In a split second, a truck driver can lose control, which allows their vehicle to move uncontrolled through traffic, causing devastating injuries and damage. Jackknifing is one of the most dangerous situations for truck drivers and anyone on the road with them.
Galloway Jefcoat has a jackknife accident lawyer in Lafayette you need when a driver’s negligent behavior puts you at risk. Let our decades of experience work to your benefit. Call our Lafayette truck accident lawyer now for a free consultation.
Why Jackknife Accidents Happen
Truck jackknifing occurs when the trailer, or rear, portion of a semi-truck swings out from behind the tractor, front portion, typically at a sharp angle. This typically occurs when the trailer gains excessive speed or momentum relative to the tractor, causing the wheels to sway.
As this occurs, the driver loses control of the vehicle, and it can cross several lanes of traffic before colliding with other vehicles or medians. This can happen for several reasons:
- Hard braking: Semi-trucks need time and room to stop properly, and sudden braking is a big factor in jackknife accidents. The trailer’s momentum and speed, when sudden braking occurs, cause the trailer to swing outward. When roads are wet, the risk of this occurring is even higher.
- Poor maintenance of the vehicle: In some situations, the jackknifing occurs because the owner or driver failed to ensure the vehicle was safe. The brakes may be faulty, or the tires may lack sufficient traction to slow the trailer properly. Mechanical issues linking these two vehicles can also cause jackknifing.
- Speeding: Drivers operating at high speeds may be at greater risk of causing a jackknife. The faster the truck is traveling, the more space it needs to stop. Excessive speed increases the need for more space, which can cause the trailer to skid.
- Poor road conditions: Drivers operating in poor road conditions know the importance of slowing down and operating at a more controlled pace. When they fail and hit a patch of slick roadway, the tires lose their grip.
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers on long drives struggle to maintain control, operate safely, and avoid sudden braking, making these accidents more likely.
Distraction, unbalanced cargo, and many other factors can contribute to a truck jackknifing. As your attorneys, we will tell you that getting to the bottom of what happened is critical to your case and to proving negligence.
Our experience at Galloway Jefcoat enables us to obtain the critical information needed to make that possible.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
Who May Be at Fault for Your Injuries in a Jackknife Accident
Gathering all of this data allows our personal injury lawyer in Lafayette to determine who is at fault, and often it is more than one person or company.
We look at commercial truck logs, statements from all involved, records that show the driver’s number of hours behind the wheel, vehicle maintenance records, and more to pinpoint all parties that contributed to your accident and injuries.
Some parties that may be at fault include:
- The truck driver is operating recklessly or failing to take enough breaks to reduce fatigue
- The truck company, if they knew the driver was inexperienced, a risk due to previous behaviors, or violating the hours of service laws set by the federal government
- The cargo company that loaded the cargo improperly and caused it to shift, resulting in the jackknifing
- The maintenance crew that failed to handle routine maintenance or made mistakes with mechanical components
The more information we have about the accident, the more likely we are to pinpoint all parties at fault. As a result, this allows our legal team to seek fair compensation for you by seeking claims against all people who contributed to your losses.
Please expect our jackknife accident lawyer in Lafayette to be thorough throughout the entire process.
"Galloway Jefcoat are amazing professionals who are very client focused. They will guide you thru all the details to help get your litigation solved. I was involved in a crash that ultimate required a knee replacement"
What We Do to Build a Case for You
We do not encourage you to speak to the insurance company about the accident or any injuries you have. Instead, contact our jackknife accident attorney in Lafayette first.
Let us handle the entire process on your behalf, including:
- Identifying all parties at fault by gathering clear data on what contributed to your accident
- Building a robust claim that documents all of your injuries and losses, including physical, emotional, and financial
- Negotiating with the insurance company to the fullest level possible to seek fair compensation for you
If the insurance company is not taking your claim seriously, we will work on your behalf to file a lawsuit against those involved. We have the experience necessary to go to court and prove your right to fair compensation. Request a free legal case review now to see how we can help you.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
What Your Maximum Truck Accident Claim May Include
Your losses depend on the type and severity of your injuries and how well your jackknife accident attorney can prove your case’s value. In most situations, we will seek maximum compensation allowed under the law, including:
- Recovery of damages from medical expenses
- Missed time at work
- Loss of earning capacity if you cannot go back to the work you were doing
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage for assets lost
- Emotional trauma
- Future medical and healthcare needs
When you call us, we get to work. We evaluate how this accident and your resulting injuries will impact your health and well-being for years to come.
We do not encourage you to settle your case before you receive the full compensation you are owed. We fight fiercely for your maximum claim.
"Great experience, from day 1 I felt like I finally had someone on my side and that feeling didn't leave me for 1 single moment."
Discuss Your Case with Our Lafayette Jackknife Accident Attorney Now
Your case matters to us, and we are ready to help you maximize your claim. Set up a free, no-risk consultation with Galloway Jefcoat now to learn more about your rights.
Our Lafayette jackknife accident lawyer will work closely with you immediately. You pay nothing until we win your case.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."
