Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas, NV

Jackknife accidents happen when a commercial truck loses traction, causing the cab and trailer to skid sideways and fold together at the hitch, similar to a pocketknife closing. When this happens, the out-of-control truck may sweep across the road and collide with other vehicles. Jackknife accidents are extremely dangerous and may cause severe or fatal injury accidents.

If you were injured in a collision involving a jackknifed truck in Las Vegas, contact Sam & Ash Injury Law. We have helped injured people recover significant compensation from truck accident injury claims. We believe you deserve What’s Right and should know your attorney on a first-name basis. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your truck accident and legal options.

Why Hire Our Las Vegas Jackknife Truck Accident Attorneys

We are committed to helping people injured in truck accidents in Las Vegas seek justice and fair compensation when others are at fault. We know how important your case is to you. Contact attorneys with years of personal injury experience and offer personalized legal representation. Here are a few things that make us stand out:

  • Forceful representation – We are not afraid of trucking companies or insurance companies. We know their tactics. We recognize that your bills may be piling up if you have missed weeks of work while recovering from serious injuries. We will fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve, and we’re prepared to take the trucking company to court if necessary.
  • Practical experience – One of our partners, Ash Watkins, is a former insurance company defense lawyer. Her understanding of how insurance companies operate and approach injury claims gives us an edge when negotiating our client settlements.
  • Our record speaks for itself – We have secured millions of dollars for our clients and will fight for the full value of your claim.
  • Cutting-edge systems – The less time we spend on administrative tasks, the more time we have to help you. One of our partners, Sam Mirejovsky, co-founded CASEpeer, a new client-management system that firms nationwide have embraced. Our technological edge helps us keep our focus on your case.
  • No fees unless you win – We know the financial stress you are feeling and do not want to add to it. We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not owe us any fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
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What Is Jackknifing?

Jackknife accidents occur due to braking issues or a loss of traction, causing the trailer swings to one side. As the trailer pivots on the hitch and moves toward the truck, it could hit or crush anything in its path.

What Causes a Truck to Jackknife?

A truck’s momentum keeps the trailer in line behind the cab as it moves forward. When a truck loses traction or the cab and trailer brake unevenly, the momentum of the trailer cause the cab and trailer to swing to one side.

A truck driver’s braking error or careless driving may lead to a jackknife accident. The possible contributing factors to a jackknife accident include:

  • Distracted driving – Distracted drivers are slower to recognize potential dangers around them. If a truck driver is distracted, the driver may not see or recognize a hazard in time and slam on the brakes, causing the truck to skid out of control.
  • Inexperienced or unqualified truck drivers – Experienced truck drivers know how to correct a skid. If a truck driver has not received adequate training to handle a commercial vehicle or has limited driving experience, the driver may not know how to correct a jackknife skid and bring a truck to a stop.
  • Drowsy driving – Many drivers disregard federal hours of service regulations limiting how many hours truck drivers can be behind the wheel daily and weekly. Dangerously fatigued truck drivers are likelier to make mistakes, lose control, and cause a jackknife accident.
  • Speeding – Truck drivers who are speeding or driving too fast for the road conditions have less time to respond to a hazard and brake safely. Gradual braking is crucial if a truck driver wants to avoid jackknifing. Otherwise, the truck’s axles might lock up and launch into a skid, leading to a jackknife accident.
  • Truck brake failure – Semi-truck brakes require regular inspection and adjustment to function properly. A lack of proper maintenance or a mechanical defect can cause a truck’s brakes to fail and the truck to jackknife.
  • Impaired driving – An impaired driver might fail to recognize an obstacle or vehicle in the truck’s path until it is too late to slow down safely. When the driver slams on the brakes or hits something in the truck’s path, the trailer might jackknife and cause additional damage.

Common Jackknife Truck Accident Injuries

Jackknife truck accidents frequently cause severe injuries, such as:

Who Is Liable for a Jackknife Truck Accident?

Those potentially liable in a jackknife truck accident case include:

  • The truck driver – A significant number of jackknife truck accidents occur due to driver error. If a truck driver brakes too hard, drives too fast, or does not remain alert to changes in traffic and road conditions, the driver may lose control, leading to a jackknife accident.
  • The trucking company – Trucking companies have a duty to hire responsible and qualified drivers. If a trucking company knowingly hires an unqualified driver or fails to check a driver’s background, the company could be legally liable if the driver causes a jackknife crash.
  • The truck’s manufacturer – If a truck’s brakes fail because of a design or manufacturing defect, the manufacturer may be liable for a jackknife accident.
  • Maintenance workers – All commercial vehicles have regular maintenance requirements to reduce the chances of an accident. Maintenance workers can be liable if they ignore the requirements or fail to make necessary repairs.
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What Damages Can You Recover After a Jackknife Crash?

You can break your compensation from a jackknife accident claim into two categories:

  • Economic damages
  • Non-economic damages

Your economic damages are the direct financial losses related to a jackknife accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, reduced future earnings, and repairs to your damaged car. Save all your receipts after a jackknife accident to maximize your potential economic damages.

Your non-economic damages are the intangible effects of a jackknife accident, such as your emotional distress and anguish, physical pain, and diminished quality of life. Our jackknife accident attorneys can assess your economic and non-economic losses from a truck crash and build a strong case for compensation for all your losses.

A truck accident lawyer can review the specific details of the accident that injured you and tell you more about the types of compensation you may claim.

How Can a Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Our jackknife truck accident attorneys can help with your case in the following ways:

  • Investigate the crash – Evidence is essential to building a strong case for compensation after a jackknife accident. Our lawyers and investigators will review accident reports, medical records, crash scene photos, and other evidence to determine who might be liable for your injuries.
  • Document your injuries – We can use your medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence to show the full extent of your injuries and medical expenses from the accident.
  • File your claim – We will take care of all the legal work in your case so that you can focus on your medical treatment and other matters.
  • Negotiate a settlement – We can talk to the insurance companies on your behalf. Our knowledge of how insurance companies handle claims gives you a better chance of recovering full compensation.
  • Take your case to court – Most insurance companies prefer to reach a settlement rather than risk going to trial. However, if an insurance company tries to place the blame on you or offers a lowball settlement, we will not be afraid to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.

Get in Touch with a Las Vegas Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney

Our Las Vegas truck accident lawyers have seen the devastation that jackknife accidents can cause. Don’t let the carelessness of a truck driver or trucking company leave you with uncertainty. Let the caring attorneys at Sam & Ash Injury Law help you seek full compensation for your injuries and losses. Call/text us at 702-820-1234 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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