Due to their size and weight, trucks can get into several types of unique accidents. One of the most common is a jackknife accident, which occurs when a truck trailer folds in toward the cab. A jackknife accident can strike other vehicles and drag them down the road, causing serious injury to vehicle occupants.
If you have injuries from a recent jackknife accident, the Concord truck accident lawyers from DeMayo Law Offices are here to assist. Jackknife accidents are often the result of negligent driving, and we can hold negligent truck drivers accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Contact our offices today to learn more about how a jackknife truck accident lawyer in Concord can help. We’ve been helping clients like you since 1992.
What Causes Jackknife Accidents?
A jackknife truck accident is when the back of the tractor-trailer snaps forward, causing the truck to fold in on itself. It’s called a jackknife accident as it resembles the folding action of a jackknife or a butterfly knife.
Jackknife accidents happen when the wheels of the tractor-trailer lose traction with the road. As the tractor-trailer slides, the momentum causes it to snap 90 degrees at a right angle to the front cabin. The momentum of the heavier tractor-trailer can drag vehicles caught in the joint down the road and cause the truck to flip onto its side.
Several road factors can contribute to the risk of jackknife accidents:
- Road surfaces. Slippery or poorly maintained road surfaces can cause the semi-trailer to slip and lose traction.
- Speeding. Speeding can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, especially if they have to slam on the brakes to stop suddenly.
- Light trailers. Lighter trailers can cause jackknife accidents if the truck driver doesn’t account for the reduced traction from the lighter load.
- Unsecured cargo. Cargo that is not properly secured can shift during transport and cause the trailer to lose traction.
- Mechanical failures. Jackknife accidents can also be caused by mechanical failures in the truck’s brakes or tires.
For a free legal consultation with a jackknife accident lawyer serving Concord, call (877) 333-1000
Liability for Jackknife Truck Accidents
Several parties can bear liability for a jackknife truck accident, including those listed below. A Concord personal injury lawyer from our firm will exhaustively investigate your case to identify all liable parties and sources of financial compensation.
Truck Driver
Truck drivers can be held liable for jackknife accidents if they occurred due to unsafe or negligent operation, such as speeding and slamming on the brakes, causing the driver to lose control of the tractor-trailer.
Truck Company
Trucking companies can also bear liability if they engaged in unsafe business practices that contributed to the crash. For instance, a truck company that neglects to inspect its fleet or perform maintenance can be responsible for crashes.
Truck Manufacturer
Truck manufacturers can be held liable for accidents caused by defective auto parts. If manufacturing errors were responsible for the crash, you could file a product liability lawsuit against the auto manufacturer.
Concord Jackknife Accident Lawyer Near Me (877) 333-1000
Compensation We Can Pursue on Your Behalf
If you have severe injuries from a jackknife accident, a Concord jackknife truck accident lawyer in Concord can pursue compensation for the following types of losses:
- Emergency medical bills and continuing medical expenses
- Lost work income and reduced lifetime earning capacity
- Miscellaneous and one-time injury-related expenses
- Property repair and replacement costs
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Inconvenience from scarring or disfigurement
At DeMayo Law Offices, we have recovered over $1 billion for deserving clients and want to help you next. We are adept at securing compensation and will not rest until we have turned over every stone to find the money you need to heal and rebuild.
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What Should I Do if I’ve Been in a Jackknife Truck Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a jackknife accident, it’s important to act quickly to preserve your ability to file an insurance claim.
1. Document the Scene
First, document the scene by taking photos and videos. Make sure you take pictures of the truck and get the driver’s contact and employer information. You should also note any conditions that contributed to the accident, such as bad weather or poor lighting.
2. Get Medical Attention
Once you’ve documented the accident scene, you should visit a doctor to receive medical attention for your injuries. Get hard copies of all your relevant medical records, such as intake forms, doctors’ notes, diagnostic test results, lab reports, and discharge paperwork.
You’ll need to submit evidence when you make a claim, so the more the better.
3. Contact a Lawyer
You can then contact a lawyer to discuss your case. A lawyer can initiate the next step of the claims process and contact the trucking company to preserve evidence. Your lawyer can also gather additional evidence from eyewitness accounts or expert testimony.
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Contact Our Concord Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are known for their catastrophic consequences, and jackknife accidents are no exception.
The team at DeMayo Law Offices has over 250 years of combined legal experience and has served over 125,000 clients. When you need a Concord jackknife truck accident lawyer who won’t compromise, we should be your first choice.
Contact our offices online or call us today to schedule a free case consultation with a team member.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
