The violent impact of a jackknife truck accident almost always leads to severe injuries or tragic fatalities, shattering lives in an instant. If you or a family member has been hurt in a truck accident in the Dallas area, you have a right to seek compensation for your injuries. At Aldous Law, our attorneys understand how complex commercial truck accident cases can be. Our truck accident attorneys have extensive experience in handling these kinds of claims. We’re here to listen, learn about your accident, and build a strong legal strategy that fits your needs.
Ready to talk? Call (214) 526-5595 or reach out to us online for your free consultation with a Dallas jackknife accident lawyer from Aldous Law.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Jackknife accidents are among the most dangerous types of truck accidents. When a truck jackknifes, the trailer swings out to the side, creating a 90-degree angle with the cab of the truck. This can cause a truck to skid out of control and collide with other vehicles in its path. In catastrophic cases, the truck may even roll over.
How Jackknife Accidents Happen
Many jackknife accidents are caused by a combination of human error and mechanical failure. For example, a truck driver who is speeding may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. The driver may then slam on the brakes, causing the wheels to lock up and the trailer to swing out to the side. If the truck is not properly maintained, the brakes may not be in good working order or may not be properly adjusted. In some cases, the brakes may even fail.
Common Causes of Jackknife Collisions
Jackknife accidents can be caused by many factors, including:
- Truck driver error
- Improper braking
- Speeding/too fast for conditions
- Aggressive/reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Driver fatigue
- Overloaded trucks/unbalanced cargo
Truck jackknifes can also be caused by other factors, such as poor weather conditions (e.g., rain, ice, snow) and defective brakes or other truck parts. In some cases, the trucking company may be at fault.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Jackknife Accidents
Victims of jackknife truck accidents often suffer severe injuries due to the massive force and unpredictability of these crashes. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Severe cuts, burns, and lacerations
- Long-term disabilities or catastrophic injuries
- Fatalities in the most extreme cases
Who Is Liable in a Dallas Jackknife Accident?
Determining liability for a jackknife accident can be challenging. In many cases, multiple parties share liability, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the truck manufacturer. In some cases, a third party may also be at fault.
The following parties may be held liable for a jackknife accident:
- The truck driver: If the truck driver was negligent in any way, he or she may be held liable for the accident. For example, if the truck driver was speeding, driving too fast for conditions, or following the vehicle in front of the truck too closely, he or she may be at fault. Likewise, if the truck driver was distracted, fatigued, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he or she may be held liable for the accident.
- The trucking company: In some cases, the trucking company may be held liable for an accident. For example, if the trucking company failed to properly maintain the truck or failed to properly train the truck driver, the company may be held liable for the accident. Likewise, if the truck driver is an employee of the trucking company and was acting within the course and scope of his or her employment at the time of the accident, the trucking company may be held vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence.
- The truck manufacturer: If the truck or any of its components were defective, the manufacturer of the truck or truck part may be held liable for the accident. For example, if the truck’s brakes were defective, the manufacturer of the brakes may be held liable for the accident.
How a Dallas Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a jackknife accident, you may be unsure of what to do next. If you sustained serious injuries or lost a loved one, the last thing you want to worry about is dealing with the insurance company. However, it is important to take action as soon as possible. The sooner you get in touch with our attorneys, the sooner we can get to work on your case. We have a proven track record of success handling even the most complex personal injury and wrongful death cases.
When you trust your case to our team, you can expect the following and more:
- Personalized legal services: As a small firm, we are able to provide our clients with the one-on-one attention and individualized legal services they deserve. We will take the time to get to know you, understand your situation, and help you determine the best course of action.
- Aggressive advocacy: We are known for our fierce advocacy on behalf of the injured and the wronged. We are not afraid to take on large corporations, and we are not afraid to take cases to court. Our attorneys are skilled litigators with a proven track record of success.
- Long-term relationships: We are not just in it for the short term. We are committed to building long-term relationships with our clients based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. We will be here for you when you need us most.
If you have questions about your legal rights and how we can help, do not hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation. We serve clients throughout Texas and beyond.
What to Do After a Jackknife Truck Accident in Dallas
- Call 911 immediately and get medical help even if injuries are not obvious
- Take photos of the scene and collect contact information from any witnesses
- Hold onto important documents like including police reports and crash evidence
- Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer
- Reach out to an experienced truck accident attorney to protect your rights
Damages You May Be Entitled To Recover
After a jackknife truck accident in Dallas, you can seek compensation for the full range of losses you've suffered if another's negligence caused the crash. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all costs for your treatment, from emergency care and hospital stays to ongoing therapy, medications, and any future medical needs related to your injuries.
- Lost Income: You can claim wages you've already missed due to your injuries. If your ability to work or earn money in the future is permanently affected, you can also seek compensation for that reduced earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, emotional distress (like anxiety or PTSD), and the loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal items damaged in the crash.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If the accident resulted in a fatality, family members can claim funeral costs, loss of the deceased's financial support, and compensation for the loss of companionship and guidance.
An experienced legal team like Aldous Law will help you identify and calculate all these damages to pursue the full compensation you deserve.
How Jackknife Accidents Differ from Other Truck Accidents
Jackknife crashes can be especially dangerous because the trailer can swing out and block multiple lands of traffic, often leading to multi-vehicle pileups. Accidents like these tend to involve mechanical problems and cargo issues, making it harder to determine who is responsible- especially compared to more straight forward crashes like rear-end or single-vehicle collisions.
Time Limits for Filing a Jackknife Truck Accident Claim in Texas
If you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit after a jackknife truck accident, it’s important to understand the strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. Missing these deadlines, known as the statute of limitations, means you could permanently lose your right to seek compensation, regardless of how strong your case.Â
- Personal Injury Claims: In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the jackknife truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to claims for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Wrongful Death Claims: If a jackknife accident tragically results in a fatality, the deadline for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is typically two years from the date of the deceased's passing, not necessarily the date of the accident itself.
- Minors: If the injured party was under 18 at the time of the accident, the two-year period to file a personal injury lawsuit usually doesn't begin until they turn 18. This means they generally have until their 20th birthday to file.
Why Choose Aldous Law for Your Jackknife Truck Accident Case?
At Aldous Law, we’re committed to helping people who have been injured in a jackknife truck accident. We bring a mix of compassionate support and strong legal representation to every case. With over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, we have the experience and resources to handle even the toughest trucking cases. We understand the unique challenges of trucking cases and will stand with you every step of the way to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a jackknife accident, don’t wait—contact our Dallas office today to schedule your free consultation and discuss your case.
