Why Are Jackknife Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

Accidents involving large commercial trucks are generally much more dangerous than those involving only smaller passenger vehicles. The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers means they can inflict enormous damage in the event of a collision. Jackknife accidents, which occur when a trailer swings out of line with the truck pulling it, are particularly deadly.

If you are injured in one of these accidents, you should not hesitate to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. You might be entitled to significant legal compensation from the at-fault party. The trucck accident attorneys at Lichtenstein Law Group are ready to evaluate and handle your case. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled truck accident attorney.

What Is a Jackknife Accident? How Do They Occur?

To understand jackknife accidents, you must first understand how a “big rig” is set up. A tractor-trailer rig has two main components: a towing vehicle equipped with a heavy-duty engine and a trailer used to haul goods and materials. These two components are attached at a pivot.

The driver can control the towing vehicle directly using the wheel, accelerator, brakes, etc. However, the trailer can only be controlled indirectly by first maneuvering the truck. Because truck drivers have only indirect control of their trailer, it is difficult to regain once lost.

A “jackknife” accident occurs when a driver loses control of their trailer, allowing it to swing out at an angle resembling that of an open pocketknife. When this occurs, the trailer can drag the towing vehicle, block multiple lanes of traffic, and smash into surrounding vehicles. These accidents can happen when truck drivers brake suddenly, accelerate too quickly, make turns too sharply, or hydroplane on wet/icy roads.

What Are Some Common Injuries Sustained in Jackknife Accidents?

As with any accident involving large commercial trucks, jackknife accidents can be extremely serious and result in catastrophic injuries and death. Common injuries sustained in jackknife accidents include:

• Broken and fractured bones
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Burns and abrasions
• Neck and back injuries
• Facial and dental injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Lost limbs and permanent disfigurement
• Cuts and puncture wounds
• Sprains, strains, and bruises
• Wrongful death

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Trucking Accident?

Truck accidents are often characterized by a high number of potential at-fault parties. This trait tends to generate more complex litigation than more commonplace accidents, but it also means there may be more sources of liability and compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, the following parties could be held liable for your injuries and losses:

• The truck driver
• The company that owned the truck or hired the driver
• The team that loaded the truck
• The manufacturer of a defective truck part
• A negligent mechanic or maintenance crew
• Local governments responsible for road maintenance

How Do You Prove Liability in a Truck Accident?

In most auto accident cases, liability is established by proving that someone failed to use reasonable care to avoid injuring others. In other words, plaintiffs must prove that the defendant was negligent. Under the doctrine of negligence per se, plaintiffs may also secure compensation by proving that their injuries were caused by the violation of a law or regulation meant to keep roads safe.

Again, accidents involving commercial trucks can be legally and factually complicated due to the many sources of liability that may come into play. Further, because these accidents often involve high monetary stakes, defendants are likely to push back hard to avoid liability. Therefore, it is important to work with an attorney experienced in handling truck accidents and combative defendants.

What Evidence Can Be Used to Establish Fault in a Truck Accident Case?

Plaintiffs injured in truck accidents must prove the defendant’s liability by a preponderance of the evidence. At Lichtenstein Law Group, our attorneys have the experience and resources to conduct a thorough, independent investigation of your accident. We will gather all available evidence to build the strongest claim possible on your behalf. Relevant evidence may include things like:

• Police accident reports
• Pictures and videos from the accident scene
• Footage from traffic and surveillance cameras
• Black box data from the truck
• Cellphone and GPS records
• Testimony from eyewitnesses
• Testimony from doctors, traffic engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and other reliable experts

What Compensation Can I Recover for My Truck Accident Injuries?

If you suffered injuries in an accident caused at little to no fault of your own, you are likely entitled to significant legal compensation from the at-fault party. The injury attorneys at Lichtenstein Law Group can help you pursue compensation for things like:

• Medical costs related to treating your injuries
• Lost wages if you miss work due to your injuries
• Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries result in long-term disability
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Cost of repairing or replacing personal property

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident?

In Virginia, you generally have two years from the date of a truck accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and losses. Though a few narrow exceptions may apply in certain situations, missing the deadline normally results in your case being dismissed in court. In turn, this will also give the at-fault party the upper hand during settlement negotiations when they realize that you can no longer sue.

Contact a Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love were injured in a jackknife truck accident, the legal team at Lichtenstein Law Group is standing by to help you deal with the aftermath. Our attorneys have extensive experience helping injury victims throughout Virginia secure the justice, accountability, and compensation they deserve. We are ready to put that experience to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable truck accident =attorney.