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Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyers

Legally reviewed by: Miriam Domer October 5, 2022
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America depends on large trucks for the items we use and the food we eat every day. Our nation’s economy thrives on the commercial trucking industry. It is vital for large trucks and smaller vehicles to learn to share the roads safely so everyone can arrive at their destination safely.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a jackknife semi truck accident, you are entitled to legal representation. If you do not know where to begin, LegalFinders is here to help.

Jackkife semi truck traffic accident at night, on a snowy winter road. Broken truck on the road in the snow.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 13,085,643 registered large trucks driving the roads of America in 2019. There were also 510,000 large trucks involved in some sort of collision in 2019.

LegalFinders was designed to help accident victims find the best personal injury attorney for their case. LegalFinders offers testimonials, reviews and contact forms to set up a meeting with a personal injury attorney in your area.

You can rest assured that LegalFinders is showing you every attorney in your area that meets your specifications, so you do not have to waste any time with your personal injury case.

What Is A Jackknifed Semi Truck?

The term “jackknifed truck” may not be immediately clear to everyone.

When a semi truck is said to have jackknifed, this refers to when a tractor trailer folds back in on itself where the cab is connected to the trailer, to create an “L” or “V” shape.

At times, road conditions can contribute to a semi truck skidding and ending up with their cab at a 90-degree angle to their trailer, leaving a jackknifed truck.

It is important to be aware of the large commercial vehicles that travel the same roads as passenger vehicles.

If you see a tractor-trailer in distress, you should keep your distance and consider calling emergency services if you think the truck may need assistance.

What Are Some Common Causes Of Jackknife Truck Accidents?

Truckers and the trucking companies deliver our products and much-needed goods from one part of this country to another.

That means that the highways and interstates that connect the United States are packed with large commercial trucks alongside smaller passenger vehicles. This can cause a myriad of problems, including the type of truck accidents that end with fatalities.

When driving around large commercial trucks, smaller vehicles must be aware that these semi-trucks are unable to make tight turns, their truck’s brakes cannot stop on a dime, and the truckers may not even see them because they have such a large blind spot.

Here are some common causes of jackknifing and other truck accidents:

  • Distracted driving: You cannot split your attention and still be a safe driver. Common examples include texting while driving or messing with dials in the truck.
  • Improper braking: This includes “brake checking” (slamming on your brakes in an attempt to make the driver behind you increase their distance) or failing to brake in time.
  • Driving at high speeds: This has also become a big problem in America and is a top factor in most vehicle crashes.
  • Weather conditions: Storming or raining can cause slippery roads which can cause a large tractor-trailer to skid and end in a jackknife crash. Windy days can cause trailers to swing from side to side, which may lead to a crash.

What To Do If You Were In An Accident With A Jackknifed Semi Truck

If you have been involved in a car accident involving a jackknifed semi-truck, the aftermath can be chaotic and overwhelming.

There are usually lots of people to talk to, paperwork to fill out and injuries to take care of. The following are some of the most important things to do following a truck crash:

1. Contact Emergency Services

If you are in an auto accident of any kind, it’s important that you call 911, even if you do not think you are hurt. Serious injuries can be masked by adrenaline and can take a while to show up.

Emergency medical technicians are experienced in car accident trauma injuries and will know if you need to head to the emergency room or if you can wait for a follow up with your general practitioner. In either case, it is always better to be safe.

2. Keep Track Of Medical Records

It is important to make sure you hold onto all documentation regarding medical care that you received as a result of the accident.

Your personal injury attorney will need them for your truck accident case. Your insurance company will also need the records for their accident claim.

3. Gather Evidence From The Accident Scene

You will need to collect as much evidence as possible while you are still on the scene. This information can be helpful not just for your own records, but your insurance and personal injury attorney’s records as well.

Use your cellphone to take pictures of the vehicles involved, the scene where the accident took place, and visible injuries.

You can also take a picture of the truck driver’s company’s insurance information. Take videos of witness statements and of your own statement while it is still fresh in your memory.

The police report generated by the vehicle accident is also going to be vital for your case. You will usually be given information from the responding police officers about where you can obtain a copy of the report.

This report will usually contain all the information the police were able to collect and who they believe to be responsible.

4. Call Your Insurance Company

After you have taken care of your medical needs and gathered as much evidence as you can, you will need to call your insurance company.

The faster you get your claim started, the faster you can get to the financial compensation you will need for medical bills and to fix any property damage.

If you sustained any injuries, it may be a good idea to call a truck accident lawyer before contacting your insurance adjuster, as a lawyer can advise you on what to say.

Your insurance company is going to need your driver’s license information and your policy information.

You will not need to worry about talking to the insurance company of the at-fault driver, as this is usually handled between the insurance companies themselves.

Seeking a personal injury attorney can make the process of wrapping up a car accident go smoothly. LegalFinders can assist you in finding the law firm that’s right for you.

What Injuries Can Result From A Big Rig Jackknifing?

Car accidents and truck accidents alike can lead to minor or severe injuries and even death for motorists involved, and jackknife accidents are no exception.

The following injuries are some of the most commonly seen after a truck accident:

  • Bumps and contusions
  • Scrapes, cuts, and deep lacerations
  • Whiplash and other soft tissue damage
  • Broken, fractured, and/or dislocated bones
  • Concussions
  • Organ damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Coma
  • Death

It is vital that you get checked out by a medical professional following any kind of vehicle accident.

Adrenaline helps us get to safety following an injury, however, it can often fool people into thinking they are not as seriously injured as they are. The only way to know for certain that you are out of the woods is to get checked out.

Should You Consider Hiring A Truck Accident Attorney?

If you or a family member are in need of legal advice or legal representation following a truck wreck, you should know that there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer.

Top benefits of working with experienced truck accident lawyers include:

1. Cost Savings

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they do not get paid unless you win your case.

Law offices tend to offer an initial free consultation and/or a free case evaluation to let you know what you can expect from your case.

Do not let the fear of not being able to afford an attorney keep you from seeking legal representation. Most attorneys can work with your financial situation.

2. Help With Meeting Important Deadlines

The statute of limitations (legal deadline) for personal injury claims and suits begins to run when the accident occurs and could bar your claim if it is not filed within the statutory deadline .

All 50 states have laws that limit the time period that you have to file your claim.

The amount of time you have to file differs from state to state, generally ranging anywhere between one year to six years, and you cannot miss the deadline.

You do not get a second chance. This can be stressful for someone unfamiliar with the law to have to deal with.

A personal injury attorney in your area will know the accident laws of your state. They may also recommend filing in a different state jurisdiction depending on who is being sued and the facts of your case.

For example, your case could involve bringing suit against a trucking company located outside of the state where the accident occurred, and an attorney would help navigate the different state procedures for filing and timeliness of bringing a claim in the appropriate state jurisdiction.

3. Guidance For Wrongful Death Claims

In the tragic event that a family member loses their life in a large truck accident, a personal injury attorney is going to be very valuable.

They will be able to handle all the details, such as collecting paperwork and keeping track of important timelines and documents. You will be able to spend the time grieving with your family.

There are so many more reasons that hiring a personal injury lawyer can be invaluable. If you are interested in finding an experienced truck accident attorney in your area, LegalFinders is here to assist you.

LegalFinders was designed to help connect accident victims with truck accident attorneys who understand the importance of the attorney-client relationship and who will work tirelessly to get you the best outcome they possibly can.

Disclaimer: hiring a personal injury attorney does not ensure that you will receive the outcome you want. It does, however, put you in a much better position legally.

LegalFinders Can Connect You To Top Rated Semi Truck Accident Lawyers In Your Area

If you have been involved in a jackknife-truck accident, whether you are the trucker or the driver of a passenger vehicle, you may be seeking the services of a jackknife truck accident attorney.

You need a truck accident attorney that can build a strong case. LegalFinders is here to help you navigate the process of finding a legal team that works best for you.

With testimonials and honest reviews, you can gain a better idea of the type of jackknife truck accident lawyer you need for your personal injury case.

Do not let the choices overwhelm you, allow LegalFinders to assist you in your search today.

Article Sources

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics 2016 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — Resources for Carrier Companies 

Merriam-Webster — Jackknife definition

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