Mansfield Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer
The average tractor-trailer truck weighs about 80,000 pounds. Consequently, those injured in a jackknife truck accident can suffer severe traumas and even die. Surviving victims often face ongoing medical treatment, stress, and property damage.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a jackknife tractor-trailer crash, you may need to consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Mansfield jackknife truck accident lawyer could help you prepare a persuasive case to receive the most compensation possible.
Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents
Jackknifing refers to when the cab and trailer of a truck skid in different directions. Many jackknifing accidents result in rollover accidents, underride crashes, and other life-threatening accidents caused by spilled cargo.
Jackknife truck accidents can cause serious harm to the truck driver and surrounding car occupants. These accidents have various causes, such as:
- Dangerous road conditions, such as slippery roads and sharp turns
- Poorly maintained truck equipment
- Defective truck parts
- Truck driver negligence, such as speeding or driving under the influence
Jackknifing truck accident cases can be complex. A single mistake in filing a claim could compromise an injured party’s ability to recover the damages they are entitled to as victims. A competent attorney could help resolve an injured party’s case.
Jackknife Accident Prevention
Jackknifing and resulting accidents are preventable. There are several steps a truck driver can take to reduce the risk of their truck jackknifing on the road, such as:
- Driving cautiously in inclement weather conditions
- Utilizing a proper braking system
- Applying even brake pressure
- Inspecting if the trailer swung after sudden braking
- Knowing how heavy the truck’s load is
- Increasing their following distance
Regardless of the time of day, weather, or traffic conditions, car drivers and truck drivers must always be alert on the road. Unfortunately, preventative measures do not guarantee that an accident will not occur. A qualified jackknife tractor-trailer lawyer could help an injured party seek financial compensation from a negligent truck driver.
How Is Liability Proven in a Jackknife Truck Crash Case?
The cause of a jackknife truck accident is not always clear. In many cases, a truck driver will blame the injured party by accusing them of driving negligently. An injured party must prepare a compelling case to discredit any false accusations made against them.
Gathering evidence could help identify the cause of an accident. Evidence that could be beneficial to an injured party’s case includes police reports, witness testimonies, maintenance logs, and drug and alcohol test results. An injured party must gather evidence as soon as possible to ensure its usage in the case.
An accomplished Mansfield jackknife truck wreck lawyer could help an injured party prove the cause of the accident. For instance, an attorney could hire an accident reconstruction expert to assess the accident’s cause. Additionally, he or she could also send a letter of spoliation to request that a trucking company preserve specific documents.
What Type of Damages May The Injured Party Recover For a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Those involved in a jackknife truck accident may be able to recover compensation for many types of damages including their economic and non-economic damages. These could include compensation for all medical expenses relating to the crash, lost wages, pain and suffering mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, as well as property damage suffered to their vehicle.
Truck wrecks are more complex than a regular motor vehicle accident. Injured individuals could benefit tremendously from working with an experienced truck wreck lawyer because they are going to be able to help the claimant recover compensation that is going to cover the full value of all their damages.
How a Mansfield Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney Could Help
Truck accidents can completely alter an injured party’s life. Truck accident victims often face a lifetime of expensive medical treatment. An injured party could benefit from the knowledge, experience, and resources of a licensed attorney.
A prudent Mansfield jackknife truck accident lawyer could fight for your rights and negotiate on your behalf. Call today to discuss your legal options.