerlin jackknife accident attorney. We can assess your losses and help ensure they are calculated accurately so we can negotiate a fair sum for you.
Receive Experienced Support from H&P Law After a Jackknife Accident
When you have suffered losses because of a jackknife accident, H&P Law helps you move forward and pursue justice for your losses.
A jackknife accident lawyer in Summerlin fiercely fights for you to make sure that at-fault parties are held accountable for their negligence and your losses. Schedule a free consultation today and let us help you secure favorable results and a better future.
