It is not uncommon to see tractor-trailers coming off I-15 and heading into the Sunrise Manor community. No matter where you encounter these large trucks, you put faith in drivers to minimize any risk to your health by focusing on the road. When that does not happen, you need a Sunrise Manor jackknife accident lawyer on your side.
H&P Law brings experience, confidence, and extensive compassion for our clients. Set up a free consultation now with our Sunrise Manor truck accident lawyer. Our team has recovered over $100 million for our clients.
Jackknife Accidents Are Avoidable
When a truck jackknifes, the trailer portion swings outward at an acute angle with the tractor portion of the truck, often forming a “V” shape.
This occurs for numerous reasons, often due to a loss of traction or the trailer gaining too much speed relative to the tractor. Truck drivers can prevent most instances of jackknifing by adjusting their driving to suit the conditions safely.
Common causes of jackknifing we see in Sunrise Manor include:
- Improper braking: If a truck driver slams on the brakes, the rear wheels can lock up. In some situations, the tractor slows, but the trailer cannot slow down fast enough, causing uneven speed, loss of traction, and the trailer skidding.
- Tight turns: Trucks need ample space to turn, but if a driver makes a turn that is too tight or takes it too fast, it can cause the wheels to come off the ground. This happens frequently on on-ramps and off-ramps to the highway, as well as on steep inclines.
- Driver error: Truck drivers must be able to respond appropriately to road conditions, including making quick yet safe adjustments when conditions become dangerous. If a driver is fatigued or distracted, their knee-jerk reaction is too sudden, causing the trailer to skid.
This type of loss of control in the vehicle is fully avoidable when the driver pays close attention to what is happening and adjusts their driving to match the conditions. When they do not, they could be liable for the accidents they cause. That is when we become your advocate.
Some Situations Make Tractor-Trailer Jackknifing More Common
Drivers operating in unsafe weather conditions, driving empty trailers too fast, or with unsecured cargo are more likely to cause jackknifing. What is most important to know is that most accidents occur when truck drivers, trucking companies, cargo-loading businesses, or others fail to take steps to minimize risk.
As your lawyer, we will address this by pinpointing all violations of federal trucking laws or other traffic violations that led to the accident.
What Happens to Other Cars When Trucks Jackknife
When a truck jackknifes, the driver loses control of the vehicle and may be unable to steer properly. This puts everyone else at risk. Some of the most common types of truck accidents that happen as a result include:
- Head–on collisions: These trucks can plow into oncoming traffic at high speed, leaving the driver unable to swerve out of the way.
- T–bone accidents: Trucks in this position can skid into traffic, causing another driver to strike them at the center of the truck’s midsection.
- Rollovers: Especially common in downhill incidents, trucks can roll onto their sides or even roll over multiple times, crushing anything in their path.
If you are in an accident with a jackknifed truck, prioritize getting to safety first and be sure to call 911 to get medical care. Our legal team at H&P Law can provide you with the hands-on support you need in these situations.
Our Sunrise Manor personal injury lawyer can help you contact insurance companies, file police reports, and hold those responsible accountable.
Critical Evidence in a Jackknife Accident
One way our team can help you is by gathering as much evidence as possible to build your case. It may be obvious that the truck was jackknifed, but gathering information can help us extend fault to any other party that may also be responsible, potentially increasing the reach of your claim.
Some of the evidence we will seek includes:
- Commercial vehicle black box data that may record the driver’s actions prior to the accident
- Maintenance and upkeep records that show any failures in keeping the vehicles in good condition, resulting in the accident
- Failure to abide by federal hours of service regulations, leading to a fatigued driver behind the wheel
- Evidence of distraction, including eating or drinking, phone use, or statements indicating the driver was not paying attention
- Cargo logs that document failure to properly secure materials on the truck that could shift during transport
In each of these situations, our team builds your case for fair compensation. Once we document who violated your rights, we can then build a comprehensive claim for you.
Determining What Your Case Is Worth
Our jackknife accident attorney in Sunrise Manor will build a claim that includes all of the losses you have, including physical, emotional, and financial implications. Some of the most common damages we seek include:
- All medical expense losses include future expected losses for catastrophic injuries or recurrent injuries
- Loss of income and earning capacity if you cannot go back to work
- Pain and suffering for everything you went through during this event
- Loss of quality of life if you cannot engage in activities you enjoyed
- Emotional trauma, including the onset of PTSD
- Property damage losses
We review every avenue possible. Our goal is always to build a maximized claim that incorporates all of the losses you have. We then fight to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Set Up a Free Consultation with Our Sunrise Manor Jackknife Accident Attorney Today
H&P Law brings years of experience and dedication to your case. We know how incredibly challenging these incidents can be, and we know how to hold those who did this accountable.
Our jackknife accident lawyer in Sunrise Manor is your advocate, starting today. Contact us now for a free consultation.
