Kent Jackknife Accidents Lawyer
Washington roadways are filled with commercial trucks, and jackknife accidents are common in the commercial trucking business. These accidents occur when the truck’s trailer and cab swing toward each other, creating a V shape. A jackknife accident can be caused by emergency braking that leads the driver to lose control of the trailer, negligent driving or swerving, poor road conditions, and unsafe driving speed. When a jackknife accident occurs, the swinging trailer may hit vehicles in adjacent lanes.
Many victims of truck-related accidents that involve jackknifing suffer severe injuries and even death. From excessive vehicle damage to injuries that require immediate medical attention, victims can face significant financial losses. However, you might be entitled to compensation for damages after a jackknife accident with a commercial truck. A Kent jackknife accidents lawyer from our firm can help protect your legal rights and fight on your behalf.
A jackknife accident happens when a vehicle pulling another vehicle (such as a commercial truck cab pulling a trailer) skids and the driver cannot correct its path. During the skidding, the trailer swings to the side. At some point, this momentum causes the cab and the trailer to be separated by an angle of ninety degrees or more.
A jackknife accident can lead to potentially disastrous outcomes. For instance, as the trailer swings out, there is a possibility that it will collide with other vehicles. There is also a possibility that the trailer will end up taking up more than one lane, increasing the risk of a collision as drivers attempt to slow down or swerve around it. Trucks that jackknife also have an increased risk of flipping over, resulting in lost cargo or catching fire.
Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Kent, WA
Some of the most common causes of jackknife accidents include:
- Tight turns – Tight turns may result from reckless drivers who fail to follow proper procedures for negotiating corners or intersections.
- Driver fatigue – When drivers get sleepy behind the wheel, they might be unable to evade road hazards or other drivers who get too close to them.
- Distracted driving – Some people text while driving, causing them to ignore traffic signals or make unsafe maneuvers that could lead to an accident.
- Inexperienced drivers – These drivers do not yet know how to handle certain situations on the road and may make incorrect calculations.
- Poor road conditions – Jackknifes can happen when there are poor road conditions such as ice, snow, or any wet surface that makes sudden changes in speed or direction more difficult.
- Speeding – Speeding is when drivers travel beyond the posted speed limit or the maximum safe speed for that road.
- Defective brakes – There may be a problem with the vehicle’s braking system (such as a brake shoe, brake drum, or brake lining), which makes it difficult for the driver to maintain control.
- Overloading – Overloading refers to carrying too much cargo, causing the vehicle to exceed its weight rating and increasing the risk of jackknifing.
If you are injured in a jackknife accident in or around Kent, your recovery will depend on how severe your injuries are. For example, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
Some common injuries from jackknife accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries – These injuries can be severe enough to cause permanent damage or even death.
- Spinal cord injuries – These injuries often cause temporary or permanent paralysis, which means the victim can no longer move a portion of their body (such as their arms or legs).
- Neck injuries – Neck injuries can occur when you are thrown against something hard that bends your neck or forces it to move at an angle.
- Bruises and cuts – Some bruises and cuts can result in long-term scarring.
- Broken bones and fractures – After being involved in a jackknife accident, you may have broken bones or fractures that require medical attention.
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After taking care of your immediate health needs, you may wonder about financial compensation for your injuries. First, you will need to determine if another party was at fault for the accident – liability is crucial for successful financial recovery. Contact a jackknife accident lawyer from our firm for help with this process.
If you were driving a commercial vehicle that jackknifed, we can evaluate if:
- The negligent actions of another driver caused you to jackknife
- Your employer required you to drive longer hours or miles than allowed by law
- Your employer failed to conduct (or did not allow you to conduct) necessary maintenance on the vehicle
- A city or government entity failed to maintain the roadways
If you were driving another vehicle that crashed due to the jackknife, it’s still crucial to identify the cause. You will also want to ensure that your vehicle’s safety features, brakes, and other parts work correctly. Otherwise, the car manufacturer or parts manufacturer may be accountable for the injuries you sustained.
Types of Compensation After a Jackknife Wreck in Kent
Once we can successfully establish fault, our team can pursue financial compensation for your damages. These may include:
- Current and future medical costs
- Property damage
- Loss of income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your Kent truck accident injury lawyer can advise you whether it is best to file a lawsuit for recovery or try to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company outside of court.
If you were involved in a jackknife accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and damages. To determine if you are eligible to receive compensation, we recommend consulting with a personal injury lawyer who has experience with jackknife accident cases. The sooner we meet, the sooner we can get started.
The team at Herschensohn Law can help you understand your legal rights and options after being injured by someone else’s negligence. We will work to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible from the party (or parties) that caused your losses.
To learn more, call us today at (206) 588-4344 for your free consultation.
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
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