A jackknife accident is a serious and potentially fatal situation, which is why you need a Dallas jackknife truck accident lawyer.
When a truck “jackknifes,” the trailer and the cab fold into each other, making a “V” shape. The cab, where the driver sits, and the trailer, which carries the cargo, are connected by a hitch, allowing the trailer to turn when the cab does.
Another form of jackknifing is when the trailer doesn’t follow the same direction as the cab, creating an “L” shape.
6 CAUSES OF JACKKNIFE TRUCK ACCIDENTS
There are many causes of jackknife truck accidents.
1. HIGH SPEEDS & RAPID DECELERATION
Sometimes, due to scheduling, a driver may speed to get to their destination on time. Large vehicles take longer to come to a complete stop, so it is crucial for commercial trucks to have enough time and space to slow to a stop.
2. CURVES
For commercial trucks, curves pose an extra risk due to the size of the vehicle. If the driver isn’t properly trained, if the curves are steep, or if the driver takes a curve too quickly, accidents can occur. If the driver does not properly gauge or control the momentum of the vehicle, the trailer can swing, tip, or jackknife.
3. ROAD CONDITION
Slippery roads make any sort of driving more challenging. With trucks, it can be fatal. If a truck’s tires can’t grip the road, the weight of the truck can shift, making the driver lose control. The chance of jackknifing increases if the driver is speeding while road conditions are poor.
4. DRIVER ERROR
Jackknifing may occur simply due to a driver’s mistake. Driver errors occur for many reasons, including:
- Inexperience
- Drowsiness
- Substance use
- Poor decision making
- Distractions
5. MALFUNCTIONING EQUIPMENT
Sometimes, a jackknifing accident can occur due to a vehicle malfunction. Whether it’s brake failure or tire blowout, improperly maintained vehicles cause accidents.
Trailer brakes are separate from the brakes on the vehicle or cab. If the trailer brakes were to fail, the momentum of the trailer could cause it to either crash into the cab or swerve out of control. This leads to jackknifing or even rollovers.
6. TRAILER BALANCE
A commercial truck’s trailer needs to be packed precisely to keep it balanced on the road. If the trailer is loaded incorrectly, with too much weight on one side or at the very back of the trailer, it’s more likely to roll or jackknife.
An empty trailer can also be dangerous. This is because the weight of the cargo places the trailer more solidly onto the ground. When it loses that weight, it’s more likely to be pushed around by wind, sway, or jackknife.
JACKKNIFING ACCIDENT INJURIES
Due to the large size of a commercial truck, severe injuries can occur to both the driver and bystanders. Common jackknifing injuries include:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and head injuries
- Burns
- Internal organ injuries
- Broken bones
- Death
THE ROLE OF A DALLAS JACKKNIFE TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER
The role of a Dallas jackknife truck accident lawyer cannot be overstated when it comes to getting the compensation you deserve. So many factors come into play that it can become dizzying for victims.
Not only are you potentially dealing with medical and vehicle damage, but you also have to prove that the driver and the company they work for are liable for the accident. This can be extremely difficult on your own because the trucking company maintains its own team of lawyers.
A Dallas truck accident lawyer can help you with all this and pursue the settlement you deserve.
DETERMINING LIABILITY
Proving liability is probably the most difficult challenge when it comes to jackknife trucking accidents because the driver and the company they work for will work tirelessly to prove they aren’t liable. They may shift the blame to other entities like the company that packed the truck, the truck parts manufacturer, or any other third-party business they work with.
Making this case requires someone to sort through all the varied accounts and evidence to carefully ascertain legal responsibility.
To prove liability, you must prove the other party was negligent and that their negligence led to the crash. You also need to prove that you were injured or suffered a form of loss as a direct result of the crash and not another cause.
Doing this on your own may seem impossible, but with a Dallas truck wreck lawyer at your side, it’s more than possible. This is because a lawyer understands the law and knows what evidence to look for to prove liability.
Evidence that a Dallas jackknife truck accident lawyer uses to prove liability includes:
- Medical papers
- Police reports
- Insurance information
- The driver’s personnel records
- Trucking company records
- “Black box” information
- Witness statements
- Truck maintenance records
CALCULATING COMPENSATION
A commercial vehicle lawyer will assist you in deciding on what compensation to ask the other party for. Not only will they give you a range worthy of your damages, but they’ll also help prove why you deserve this amount.
Different factors you can be compensated for include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
Visit our free case calculator to get started on the process now.
COMMUNICATING WITH INSURANCE AND OTHER PARTIES
After being in such a destructive and traumatizing accident, there’s going to be a lot of communication required. You’ll need to talk with your insurer, along with the other party’s insurance provider. There may be communication between other parties involved in the litigation.
This can be overwhelming when you just want to rest and recover. It’s easy to get confused and potentially agree to things that work against your best interest.
When you have a Dallas truck wreck lawyer, you can leave all that communication to them and know they have your best interests in mind.
QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN A DALLAS JACKKNIFE TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER
Due to how essential a lawyer is for you after a jackknife truck accident, you need to confidently find one that suits your needs. When searching for a Dallas truck accident lawyer, you need to find a team that:
- Is familiar with laws regarding truck driving
- Has a proven record of won cases
- Has positive reviews
- Is available for questions anytime
- Is communicative about the entire process
- Is not afraid to interact with insurance companies
GET PROPER REPRESENTATION FOR A JACKKNIFE ACCIDENT CASE TODAY
If you or a loved one were part of a jackknife accident recently, you deserve to be properly compensated for your pain and suffering. Our Dallas jackknife truck accident lawyers are ready to assist you with all your legal needs.
Contact us today for your free consultation.
