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Car Accident
HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL
(877) 880-4090Jackknife truck accidents are some of the most devastating crashes on the nation’s roadways. When a large tractor trailer heads into a slide, the driver has little to no control over the unfolding event. Nearby passenger vehicles are often unable to get out of harm’s way when a trailer blocks the lanes. Moreover, a truck may proceed to roll over and spill goods or hazardous materials, making matters even worse for accident victims. With 15.5 million trucks in operation, drivers of passenger vehicles run a high risk of being in a serious crash.
Personal injuries that result from colliding with a semi-truck are frequently debilitating. It can take years to heal, or you could have a permanent disability. Jackknife cases can be complicated, with multiple parties bearing responsibility. Your injuries, medical expenses and income loss may feel like too much to manage on your own. Fielding Law is the firm you need on your side to walk you through the legal process and protect your rights. Having an experienced attorney gives you peace of mind and puts you on a better road toward reclaiming your life.
When a truck jackknifes, its trailer moves at a different rate of speed than the cab, causing the trailer to swing out or the cab to swing back to the side. The two parts of the semi fold into an “L” or “V” shape, resembling the folding of a pocket knife.
Usually, the motion results in the truck moving across more than one traffic lane. Other vehicles can get caught up in the sweep of the trailer. Some may be struck head-on, while others might not have time to brake before hitting the out-of-control semi.
A loaded 18-wheeler requires anywhere from 20% to 40% more distance than a passenger vehicle to stop. If the brakes are not well maintained or the roads are wet and slippery, they need an even greater distance. Some of the most common jackknife truck accident causes are:
In some of the above instances, the truck driver is not the only party liable for the accident. A Fielding Law jackknife accident lawyer determines which parties are at fault and can help you pursue claims from all those responsible.
Jackknife truck accidents can cause serious injuries for motorists involved in the accident. If you sustained injuries from a collision with a semi, you might want to consult with an attorney right away. Insurance company representatives are often persistent in their attempt to get you to settle quickly.
You may feel pressured to agree to an offer to get the cash, especially if you lose your income during recovery. Unfortunately, it is doubtful their settlement offer will come close to covering your damages. An attorney can help you calculate all losses and determine your options for moving forward.
No two personal injury cases are alike, and you deserve a thorough evaluation of your situation before deciding how to proceed. At Fielding Law, we treat you as an individual and give you personalized attention. We examine the facts of your case, giving you a legal perspective on the merits of your claim. We provide you with options for proceeding based on the facts.
The laws and legal precedents in jackknife truck accidents are complex. Understanding them provides a legal advantage, even if you only deal with the insurance companies and never file a lawsuit. Your attorney conducts the research needed to determine which laws apply to your case and whether more than one party is liable. The lawyer also assesses the damages to ascertain a fair settlement amount.
The trucking industry involves a range of individuals and companies regulated by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration. These laws establish responsibility and accountability at all levels. Your attorney investigates whether any individual or entity failed to comply with federal guidelines, thus contributing to the accident that caused your injuries. Parties that may be liable include:
Unraveling the complexities of jackknife truck accidents to determine fault isn’t easy. An attorney with experience handling these cases knows how to uncover contributing factors and responsible parties.
The insurance company representatives involved (including your own) do their best to protect the company’s bottom line, not your best interests. An experienced personal injury lawyer understands how the insurance companies operate, knows how to deal with them and looks after your best interests. You can leave insurance company communications to your attorney and focus on recovery.
The negotiations in jackknife truck accident claims are highly complex and tricky. They require an in-depth understanding of the laws and legal landscape. The more defendants involved in a claim, the more challenging negotiations get. Every defendant has a team of insurance and legal representatives arguing for their client’s interests. You may benefit from having a lawyer who knows how to fight for your right to a fair settlement.
Negotiations with insurance companies can drag on for years. If you allow them to continue for too long, you may never reach a satisfactory conclusion. You have a relatively small window of time to proceed with a legal claim when insurance companies fail to negotiate a fair settlement. Once this window closes, you have no other legal recourse. In most states, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the time of the accident.
Your attorney ensures you stay on track for filing a lawsuit and continues working for you throughout the proceedings. An estimated 96% of all personal injury lawsuits settle out of court. However, a Fielding jackknife lawyer is always prepared to go the distance with you, preparing your case for trial and standing up for you in the courtroom if the need arises.
Most states adhere to a modified comparative fault rule for determining the damages claimants can recover in a personal injury lawsuit. You won’t collect the total settlement award if you bear any responsibility for the accident. When the court assigns you more than 50% of the liability, you lose the entire award. Your lawyer works to protect your interests, pushing back on the defendants’ attempts to unjustly place the burden of fault on you.
Fielding Law is the team you need when a jackknife accident changes your life. It is essential to hold responsible parties accountable and get the compensation you deserve. We know the laws that pertain to truck accidents and personal injury lawsuits, and we use our knowledge to fight for you.
Pain and suffering are serious outcomes of a jackknife accident. We make sure your voice is heard because you deserve justice. Contact us for a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal options.