Understanding Jackknife Truck Accidents and Your Legal Rights
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident Case?
A truck accident case involves injuries or property damage caused by large commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers. A jackknife truck accident happens when the truck’s trailer swings out, creating an “L” or “V” shape. These accidents are highly dangerous and often involve multiple vehicles.
How to Secure Compensation After a Truck Accident
To win a truck accident case, you must prove negligence. This involves four key legal elements:
- Duty of Care: The truck driver, trucking company, or another party had a legal responsibility to act safely.
- Breach of Duty: They failed to meet this responsibility by driving recklessly, ignoring safety rules, or neglecting maintenance.
- Causation: Their actions caused the crash and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered losses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
In Colorado, comparative negligence laws apply. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 50% responsible for the accident.
Determining Liability for Jackknife Truck Accidents
Multiple parties may share responsibility for a jackknife truck crash, such as:
- Truck Drivers: Driving errors like speeding or fatigue can lead to jackknife accidents.
- Trucking Companies: Companies may be liable for poor maintenance, unsafe practices, or negligent hiring.
- Manufacturers: Faulty brakes or defective tires can cause accidents.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can destabilize the truck.
What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents?
Jackknife accidents can be caused by such factors as:
- Speeding followed by abrupt and sudden braking
- Not allowing adequate distance for safe stopping
- Tailgating other vehicles
- Sharp turns
- Weather conditions that aversely affect the roads
- Improperly loaded cargo that impacts the vehicle’s balance
- Driving with an empty trailer, which can affect the vehicle’s stability
- Insufficient maintenance of the tractor and trailer
- Driver inexperience or lack of proper training
Steps to Take After a Jackknife Truck Accident
If you’re involved in a truck accident:
- Call 911: Report the accident and seek medical attention.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries.
- Gather Information: Collect contact details from witnesses and the truck driver.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurers Alone: Let your attorney handle communications with insurance companies.
- Contact Jordan Law: Our truck accident attorneys will protect your rights and build a strong case.
Why Choose Jordan Law for Your Truck Accident Case?
Jordan Law is a trusted Colorado personal injury law firm with years of experience handling complex truck accident cases. Here’s why clients choose us:
- Extensive knowledge of Colorado trucking laws
- Proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts
- Compassionate, client-focused service
- Contingency fee policy—no fees unless we win your case!