When a commercial truck driver loses control and the trailer swings wide, forming a V-shape, it’s a jackknife truck accident. These are dangerous accidents because the out-of-control trailer can veer into an oncoming traffic lane, slamming into vehicles in its path.
Nearby drivers’ attempts to swerve to avoid the crash may lead to collisions with other vehicles or cause motorists to run off the road. Whatever the case, jackknife truck crashes often involve multiple vehicles and can lead to catastrophic injuries.
If you were injured in a jackknife truck accident in Indian Land, SC, you need the guidance of an experienced attorney. An Indian Land jackknife truck accident attorney at David Blackwell Law can help you sort out your legal options and demand the compensation you need for your losses.
Contact David Blackwell Law online or call us today for a free consultation about a truck accident claim.
How David Blackwell Law Can Help After a Jackknife Crash
Whether you were involved in a jackknife semi-truck accident or one involving a flatbed or cargo tanker, the reality is that semi-truck accidents often involve serious injuries, and injury claims are complicated to resolve.
Because of the severity of truck accident injuries, many truck victims need emergency medical attention. They may require hospitalization and extended rehabilitation. They also need a way to pay their medical bills while recovering.
A semi-truck truck accident lawyer, David Blackwell takes the time to understand each client’s individual needs and provide personalized service. As part of the legal representation of a client, he will provide the following services:
- Investigate your case
- Gather evidence
- Identify all liable parties (truck accident cases often have multiple liable parties)
- Get present and future medical care and rehabilitation estimates
- Prepare and file your claim with the insurance company or companies
- Negotiate your claims with all financially responsible parties
- File a jackknife truck accident lawsuit and present a compelling case in court if the insurer refuses to agree to a fair settlement.
Who Can I Sue After a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Although liability is often placed on truck drivers after jackknife accidents, there may be other liable parties. These may include:
- The trucking company — A trucking company should only hire well-trained and experienced drivers with the required commercial driver’s license (CDL). If the driver is inexperienced or lacks the qualifications to operate certain types of commercial trucks, the company can be held liable, too.
- The truck owner—Sometimes, the truck could have been leased from a fleet company or an individual. The trucking company could be liable if the owner didn’t carry out proper maintenance, which led to failed parts.
- Safety personnel — Safety and inspection professionals should inspect cargo loading operations and ensure the truck’s safety. They can be liable if an accident occurs because of their errors.
- Cargo-loading personnel or entity — If cargo is loaded improperly, it can shift in transit and affect the truck’s balance or stability. If cargo shifting caused the crash, the loading company could be liable.
- Truck maintenance personnel or facility — Maintenance crews are supposed to service commercial trucks at regular intervals and replace worn-out parts. The maintenance garage could be responsible if poor maintenance contributed to a crash.
- Truck part manufacturers — Manufacturers of defective truck parts may be held liable if the personal injury attorney can show that a malfunctioning part or system caused the crash.
- Other road users — A negligent driver or other motorist whose actions resulted in a truck jackknifing may be held liable for the accident.
- Government organization — Bad roads and improperly placed road warning signs can lead to crashes.
Attorney David Blackwell will work to identify all parties directly or indirectly responsible for the crash and file an injury claim against their insurance providers.
Compensation for Injuries in a Truck Jackknife Accident
People injured in Indian Land truck accidents may be entitled to claim compensation for:
- Medical and rehabilitative care expenses
- Lost income
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Semi-truck accident lawyer David Blackwell has over 25 years of experience handling personal injury cases in South Carolina. He will identify the at-fault parties in a truck accident case, file claims on your behalf, and seek to negotiate a fair settlement. David Blackwell is prepared to take your case to court if no settlement can be reached. He will file a lawsuit and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to after someone else harmed you in a crash.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents
The fundamentals of jackknifing often involve one part of the truck – usually the cab – suddenly losing traction or speed. This can cause the back of the trailer to swing around, which, if not controlled, leads to jackknifing accidents. Common causes of jackknifing include:
- Oversteering
- Excessive speeding
- Sudden braking leading to locked axles
- Taking curves too fast
- Defective or faulty parts and equipment
- Incorrect cargo loading
- Bad weather
Sometimes, jackknifing crashes are caused by a combination of factors. For example, a tractor-trailer can hydroplane and jackknife if the driver suddenly brakes in inclement weather. This is why you need an experienced lawyer to investigate the cause of the accident.
Call a Truck Accident Lawyer in Indian Land, SC Today
You may have a right to demand compensation for your injuries and suffering if you were injured in a jackknife truck accident caused by the trucker or another entity. The first step is speaking with a knowledgeable personal injury law firm about your legal options.
As an experienced Indian Land truck accident attorney, David Blackwell can prepare your claim and fight to obtain just compensation for you. David Blackwell Law serves victims of truck accidents and residents in Indian Land, Lancaster County, and other nearby South Carolina communities. Contact David Blackwell Law today for a free consultation.