Jackknife accidents are among the most destructive crashes involving big trucks. They can lead to severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. These accidents happen when a truck’s trailer swings out at a sharp angle from the cab, like a snapping jackknife. The massive size and weight of these trucks turn them into road hazards for everyone around.
If you were injured in a jackknife accident in Lawrenceville, GA, Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys is here to help. With 18 years of experience and millions recovered for our clients, we know how to handle the most complex truck accident cases.
Contact our law firm today at (678) 446-3655 for a free consultation with a skilled Lawrenceville truck accident lawyer.
How Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You After a Jackknife Accident in Lawrenceville, GA
After a jackknife truck accident, having an experienced Lawrenceville personal injury lawyer by your side can make all the difference.
Here’s how Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys can help:
- Investigating: We will review accident reports, gather additional evidence, and interview witnesses.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurers often try to minimize payouts. We’ll negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
- Proving Liability: Identifying the responsible parties is crucial. We’ll work to determine who’s to blame for the accident—the driver, the trucking company, or someone else.
In some cases, the liable party may try to dispute your claim or downplay your injuries. We will fight to ensure that you’re fully compensated for your losses. Call our law office in Lawrenceville, Georgia, for a free case review to learn more.
Why Do Jackknife Accidents Happen?
Several factors contribute to jackknife accidents, including:
- Brake Issues: Trucks require a significant amount of stopping time. Malfunctioning or poorly maintained brakes can lead to jackknifing.
- Road Conditions: Wet, icy, or gravel-covered roads can lead to jackknife accidents.
- Driver Error: Fatigue, inattention, or recklessness can quickly lead to a loss of control. Speeding, sudden braking, or sharp turns are all common mistakes.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Unsecured or unevenly distributed cargo can cause instability.
Some or all of these factors may be responsible for your injuries.
Common Injuries Sustained in Jackknife Accidents
The sheer force and impact of a large truck colliding with a passenger vehicle can result in serious trauma, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries can lead to long-term impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken Bones: The force involved in a jackknife accident can lead to fractures.
- Internal Injuries: The impact can cause damage to internal organs.
Psychological conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also common.
What to Do After a Jackknife Accident in Lawrenceville, GA
If you’ve been involved in a jackknife accident in Lawrenceville, here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, always see a doctor to get a full evaluation.
- Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement to obtain an official accident report.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene (including the truck, your vehicle, road conditions, and injuries) – but only if you can do so safely.
- Collect Information: Get the contact details of the truck driver, any witnesses, and the trucking company. Also, take note of the truck’s license plate number and any logos or identifying features.
A knowledgeable jackknife accident lawyer in Lawrenceville can guide you through the process.
Proving Liability in a Jackknife Accident Case
Proving liability after a jackknife accident can be challenging, as several parties may be involved.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver’s negligence, such as speeding or driving while distracted, led to the accident, they could be liable.
- The Trucking Company: Companies must hire qualified drivers and maintain their fleet. If poor maintenance or negligent hiring practices contributed to the accident, the company could be accountable.
- The Cargo Loaders: If improperly loaded cargo caused the trailer to swing out of control, those responsible for securing the load may be at fault.
- Parts Manufacturers: If brakes, tires, or other parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
Determining fault is key to securing full compensation for your injuries and damages.
What Compensation Is Available After a Jackknife Accident in Lawrenceville, Georgia?
Victims of jackknife accidents are entitled to compensation for their losses, including:
- Medical Expenses: Immediate medical care as well as future treatment, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be compensated for lost income, including any future lost earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: You can be compensated for your physical and emotional trauma.
You can also claim compensation for fixing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property.
Contact Our Lawrenceville Jackknife Accident Attorney For a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife accident in Lawrenceville, GA, don’t wait to seek legal help. Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys is here for you. We understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. Contact our Lawrenceville truck accident attorney today for a complimentary consultation.