California Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney
Jackknife accidents can be devastating, spanning multiple lanes of traffic with the capacity to cause multi-car pileups that can injure many motorists at once. A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a large truck pivots at its hitch, swiveling up to the truck cab and subsequently shifts into adjacent lanes of traffic, forming the well-known "V" shape seen in some Hollywood action movies. The complexity and severity of these catastrophic accidents are best dealt with a California jackknife truck accident attorney who is already experienced in this area of expertise.
Jackknife accidents happen suddenly, often after the truck driver swiftly applies the brakes in order to avoid a collision further up the road. Nearby drivers usually do not have the time necessary to react against these accidents, or do not have the wide space necessary to maneuver due to typical density of traffic. Sadly, these types of accidents are usually preventable and are caused by a variety of easily avoidable circumstances.
Inattentive drivers that hit the brakes hard after being distracted by a phone, sleepiness, or daydreaming may also cause semi truck jackknife accidents. Sleep deprivation is a shockingly common occurrence among truck drivers, with a recent study showing 1 out of 4 truck drivers admit to have fallen asleep at the wheel in the past month alone. Being under the influence of drugs, especially stimulants such as methamphetamines is common due to the pressure of meeting deadlines and the insufficient time truck drivers are given to carry loads to their destinations. These factors are commonly the cause of jackknife accidents in California and throughout the United States.
Sometimes it is not the truck driver's fault but that of faulty truck equipment such as brake failure of some kind, or steering malfunctions. To put profit over people, many trucking companies fail the necessary maintenance required and truck drivers fall victim to inadequately safe trucks. In these cases it is crucial to have a product defect attorney specializing in jackknife truck accidents in California.
When a jackknifed truck bends at such a dramatic angle, taking up several lanes of traffic, severe injuries and death, as well as vast amounts of property damage are common. You can help improve truck safety laws and lower the occurrence of jackknife accidents by hiring a jackknife attorney after your accident to get the compensation you deserve.
Since 1978, our firm has had the expertise in successfully settling claims against jackknife accidents and related truck accidents. Truck drivers and the trucking industry have a responsibility to operate their vehicles in a safe and careful manner.
Our clients:
- Can reach our offices or attorneys at extended hours throughout the day.
- Are not required to provide us with out-of-pocket money - we will only be compensated when your case is won.
- Do not have to drive to us for a free consultation if injured, we can come to your home or hospital bed.
- Can schedule an initial free consultation with us anytime, free.
Our attorneys have a track record of success in California truck accident cases including:
- $3,476,250 for a Defective Truck Case
- $1,950,000 for a Truck Accident Case
- $250,000 for a forklift injured a delivery truck driver on a loading dock.
- A U-Haul that caused two Ford Explorers to roll over, fatally injuring a child. We fought for the victims and received a substantial confidential settlement for them.
The big question when involved in a jackknife truck accident in Los Angeles, Orange County, or anywhere else who can be held liable for damages?
The circumstances of the accident will answer these questions, but the usual suspects include:
- The truck driver, the driver's company, or the truck driver's insurance company.
- Manufacturers of defective parts.
- State agents responsible for keeping highways safe and clear.
- Mechanics who installed defective or non-matching parts.
- Operators or owners of other vehicles who, through their negligence, forced the truck driver to take an evasive action that led to the truck jack-knifing.
Our experienced California jackknife truck accident lawyers have the skill and knowledge of what to investigate in your case. Your attorney may find the other driver has a previous unsafe driving record or that the company has a history of failing to properly maintain their trucks. Overall, it is these details that can make or break the case and ensure the compensation that you and your loved ones deserve.
If you have been seriously injured in a California jackknife truck accident:
- Call the California Highway Patrol (911).
- If there are witnesses, take down names and phone numbers. Get statements from everyone at the scene.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Remain at the scene until the authorities arrive.
- Contact an experienced jackknife truck accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure you are protected and receive the best counsel possible.
Call us now for a free consultation: 1-877-854-0004.
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