Semi-Truck Jackknife
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What Causes Semi-Truck Jackknife Accidents?Jackknife Accidents
A large commercial truck consists of a cab and a trailer. The cab is where the engine is located and where the driver operates the truck. The trailer attaches to the back of the cab. When an accident occurs, sometimes the cab and the trailer end up going in different directions. The cab goes one way while the trailer turns in another direction. Jackknifing can occur due to sudden stopping, improper lane changes, inadequate load securement, and other factors. 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.
Injuries Due to Jackknifed Trucks
Jackknifed trucks are among the most dangerous vehicles on the highway. Trucks are often traveling at a high rate of speed 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. Some of the most common injuries in truck accidents include neck and back injuries, such as whiplash, head trauma, broken bones, crush injuries, internal organ damage, and more.
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.
Some of our Victories from Jackknife Accidents
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 collection multi-million-dollar settlements is exceptional. If you can find a better attorney for your case- hire them!
Some of Our Jackknife Cases
- A truck driver jackknifed across two lanes of traffic into oncoming traffic. The big rig cut off the highway killing two people. We represented the truck driver who died from injuries in the crash. On the day of trial, the defendants paid our demand. They settled the wrongful death case for a confidential amount in the mid seven figures. We recovered more money for the truck driver’s family than the attorneys who represented the two innocent victims struck and killed by the jackknifed tractor-trailer.
- We represented the family of a wife and mother who was killed on the 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.
- Our truck wreck attorneys represented a family injured when traffic came to a sudden stop on the highway and a semi-truck jackknifed when the trucker slammed on the brakes. The case settled before trial for a confidential amount.
- See some of our exceptional recent results!
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Jackknife
Houston Car Accident Claims:From Start To Finish
An Interactive Guide
CRUNCH!
You hear metal crumpling. Someone just hit your car. Maybe they ran a red light or lost control of their vehicle. Maybe you were rear-ended by a teenage driver on her cellphone.
Either way, you’re angry and frustrated. You have things to do. Places to go. But now, you're standing beside your damaged vehicle waiting for the police to arrive. You start to feel some neck pain.
All that to say: A single, unexpected moment changed everything.
A car accident can strike at any time. Whether you are on your way to work or headed to the store, it doesn’t matter. It’s moments like these that cause the government to require everyone to buy insurance.
A Guide For All Car Accident Victims
In this guide, you will learn:
- How To Handle Yourself When Disaster Strikes
- How To Ensure The At-Fault Insurance Company Covers Any Property Damage And Injury Expenses.
- What Injury Lawyers Do And How They Can Help You.
Get To Safety
Prevent Further Damage & Injury
If you find yourself in the middle of the intersection or on the freeway, you first priority is to move all persons (and vehicles if possible) out of the way of oncoming oncoming traffic.
Survey The Damage
Call The Police + Gather Evidence
After getting to safety, you should immediately dial 911. Make sure to alert the dispatcher if there are any serious injuries.
As you wait for help to arrive, you have 3 goals:
- Identify Extent of Injuries
- Identify Witnesses
- Identify Vehicle Damage
Pro Tip: Use your cell phone to record a statement from the other driver, as well as to store contact information for the other driver and any witnesses.
What Type Of Photos
Should I Take?
Take Photos Of The
Following:
Other Driver's License
Damage On Both Vehicles
License Plate Of
Other Vehicle
Insurance Policy Of Other Driver
Get Medical Help
Your Health Is #1
After emergency help arrives, it is important to seek medical treatment. Even if you don’t feel injured, it is important to get checked out for any internal injuries.
Be sure to go in for any follow-up checkups or procedures.
Pro Tip: If you wait before seeking medical treatment, the at-fault insurance company may argue that your injury wasn’t serious and that you don’t deserve compensation for medical expenses.
Common Internal
Injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal Bleeding
- Broken Ribs
- Punctured Lungs
Whiplash
Whiplash is caused by a sudden forward or backward jerking motion of the head, which can damage the intervertabral joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles and nerve roots. Symptoms of whiplash manifest in neck pain, dizziness, sleep disturbances, fatigue, headache, lower back pain and sometimes numbness in the arm or hand.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is caused by blunt trauma, and varies depending on the forces involved and the individual. It cannot be seen outside of the body, and it may occur within organs, tissues and body cavities including the abdomend, chest, spinal canal and head.
Broken Ribs
It takes aproximately 4,000 Newtons (measurement of force) to break or crack a rib. The symptoms of a broken rib include pain while breathing, applying pressure to the area, and when you bend or twist your body. Ribs are often broken by the force of the seabelt during deceleration of the vehicle during a crash.
Punctured Lungs
Puncturing a lung can be a serious injury. In a punctured lung, air gathers between the lungs and the chest cavity. The pressure build up makes it impossible for the lung to expand. Symptoms include coughing blood, chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness and headaches.
Hire An Injury Lawyer
Save Time. Get Compensated.
Hiring an injury lawyer after a serious accident is one of the best things you can do. Injury lawyers take care of all communication and negotiation with insurance companies. This frees up your time to focus on recovering.
At our law firm, we offer free initial consultations to all Houston residents. Just fill out our contact form — or give us a call to schedule a convenient time for you. We’ll listen to your story and offer our advice.
Pro Tip: Never accept a settlement without consulting a lawyer, especially if injury is involved. Once you accept a settlement, you can never recover anything further in the future.
Time Is Of The Essence
In most cases, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is called the Statute of Limitations.
Certain exceptions can extend and/or shorten a limitations period.
If the victim is a minor, the limitations may be extended until they are 18 years old.
If you are in an accident caused by a governmental entity in Texas, the statute of limitations may be much shorter — ranging from a few months to six months.
File Your Claim
Notify Your Insurance Company
It is important to notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
Many insurance companies allow you to file your claim online. Otherwise, call the number listed on your insurance card.
Be sure to keep track of all adjuster names and contact information.
Pro Tip: There may be multiple active insurance policies that can cover you. For example, if the other driver didn’t have insurance, your own Uninsured Motorist coverage could kick in. An experienced attorney can help identify these policies & maximize your recovery.
Find Your Insurance Company
Find Your Insurance Company Contact Info
Learn Fault Factors
How Fault Is Determined
Were you speeding? Nearly one-third of all car accidents can be attributed to speeding.
Was anything obstructing your view? Over half of all states have windshield obstructions laws.
What were the weather conditions? Slippery roads can reduce traction and cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Who had the right of way? The law gives the right of way to no one, but it does state who must yield (give up) the right of way.
What were the Traffic Conditions? Crashes of all types are at their highest Monday through Friday between the hours of 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Were you distracted? (Radio, Phone) Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving.
Were you wearing a seatbelt? Seat belt use is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes.
Was a citation given out? In most instances, any driver violating traffic law will be held largely responsible for a resulting car accident.
Pro Tip: Do not give any recorded statements until you have the opportunity to consult with legal counsel.
Schedule a Free Strategy Session
Been in an accident? We’re here to help. Fill out the information below to arrange a free consultation
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents are often more severe than other types of crashes, and resolving them can be complicated. 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 details of the crash, such as witness and driver statements. Seek medical attention as soon as possible following the accident. Always follow your doctor’s orders to the letter. Stay off social media.
Remember that some injuries may not be immediately apparent but will show up some hours later. Contact the best truck accident attorney after the crash. If we accept your case, we will take care of 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, and money for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other losses.
If you were seriously hurt in a truck accident, or if you have lost a family member- do not delay. The sooner you talk with an experienced personal injury attorney, the more likely you are to recover the full compensation you deserve.