Jackknife truck accidents happen when a semi-truck’s tractor and trailer, connected by a fifth wheel, fold toward one another like a pocketknife closing. As the parts of a large truck swing toward each other, they can hit other cars. A jackknifing semi-truck may also roll over as the truck driver loses control. Far too often, jackknife crashes cause serious injuries to other motorists.
If you were hurt in a jackknife truck accident, David Blackwell Law can help you seek compensation from the liable parties. We know how a severe injury can affect your life, well-being, and future. Let us help you pursue the money you need to heal and move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Lancaster, SC, truck accident attorney.
We serve clients across South Carolina, including Indian Land, Fort Mill, and Rock Hill.
What to Do After a Jackknife Accident in Lancaster, SC
Motor vehicle accidents can be scary and stressful. The actions you take in the days and weeks following your crash can affect your health and claim for compensation. Doing the following can protect you and help with your case:
- Collect evidence – If you are physically able, collect any evidence you can at the time of the crash, including photos of the accident scene, the names and contact information of involved parties and eyewitnesses, and the truck driver’s insurance information and commercial driver’s license (CDL) number.
- Seek medical treatment – If you did not receive emergency treatment when the accident occurred, do so immediately. Seeing a doctor prevents undiagnosed or worsening injuries and creates a medical record for your truck accident case. Record your medical care, bills, and other accident-related expenses.
- Contact insurance companies – You should notify your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer as soon as possible about the crash. But be careful what you say to insurance adjusters. Do not admit fault, agree to give a recorded statement, or accept an initial (often lowball) settlement offer.
- Reach out to a truck accident lawyer – Truck accident cases can be complex, and it helps to have a lawyer familiar with commercial vehicle collision claims on your side. Our attorney can represent you against the trucking company, insurance company, and other parties and fight for full and fair compensation while you rest and recover.
How Our Attorneys Can Help After a Jackknife Accident
Attorney David Blackwell and the David Blackwell Law team can take the burden of your semi-truck jackknife accident case off your shoulders. Our law firm will:
- Investigate the accident
- Collect evidence, including police reports, eyewitness statements, video footage, and expert testimony
- Demand that the trucking company preserve and share evidence like driver’s logs, alcohol and drug test results, and the truck’s “black box” data recorder
- Draft and file insurance claims and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Aggressively negotiate for maximum compensation
- Protect you from bad-faith insurance tactics and any pressure to accept less money than you deserve
- Prepare a truck accident lawsuit and represent you at trial if necessary
Our team doesn’t just do the legal work. We take a personal approach to every case, developing lasting relationships with our clients and striving to offer them practical support at every stage.
