Jackknife accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and damage as a tractor-trailer folds and swings across traffic. If you were injured in a jackknife truck accident in Austin, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
An Austin jackknife truck accident lawyer at Dow Law Firm can help you hold the truck driver and/or trucking company fully accountable for the accident. We have extensive experience handling all types of truck accident cases and are here to help you get justice. Call us today in Austin, Texas, to schedule a free case consultation.
Why Hire Dow Law Firm for My Austin Jackknife Truck Accident Claim
After a jackknife accident, you need an Austin truck accident lawyer who can help you uncover what happened, who’s responsible, and how much they owe you.
Clients across Austin, TX, choose Dow Law Firm because:
- Our attorneys have recovered millions for victims of car and truck accidents.
- We routinely handle complex truck accident claims and achieve favorable results for our clients.Â
- We can come to your location to get started investigating and processing your claim.Â
- We provide responsive communication and personalized representation.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact our Austin jackknife accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights.
How an Attorney Can Strengthen Your Truck Accident Case
Truck accident cases require detailed investigations into what went wrong and a keen understanding of the trucking industry and its regulations. Determining why a truck jackknifed often involves analyzing the driver’s actions, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance before the crash.
An attorney may strengthen your case by:
- Reviewing accident reports and witness statements
- Securing driver logs and trucking company records
- Examining truck maintenance and inspection history
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts to determine how the jackknife happened
- Evaluating medical evidence and your treatment needs
- Negotiating with insurance companies in pursuit of a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit if fair compensation is not offered
Having an attorney also prevents trucking companies and insurers from pressuring you into an unfair settlement or blaming you for the incident.
What is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when a tractor-trailer folds at the hitch between the cab and trailer, forming a sharp angle that resembles a folding pocketknife. When this happens, the trailer can swing across multiple lanes of traffic and collide with nearby vehicles.
Several factors can cause a truck to jackknife, including:
- Sudden or improper braking
- Slippery road conditions
- Speeding/aggressive driving
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Mechanical failures in the braking system
These accidents often lead to severe collisions and multi-car pile-ups. Drivers in nearby cars often have little time to react when a large trailer suddenly blocks the roadway. Not surprisingly, victims of jackknife accidents commonly suffer injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and other serious harm.
Damages Available in a Jackknife Accident Claim
Victims of jackknife truck accidents may pursue compensation for all the losses caused by the crash, especially those that are financial and personal in nature.
A successful truck accident claim may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses (including future treatment costs)
- Lost wages if you can’t return to work right away
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to the same position
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related losses
Importantly, jackknife accidents often involve multiple liable parties. Identifying all sources of compensation and liability can ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation for your claim.
Contact an Austin Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer for Help
You deserve an advocate after a jackknife accident. An Austin jackknife truck accident lawyer at Dow Law Firm can be your voice and demand compensation from the driver or company responsible for your injuries.
Contact Dow Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you after a truck accident.