Houston Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer

While all truck accidents can be catastrophic, a jackknife accident can be even more devastating. If you’ve been injured in such an accident through no fault of your own, you deserve substantial compensation for your medical bills and other damages. A Houston jackknife truck accident lawyer at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP will fight to help you secure every dollar you’re entitled to under the law. The following is a detailed look at jackknife accidents. You’ll learn why they happen, the injuries they cause, and how a skilled Houston jackknife truck accident lawyer can help victims obtain maximum compensation.

What Are Jackknife Truck Accidents?

Jackknife truck accidents are among the most dangerous and dramatic crashes involving large commercial vehicles. They’re also among the most common. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that 4,842 people died, and another 107,000 people suffered severe injuries in jackknife accidents in 2020. These accounted for 38.4% of all truck accident fatalities and 51.6% of all injuries that year.

These accidents occur when the truck’s trailer swings out to form an angle with the cab, resembling the shape of a folding knife blade. The abrupt and uncontrollable nature of these accidents often results in severe damage and injuries involving multiple vehicles and occupants.

Common Causes

Several factors can contribute to jackknife accidents, making them complex to analyze. Sudden braking is a common cause, especially when the truck driver needs to stop quickly due to unexpected obstacles or traffic conditions. This rapid deceleration can cause the trailer to swing out of control. Slippery roads, whether due to rain, ice, or snow, can also lead to jackknife accidents. The reduced traction makes it difficult for the driver to maintain control, especially during sudden maneuvers.

Driver error is another significant cause of jackknife accidents. Examples include speeding, aggressive driving, or fatigue, all of which can impair a driver’s ability to react appropriately to road conditions. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can also lead to a jackknife accident. Proper maintenance is critical, and any negligence in this area can have catastrophic consequences. In addition, improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, affecting the balance and stability of the truck and leading to a loss of control.

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Common Injuries and Damages from Jackknife Truck Accidents

The severe nature of jackknife truck accidents often results in a wide range of injuries, many of which are life-altering. Victims of these accidents can sustain injuries that require long-term medical care and rehabilitation, significantly impacting their quality of life and ability to work.

Types of Injuries

Whiplash and neck injuries are common in jackknife truck accidents due to the sudden and violent impacts that vehicle occupants experience. These injuries can cause chronic pain and mobility issues, sometimes requiring extensive physical therapy. Other injuries include:

• Broken bones and fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs, result from the intense impact forces involved in these crashes.
• Traumatic brain injuries are another serious consequence of jackknife accidents. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and emotional difficulties.
• Spinal cord injuries are equally devastating, often resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Victims may require lifelong medical support and adaptive equipment to manage their disabilities.
• Internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding, are also prevalent in jackknife accidents. These injuries can be life-threatening and often require immediate and intensive medical intervention. The violent nature of the crash can cause significant trauma to the body’s internal systems, leading to long-term health issues.

Property Damage and Other Economic Losses

Beyond physical injuries, jackknife truck accidents often result in substantial property damage. The force of the impact can total vehicles, destroy personal property, and cause extensive damage to infrastructure. This destruction adds to the victims’ economic burden, who may also experience significant financial losses due to medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity.

Emotional and Psychological Impacts

The emotional and psychological impacts of jackknife truck accidents cannot be understated. Victims often develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression as a result of their traumatic experiences. The psychological scars can affect their ability to return to everyday life and work, necessitating mental health support and therapy.

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Why You Need a Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer

A Houston jackknife truck accident lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP will work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. From the initial consultation to the final resolution of the case, one of our attorneys can provide essential guidance and representation. The following is a look at some of the many ways we can help.

The Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

The representation process begins with an initial consultation and case evaluation. During this phase, one of our lawyers will assess the incident’s details, the extent of your injuries, and the potential for a successful claim. This evaluation will help you understand your legal options and the steps in pursuing compensation.

Investigating and Gathering Evidence

Investigation and evidence gathering are critical components of your case. Your Houston jackknife truck accident lawyer will work to collect and analyze all available evidence. This evidence includes accident reports, witness statements, and physical evidence from the crash site. Your attorney may also collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists to understand the dynamics of the crash and identify contributing factors.

Accident scene investigation involves meticulous crash site analysis, including skid marks, vehicle positions, and debris patterns. Eyewitness testimony can provide valuable insights into the events leading up to the accident. Surveillance footage, if available, offers objective evidence of the crash dynamics. Electronic logging device (ELD) data can reveal the driver’s hours of service, speed, and other critical factors leading up to the accident.

The investigation must begin immediately to give your attorney the best chance of obtaining proof you weren’t at fault.

Determining Blame

As you learned earlier, driver negligence is a common factor in jackknife truck accidents, encompassing actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence. However, the trucking company might also be at fault, especially if they failed to maintain the vehicle properly or did not provide adequate training to the driver.

Manufacturer defects, such as faulty brakes or tires, can also contribute to the accident, placing some liability on the equipment manufacturers. In addition, road conditions and third-party negligence, such as other drivers’ actions or poor road maintenance, can further complicate liability determination.

Filing Your Claim

Filing claims and lawsuits is another critical step in seeking compensation. Your Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP Houston jackknife truck accident lawyer will prepare and submit all necessary legal documents, adhering to strict deadlines and procedural requirements. This process often involves detailed negotiations with insurance companies for a fair settlement.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

The insurance company covering the trucking company will do everything possible to minimize your payout. They’ll likely dispute the severity of injuries or the extent of the damage. They may also attempt to shift blame to you to reduce their liability. You can’t overstate the importance of legal representation in these negotiations. A skilled Houston jackknife truck accident lawyer can counter these tactics, protecting your rights and working to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Negotiating Settlements and Court Representation

Once your attorney gathers all of the evidence and calculates your damages, they’ll demand the compensation you deserve from the trucking company’s insurer. This demand begins the negotiation process, which is arguably the most important role your Houston jackknife truck accident lawyer will play.

Insurance companies do their best to reduce payouts or deny compensation. However, when a skilled attorney confronts them with solid evidence, they typically settle for a fair amount. Sometimes, though, an insurer will refuse to make a fair offer. If this happens, your lawyer will be ready to take them to court.

Representing clients in court involves presenting a compelling case before a judge or jury. Your attorney will present evidence, examine witnesses, and make legal arguments. They’ll do all of this to demonstrate the defendant’s liability and the extent of your damages.

Proving Liability in Jackknife Truck Accident Cases

If your Houston jackknife truck accident lawyer can prove the defendant’s liability, you’ll obtain the compensation you deserve. Doing so involves demonstrating that one or more parties were negligent and that this negligence directly caused the accident and resulting damages. Expert witnesses and technology can be critical to determining why a jackknife truck accident occurred.

Role of Expert Witnesses

Expert witnesses often play a vital role in proving liability. Accident reconstruction specialists, for example, can recreate the events leading up to the crash, clearly showing how the accident occurred and identifying contributing factors. Medical experts can testify about the extent and impact of the victim’s injuries, establishing a direct connection between the accident and the harm suffered. Mechanical and engineering experts can evaluate the truck’s condition and components, identifying any defects or maintenance failures that contributed to the accident.

Use of Technology and Data

Technology and data can also be critical in proving liability. ELD and GPS data can provide valuable information about the truck’s speed, route, and the driver’s hours of service leading up to the accident. Vehicle maintenance records can reveal whether the trucking company properly maintained the vehicle or neglected known issues. Driver logbooks can show compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations and other safety protocols.

Compensation in Jackknife Truck Accident Cases

Compensation in jackknife truck accident cases aims to cover your extensive damages. Various types of compensation are available, depending on the case’s specifics and the extent of the victim’s losses.

Types of Compensation Available

Medical expenses form a significant part of the compensation. These expenses include immediate medical costs such as emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and long-term expenses like rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. Compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity is also crucial, particularly if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or diminish your ability to earn a living in another way.

Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This type of compensation can be substantial, reflecting the profound impact on your quality of life. Property damage compensation covers repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

In some cases, courts may award punitive damages. The law designs them to punish particularly egregious behavior by the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. It’s essential to note that judges and juries rarely award punitive damages. But when they do, that can significantly increase an injury victim’s compensation.

Factors Affecting the Value of a Claim

Several factors affect the value of a claim in jackknife truck accident cases. These include the following.

• The severity of injuries is a primary consideration. The worse the injury, the higher the victim’s medical bills. In addition, severe injuries have greater impacts on the victim’s life. An attorney will consider those impacts when demanding compensation.
• In addition, severe injuries have more significant impacts on the victim’s life. An attorney will consider them when demanding compensation. Impacts include the ability to perform daily activities and enjoy life.
• Another factor is the degree of negligence of the responsible parties. Cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct may warrant higher compensation.
• Finally, insurance policy limits can influence the amount of compensation available. A policy’s maximum coverage can sometimes constrain settlements and judgments.

Securing fair compensation in jackknife truck accident cases requires a comprehensive understanding of the various types of damages and the factors that influence their value. A Houston jackknife truck accident lawyer can effectively advocate for your rights. They’ll do everything possible to ensure you receive adequate compensation to cover your losses and aid in your recovery.

Hire a Houston Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer

The legal complexities, insurance negotiations, and the need to prove liability associated with a jackknife accident require experienced legal assistance. Hiring a Houston jackknife truck accident lawyer will ensure you receive the guidance and representation needed to increase your chances of securing fair compensation.

A skilled attorney can handle all aspects of the case, allowing you to focus on your recovery. If you or someone close to you has been involved in a jackknife truck accident, please seek legal help from Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP as soon as possible. You can use our online form to schedule a free consultation or call (832) 402-6637.

Types Of Truck Injury Cases We Handle

Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.

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