Laredo Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney
Our law firm puts your best interests first
An 18-wheeler truck jackknifed and crashed into your vehicle or a loved one's car. Now, you're left dealing with the aftermath of a serious truck accident. And to make matters worse, you might be seriously injured and unable to work for weeks or months or even longer.
Knowing what to do in such a situation can be overwhelming. Insurance companies may be pressuring you to accept a settlement offer. The trucking company the driver works for might not be returning your calls. And all you probably want to do is recover from your crash or deal with the aftermath of your loved one's accident.
Don't feel pressured to make important decisions about your accident. Talk to an experienced truck accident lawyer, John R. Solis, Attorney at Law, as soon as possible to learn more about all your legal options. We can help you every step of the way after your crash.
What is a jackknife accident?
Jackknife truck accidents involve the trailer portion of a tractor-trailer folding in toward the cab at a 90-degree angle, forming a shape like a folding pocketknife. This occurs when the cab of a semi-truck skids, causing the trailer to push it from behind. Smaller vehicles can be crushed in the V-shaped opening between the truck and the trailer.
What causes trucks to jackknife?
Jackknifing can be caused by poorly maintained brakes, driving too fast for the conditions (e.g. during rain), or an unbalanced load. Jackknifing can also occur in any situation where a truck driver slams on the brakes; for instance, if the truck was following at an unsafe distance, or if the driver was distracted or briefly fell asleep at the wheel.
How do you stop a jackknife?
An experienced and attentive trucker may be able to get out of a jackknife by turning the steering wheel gradually in the direction of the skid. However, a trucker who is not trained or experienced to handle this situation, or who is tired, distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, may panic or overcorrect and cause a collision.
Is the trucking company responsible for a jackknife accident?
A trucking company can be held liable for a jackknife accident if the company’s negligence led to the crash. For instance, the trucking company may have knowingly hired an inexperienced driver or failed to properly maintain the truck’s brakes. Or the trucking company may have put pressure on the driver to work through rest breaks, resulting in the driver nodding off behind the wheel and causing a crash.
How can a jackknife accident attorney help?
Proving negligence in a jackknife accident case is a factually intensive process that requires thorough investigation. An attorney may review the truck’s “black box data,” obtain hiring and supervision records from the trucking company, interview witnesses and review physical evidence from the crash scene to determine negligence. An attorney can also advocate for the full amount of financial compensation you are legally entitled to receive.
Often, these accidents can be very serious and even result in fatalities. Some of the complex legal issues you and your family could face after a jackknife truck accident include:
- The truck driver denies causing your accident.
- The truck driver blames you or someone else for causing the crash.
- The trucking company refuses to provide records and other important documents after the crash.
- The truck driver's insurance company pressures you to accept a lowball settlement offer.
- The insurance company denies your jackknife truck accident claim.
- The official police accident report contains inaccurate information about your accident.
You have so many complicated legal issues to deal with after a jackknife truck accident. Choosing the right lawyer to represent you should not be one of them.
What we can do for you
Experience matters when it comes to dealing with jackknife truck accidents in Texas. You need a lawyer who understands how the legal system works here and knows what needs to be done to make things right.
We're on your side after your jackknife truck accident. Attorney John R. Solis knows how to investigate truck accidents and negotiate with trucking companies and their insurance providers. And if they refuse to cooperate, we're prepared to take them to court.
Remember, the truck driver's actions resulted in your jackknife truck accident. You shouldn't have to pay for that driver's mistakes. Count on us when it matters most. Contact our law firm today and schedule your free case evaluation with a truck accident attorney today.