How do Jackknife Accidents Happen?
A large commercial truck consists of a cab and a trailer. In front of the cab is where the engine is located, and the driver operates the truck. The trailer attaches to the back of the cab. When an accident occurs, the cab and the trailer sometimes go in different directions. The cab goes one way while the trailer turns in another direction.
Once the trailer swing starts, a wreck is usually inevitable. This type of truck accident is a major cause of fatal accidents and truck driver injuries.
What is Jackknifing?
Jackknifing is the trailer traveling at a different speed and direction from the truck and can occur due to sudden stopping, improper lane changes, inadequate load securement, and other factors.
When a trailer moves, the crash scenario begins.
Once the Jackknife Starts, It Turns Deadly
When the truck jackknifes, it may lead to a multiple-vehicle collision because cars behind the truck cannot stop and quickly get blocked by the considerable tractor-trailer. Sometimes, the force of the accident causes the truck to tip or roll onto its side. In almost every case, a jackknife of a big rig involves driver error or negligence.
Speed Difference
Jackknife accidents happen when the speed difference between the tractor and the trailer. Usually, this is in a braking application, and often, when traffic ahead slows down or stops, the driver has not allowed a safe distance between the traffic ahead.
A crash can also occur with a steering application that slows down the cab but not the trailer. Once a sufficient angle is created, it can quickly reach the point of no return. At that point, it does not matter what the truck driver does; he is along for the ride.
Road Conditions
The condition of the roads can be a factor in a tractor-trailer jackknife accident mainly because anything that can lead to a disparity in speed between the truck and trailer can start a jackknife.
Rain or slick highways and highling braking differences between the big rig and trailer.
We Have Won Many Truck Jackknife Cases
We have won numerous jackknife truck accident cases and recovered millions for our clients in those cases. We have been undefeated in trucking accident cases for over three decades. Put our experience to work on your case!
Jackknife Truck Crashes Near Houston
Commercial trucks are regular in the Houston area. We need large semi-trucks to deliver goods across the country. Unfortunately, sharing the road with 18-wheelers can be dangerous. When fully loaded, big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making the vehicles difficult to control during an accident.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, about every two minutes, a person is injured in a vehicle accident. About every two and a half hours, a person is killed on our roadways. Many of these accidents involved large commercial trucks that jackknifed
Injuries Due to Jackknifed Trucks
Jackknifed trucks are among the most dangerous vehicles on the highway. Trucks often travel at a high-speed rate when they suddenly and without warning skid into a jackknife position. The result is often a severe collision with other vehicles that end up causing severe injuries and fatalities.
Common Big Rig Accident Injuries
The most common injuries in truck accidents include neck and back injuries, such as whiplash, brain injury, broken bones, crush injuries, internal organ damage, and more.
Get Medical Care
Victims often require immediate emergency medical attention. Some injuries can be life-threatening and may result in lifelong disabilities. We have represented many families in wrongful death lawsuits after their loved one was killed in a jackknife accident.
A Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer With Exceptional Results
Our truck accident lawyers have represented families of loved ones killed in jackknife accidents, individuals severely injured, and about everything in between. Our truck accident experience in collecting multi-million-dollar 18-wheeler accident settlements is exceptional. If you can find a better attorney for your case- hire them!
The Jackknifed Truck Blocking the Road
In one of our recent cases, a big rig jackknifed across the roadway, killing an innocent mom. After filing the lawsuit and preparing for trial, the trucker’s insurance company tendered their substantial policy limits to settle the case. Our fatal truck accident lawyers won a big victory for the family.
Multi-Million Dollar Settlement
Representing a Driver Who Lost Control
In another jackknife accident case, we represented an injured truck driver who lost control of his semi-truck and jackknifed across the roadway, killing a dad and son. His prior attorneys dropped the case, and he hired us. After much hard work, we proved negligence by the trucking and maintenance companies.
Our client received a high multi-million dollar settlement that was more money than the other “truck accident attorneys” received for the deaths of two innocent people, the father and son.
Multi-Million Dollar Settlement
Mother Killed by a Driver Who Jackknifed
We represented the family of a wife and mother killed on her way to work. The 18-wheeler jackknifed across the highway, cutting off the possibility of an evasive maneuver. The company settled with our wrongful death lawyer for its substantial policy limits, and the driver who was improperly trained no longer drives a truck.
Multi-Million Dollar Settlement
Trucker Jackknifed to Avoid Rear-ending a Family
Our truck wreck attorneys represented a family injured when traffic suddenly stopped on the highway, and a semi-truck jackknifed when the trucker slammed on the brakes. The case was settled before trial for a substantial amount, and our clients were very happy!
Confidential High 6 Figure Result
Other Truck Accident Settlements!
See some of our exceptional trucking accident recent results!
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents are often more severe than other crashes, and resolving them can be complicated.
Call the Police
Immediately call the police to report the accident and obtain a police report. Law enforcement will document the accident, secure the scene, summon paramedics, and gather essential crash details, such as witness and driver statements.
Get Medical Care
Seek medical attention as soon as possible following the accident. Always follow your doctor’s orders to the letter.
Remember that some injuries may not be immediately apparent but will appear some hours later.
Stay off Social Media
Defense attorneys are seeking social media accounts in discovery. What you post can be misinterpreted.
Get an Experienced Semi Truck Lawyer
Contact the best Houston truck accident attorney after the crash. If we accept your case, we will handle the legal issues while you focus on your recovery.
We will seek to hold the negligent driver or trucking company responsible for paying full damages. Some of the damages may include current and future medical bills, lost wages, money for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other losses.
Don’t Delay, Call Right Away
If you were seriously hurt in a truck accident or lost a family member, do not delay. The sooner you talk with an experienced personal injury attorney, the more likely you will recover the full compensation you deserve.
People wonder, “When should I hire a truck accident lawyer?” The answer is ASAP. The earlier you hire an expereinced attorney the sooner they can start the necessary investigation of the truck accident.
Filing a Lawsuit for A Jackknife Truck Accident
Time Limits to File a Lawsuit
Texas has time limits for filing a personal injury or wrongful death case stemming from a jackknife truck accident. Additionally, early investigation of a truck accident is always helpful for your case and can be vital in a jackknife crash.
Venue
Generally, the lawsuit in Texas will be filed in one of two places: the county where the crash occurred or where one of the defendants may reside. A Houston truck accident lawyer will analyze your situation and develop a strategy for advancing your case.
Driver Error
Jackknife crashes are usually the fault of driver error. However, other persons or companies can be responsible or partly responsible for a crash.
The sooner you contact our truck accident lawyers for an investigation of your case, the quicker we can help you. Do not delay, but contact us now. How long an 18-wheeler accident case takes depends on your lawyer and the facts.
Who is Responsible for a Jackknife Accident?
The Driver
Most jackknife accidents that our Houston jackknife accident lawyers have handled involve driver errors. While some of the crashes we have litigated involved very experienced truck drivers, others were new and inexperienced drivers.
Motor Carrier or Trucking Company
Trucking companies must train their drivers and follow the trucking regulations designed to protect the public. Jackknife accidents are preventable, and a driver’s prudence should prevent the jackknife collision.
Investigate the Company and the Drivers Qualifications
One of the first steps in investigating a big rig crash where the tractor-trailer jackknifed is to obtain the driver’s qualification file and examine the training given to the driver. Early investigation of a truck crash is vital.
Baumgartner Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyer Practice Areas
At Baumgartner Law Firm, our personal injury attorney in Houston, TX, helps clients throughout Texas maximize their damages to get the compensation they deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars and represented thousands of accident victims.
Since 1985, our firm has limited the practice to serious injury cases and produced exceptional results in the following areas:
- Auto & Car Accidents
- Catastrophic and Severe Injuries
- Construction Site Accidents
- Truck & 18-Wheeler Accidents
- Daycare Negligence & Child Injury
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Dram Shop Lawsuits
- Wrongful Death
Our founder attorney, Greg Baumgartner, has over 35 years of experience and has been peer-reviewed preeminent for decades.
Call the Experienced Houston Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyers
We have been helping injured Texans for over three decades. If you or someone you love was hurt in a commercial vehicle accident, call and speak with the most experienced Houston jackknife truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our truck accident law firm has held truck drivers and trucking companies responsible for over 35 years.
Call Baumgartner Law Firm to get started right away at (281) 587-1111. Never a charge or obligation for an initial consultation about your accident.
We only get paid if you get compensation!
How do you schedule a free consultation with a leading trucking accident attorney in Houston?
To schedule a free consultation with a truck wreck lawyer in Houston, there are a few easy steps you can follow:
1. Identify if you or a family member has been injured in a jackknife truck accident or any other crash involving an 18-wheeler.
2. Take note of our office’s contact information.
3. Reach out to our office and request a free consultation.
4. Our team of Houston personal injury lawyers will be happy to assist you during the consultation.
Following these steps, you can easily schedule a free consultation with a truck wreck lawyer in Houston. Our dedicated team is here to help and provide you with the guidance you need.
Truck Accident Resources:
Houston FedEx Accident Lawyers
Amazon Van Accident Lawyer in Houston
UPS Truck Accident Attorney in Houston
What is the Average Value of a Semi-Truck Settlement?
Why are Settlements Larger for Truck Accidents?
Texas Truck Accident Statistics
How Long Does it Take to Settle an 18-wheeler Accident Case?
Negligent Hiring of Truck Drivers
The Difference Between Car Accidents and Big Truck Wrecks
Do you make house calls or hospital visits?
What kind of cases do you accept?
We are very selective in the cases that we agree to handle to provide the best possible service to our clients. By limiting the number of cases that we accept, we can provide the time attention, and resources required to maximize compensation for our clients.
Accordingly, our practice is limited to cases involving substantial injury or a family who has lost a loved one. We have gained a reputation for handling 18-wheeler truck accidents, car and drunk driving crashes, daycare injury cases, and other serious injury and wrongful death matters. To learn more about the cases we cover, visit our practice areas page.
Do I have to pay money out of my pocket to hire you?
Do you handle all types of personal injury cases?
No, we are very selective in the cases that we agree to accept. We intentionally limit the number of cases that we handle and the practice areas for the cases we take to provide the best possible personal service for our clients. To learn more about the cases we cover, visit our practice areas page or you can contact us for individual consultation about your case. (281) 587-1111.
What is the best way to contact you?
We prefer to be contacted by telephone and also respond to our online consultation requests. You can call us 24/7 at (281) 587-1111. We offer Zoom consultations as well.
How successful have you been with your cases?
We are a personal injury law firm with over three decades of experience and are extremely proud of our winning track record of success. Our founder is nationally recognized as among the best personal injury lawyers in the USA. We are undefeated in truck accident cases, wrongful death cases, and daycare negligence and invite you to check out our results page for recent results in cases we won.
For the last 35 years, we have concentrated on maximizing our client’s compensation in serious injury and wrongful death cases. If you are looking for the best personal injury lawyers in Houston – Call us! (281) 587-1111.
Thank you
for a job well done!
"I can never express how grateful me and my family are to Greg Baumgartner and his team of truck accident lawyers in Houston. He took care of our injury case and got us a great settlement. Thank you for a job well done!"
- R. G. Client
Houston Personal Injury Victim
Highly
Recommended!
"I was hit in the rear by an 18 wheeler and was lucky enough to have found Greg – I was overjoyed with the results and highly recommend him."
- Raymond
Houston Personal Injury Victim