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. Big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, 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.
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 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!
- 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 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.
- We 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 recent results!
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.
