Truck accidents can have devastating consequences for drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians. One of the most dangerous is accidents involving jackknifing. If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife truck accident in Jacksonville, a Jacksonville truck accident can help you recover potential compensation for injuries and other damages.
What Are Jackknife Accidents?
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a large truck, such as a semi or tractor-trailer, swings out at an angle and folds like a pocket knife. Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous because the driver typically loses control of their truck, which may strike other vehicles.
What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents in Jacksonville?
Jackknife truck accidents in Jacksonville are commonly attributed to several main causes.
Some common scenarios involved in jackknife accidents include:
- Sudden braking: Hard or sudden braking may cause a trailer to swing out, especially on wet or slippery roads.
- Sharp turns or other maneuvers: Navigating curves or avoiding obstacles can cause a trailer to lose alignment with the cab.
- Poor road conditions: Rain, ice, or debris on the road can reduce traction and lead to skidding.
- Improperly loaded cargo: Uneven or overloaded trailers can destabilize the truck and increase the risk of jackknifing.
A Jacksonville truck accident lawyer can investigate the cause of your jackknife truck accident.
Who May Be Liable for A Jackknife Truck Accident in Jacksonville?
Determining liability for a jackknife truck accident in Jacksonville is not always as simple as it may seem.
Each case is unique, but potentially liable parties may include:
- The driver: Truck drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely. A truck driver may be liable if speeding or aggressive driving caused the accident.
- The trucking company: A trucking company may be liable if their practices or policies contributed to the accident.
- The cargo loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can make a truck unstable and prone to jackknifing.
- The truck or part manufacturers: Manufacturers of the truck or its components may be liable for mechanical failures or defective parts that caused the accident.
Identifying liable parties is a crucial step toward successfully pursuing a personal injury claim. A broad-certified truck accident lawyer can investigate who should be held accountable.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in A Jackknife Truck Accident in Jacksonville?
Consider taking the following steps to protect your rights if you have been involved in a jackknife truck accident:
- Seek medical attention: Promptly seek medical attention to create a record of any injuries. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
- Call the police: Report the accident at the scene. A police report can be a crucial piece of evidence for your claim.
- Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the accident site, vehicle damage, and any injuries.
- Gather contact information: Exchange information with the truck driver and collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer: A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, handle insurance negotiations, and help you recover compensation.
Many Jacksonville truck accident lawyers offer free consultations to learn more about your accident.
What Compensation May I Recover After A Jackknife Truck Accident in Jacksonville?
Victims of jackknife truck accidents in Jacksonville may be entitled to compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages the accident causes. The type and amount of compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident, but may include:
Daños económicos
Economic damages cover your direct financial losses after an accident. This includes medical bills for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and medications, as well as lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and the cost to repair or replace damaged property.
Daños no económicos
Non-economic damages address your intangible losses after an accident. They often account for the emotional and psychological toll of an accident on you or your loved ones. This may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
A Jacksonville truck accident lawyer will evaluate all potential forms of compensation that may be available.
Injured in A Truck Accident? Contact A Jacksonville Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Navigating the legal process to recover compensation for a jackknife truck accident in Jacksonville can be challenging, but there are many reasons to hire a truck accident lawyer for help. If you or a loved one have been injured, schedule a free consultation with a Jacksonville truck accident lawyer today to discuss potential compensation.
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