Texas Jackknifing Accident Attorneys
When a truck jackknifes, the trailer swings out and forms a V or L shape with the front cab. Many times, jackknifing occurs because of driver error. If you suffered an injury in a jackknife truck accident, you could pursue compensation from the driver or trucking company that employed them.
Jackknifing can lead to severe crashes and life-threatening injuries, especially when hazardous conditions exist. If there’s inclement weather, a congested roadway, or small passenger vehicles involved, the result will likely be devastating.
At Gibson Hill Personal Injury, we represent victims of jackknife truck accidents throughout the state of Texas. We understand the burden you face and the pain you have to endure while recovering from your injuries. We work hard to seek justice for our clients and recover compensation the negligent truck driver owes them. Contact us today at (713) 659-4000 to set up a free consultation.
Why Jackknife Accidents Happen
Jackknifing is one of the most dangerous types of truck accidents in the country. The sheer size and weight of a commercial vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler, can overpower a small passenger car, motorcycle, or pedestrian. When you collide with a large truck, it’s almost impossible to escape unharmed.
Most of the time, jackknifing occurs because of these contributing factors:
- Traveling around a sharp curve
- Using evasive maneuvers on the road
- Improper braking or brake failure
- Locked wheels
- Dangerous weather
- Hazardous road conditions
- Debris
- Speeding
- Loose or improperly stored cargo
Regardless of the cause of a jackknife truck accident, the resulting injuries are usually severe; some are even fatal. You have options when you sustain an injury in a collision and can seek compensation from those responsible.
Liability and Damages in a Texas Jackknife Accident
Damages are losses suffered as the result of an accident or injury. If you were injured in a jackknife trucking crash, you’ll need to prove negligence existed. When proving negligence, you show how the other party’s actions caused your injury.
Truck driver: The trucker must drive safely at all times and adhere to all federal and state trucking guidelines. If they fail to do so, and a vehicle crash occurs, they could be financially responsible for a victim’s damages.
Trucking company: The company that hired the driver should employ those who meet specific standards within the trucking industry. If they decide to hire someone who doesn’t hold a commercial driver’s license or didn’t undergo sufficient training, they could be at fault.
Parts manufacturer: The company responsible for supplying commercial vehicle parts could be to blame for a jackknife accident. For example, a defective tire could cause a blowout that leads to the truck jackknifing and crashing into a car.
Maintenance company: The company that performs routine maintenance of a commercial vehicle fleet must inspect every inch of the trucks and repair any damage promptly. If they fail to do so, they could be held liable for an injured party’s expenses.
The damages you’re entitled to pursue in an insurance claim against a liable party include:
- Medical costs
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Lost wages and lost future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Death benefits if the victim dies as a result of the jackknife accident and their family wants to seek compensation
Punitive damages, though rare, may come into play when the injured person files a lawsuit against the driver or trucking company. If you believe the at-fault party’s actions were especially reprehensible, you could sue them for punitive damages.
In jackknife accident lawsuits, punitive damages don’t compensate you for losses like medical costs or physical pain. They aim to punish the individual for their reckless actions and try to prevent them from behaving the same way in the future.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit
If you decide you want to sue the driver or their employer for the injuries you suffered after the jackknife accident, you must adhere to a strict deadline. The statute of limitations for an injury lawsuit in Texas is two years. That means you only have two years from the date of the collision to bring a civil action against those responsible.
Comparative Negligence Rule
Texas follows the comparative negligence rule regarding all motor vehicle accidents. If you decide to pursue a jackknife accident case, your actions might be subject to some scrutiny. If the insurance adjuster assigned to your claim finds that you share some blame, the amount of compensation you can receive decreases.
The formula used to determine the maximum amount of money you can win is your total damages minus your percentage of fault. So, if your damages add up to $20,000 and the adjuster decides you were 25% to blame for the crash, you can only pursue up to $15,000.
How Much Does It Cost to Speak to a Lawyer?
Gibson Hill Personal Injury understands the financial hardship you have to face after a jackknife accident. We don’t want to add any additional stress to your life. That’s why we offer a free consultation to all prospective clients. You can meet with us at no risk to get legal advice about your case.
One of our jackknife truck accident lawyers will review all the details and documentation you present to us to determine your options. We’ll let you know the best approach to try to seek the compensation you need to cover your expenses. If you decide you’re not ready to seek legal representation, we won’t pressure you into making decisions you’re not prepared to make.
If you decide to hire us, we’ll work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
Contact a Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer from Gibson Hill Personal Injury
At Gibson Hill Personal Injury, we dedicate our time and resources to seeking justice for our clients. We believe it’s important to hold people responsible for the decisions they make that cause others harm. You shouldn’t suffer the consequences of someone else’s careless actions.
When you hire us, we’ll fight hard for you and make sure your case gets resolved efficiently. You can depend on us to walk you through each step and provide you with frequent status updates while your case is ongoing.
We have a team of professionals that’s available 24/7 to speak with you about your case and guide you in the right direction. With our Texas truck accident attorneys by your side, you can feel confident knowing nothing will fall through the cracks. Contact us at (713) 659-4000 to find out how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.