It's very frightening when a truck jackknifes. One minute, traffic seems to be going smoothly. A second later, a hazardous situation occurs and can lead to devastating or often fatal injuries.
An experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer at Vaughan & Vaughan helps people hurt in these collisions recover the financial compensation they deserve. Find out more about how we can assist you by calling or completing our online contact form.
When do You Get Compensation for a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife truck accident is when a semi-truck trailer folds in, forming a "V" shape with the cab. This situation can cause the trailer to swerve sideways on the road, and the driver often loses complete control of the truck.
These accidents make up a small portion of the hundreds of thousands of truck collisions reported annually by the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). However, cars often become trapped and crushed between the truck's cab and trailer, resulting in property damage and injuries.
If someone else caused your collision, you might be able to secure funds to cover your losses. In addition, your Indiana jackknife truck accident attorney can look for signs of negligence surrounding your wreck.
What Damages do You Get from a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Drivers hurt in a jackknife truck collision may have a chance to receive funds to cover their medical expenses. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could get financial coverage for the following:
- Emergency medical care
- Time in a hospital
- Surgeries and other procedures
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Medications
An Indiana jackknife truck accident lawyer may also help you recover damages for your lost wages, diminished earning potential, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering.
You can even turn to us if you lost a family member in a jackknife truck collision. Our wrongful death legal team is ready to provide you with compassionate care and attention for all your legal needs.
Why do Jackknife Accidents Happen in Indiana?
A truck can jackknife for many reasons. The driver may follow another vehicle too closely and slam on the brakes, causing the wheels to lock. Improper braking when maneuvering around an obstacle or turning can lead to jackknifing.
Another cause can be decelerating when making a turn. A jackknife accident can also occur on a wet or slippery road. Semi-truck drivers should receive training to avoid jackknifing in different situations.
They should pay close attention to the road, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, follow speed limits, and brake according to conditions. A single act of negligence can lead to a jackknifing accident that seriously hurts people.
We Investigate Driver Negligence
Examples of driver negligence that lead to jackknifing include distracted driving, speeding, improper braking, driving recklessly, or driving while fatigued. Your jackknife truck accident lawyer in Indiana can dig into the actions of the driver by:
- Speaking with witnesses
- Going over your police report
- Visiting the scene of the accident
- Contacting jackknife accident experts
Note that we don’t always file a claim against the truck driver. The truck company may also bear some responsibility. For example, it may have failed to train the driver properly or ignored past traffic violations on the driver's record.
Why Work with a Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney?
A jackknife accident can cause serious injuries; these include broken bones, concussions, nerve damage, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injuries. Recovery can take months or years.
Fortunately, you can get help by contacting a jackknife truck accident attorney in Indiana. Trucking companies and insurance companies have lawyers looking out for their best interests.
That's why you need an experienced truck accident attorney looking out for you. Our firm has been helping the injured in Indiana since 1913. We have generations of
results for our clients through negotiated settlements and jury verdicts.
Reasons to Choose Our Jackknife Truck Accident Team
Our firm can investigate your accident to find out what happened. In addition, we can seek access to evidence in possession of the trucking company, such as hiring records, hours of service (HOS) logs, and black box data.
We can review police reports and medical records and interview witnesses. If needed, we can consult with an accident reconstruction expert. As a result, we know how to build a strong case that proves your jackknife accident resulted from negligence.
We can demand financial compensation for the damages you have suffered. And if the insurance company won't agree to a settlement that meets your needs, we're ready to fight for you in court. Find out more with an Indiana jackknife truck accident lawyer.
How Long do You Have to File a Jackknife Accident Claim?
The
statute of limitations in Indiana generally gives you about two years to file a claim after a jackknife collision. However, in some cases, the state reduces your time to move forward with your claim.
Your Indiana jackknife truck accident attorney can keep track of critical deadlines in your case while you recover, ensuring you don’t miss any important dates.
Our team also answers any questions that you have throughout the entirety of your claim. We’re ready to stand with you from the date of your accident until the final resolution of your claim.
Speak to Our Team After a Jackknife Truck Accident in Indiana
Jackknife accidents are serious. If you sustained an injury, demand justice by contacting our law firm. An experienced Indiana jackknife truck accident lawyer can step in to help you with every aspect of your case.
Start working with our team at Vaughan & Vaughan today. Call us or complete our online contact form to learn more.
