Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer in Nassau County

A jackknife truck accident can cause catastrophic injuries, property damage, and financial struggles. When a large truck folds in on itself, it can create a massive roadway hazard that puts other drivers at risk. If you have been hurt in a commercial truck accident, you may be facing hospital bills, lost income, and physical pain.

Our team at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. can help. We fight for truck accident victims in Nassau County, providing them with the legal support they need to pursue fair compensation. We understand the challenges you are facing and are committed to seeking justice. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.

Why Should You Hire an Attorney After an Accident with a Jackknifed Truck?

A jackknife truck accident can leave victims with life-changing injuries. Trucking companies and their insurers move fast to protect themselves, making it harder for victims to get the compensation they need. A jackknife truck accident attorney can assist by investigating the crash, collecting evidence, and building a strong case on your behalf. Hiring an attorney means you have someone fighting for you while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

Insurance companies may pressure you to accept a low settlement. They might argue that you were partially responsible or downplay your injuries. Without legal representation, you could end up receiving far less than what you deserve. A jackknife truck accident lawyer can handle negotiations and, if necessary, take your case to court to demand full and fair compensation.

How Can The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. Help with Your Claim?

Our team at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. understands how overwhelming a truck accident can be. That’s why we are dedicated to providing compassionate yet aggressive representation for our clients as we demand full and timely compensation. Throughout your truck accident case, our team will handle every aspect, including:

• Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident scene
• Gathering statements from witnesses and police reports
• Reviewing trucking company records and driver logs to look for violations
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts to figure out who was responsible
• Negotiating with insurance companies for maximum compensation
• Filing a truck accident lawsuit if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement

Let us protect your rights after a truck wreck so you can put all your efforts into getting better.

Who Is Liable for a Jackknife Truck Accident?

Determining fault is key to recovering compensation after a truck crash. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to determine who is responsible for a jackknife truck accident in Nassau County. This is because there are several potentially liable parties, including:

The Truck Driver

Truckers have a responsibility to drive safely. If a truck driver is speeding, distracted, or too tired to react properly, they can be responsible for the collision. Many jackknife accidents happen because a driver brakes too hard or loses control, often due to reckless driving or fatigue. Drivers who ignore traffic laws, fail to adjust for road conditions, or take risks like texting while driving may be at fault for a crash.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies are responsible for their employees’ actions. They must hire qualified drivers. They are also required to provide proper training and ensure their vehicles are in safe working condition. However, some companies prioritize profits over safety. If a company forces drivers to work long hours without enough rest, fails to maintain the truck, or skips important safety checks, they could be held liable for a jackknife accident.

For example, if worn-out brakes contributed to the crash and the company failed to replace them, they could be responsible for the injured party’s losses. Additionally, trucking companies must follow federal regulations that limit how many hours a driver can be on the road before taking a break. If a company pressures a driver to exceed these limits, leading to driver fatigue and a crash, they could share the blame.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Sometimes, a jackknife accident isn’t the driver’s fault at all. If a mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes, defective tires, or a malfunctioning steering system, caused the collision, the manufacturer may be liable. Trucks are complex machines with many components. Even a small defect can have catastrophic consequences. If investigators discover that a faulty or poorly designed part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer or seller could be held responsible.

Cargo Loaders

Not loading cargo evenly and at the right capacity can also contribute to a jackknife accident. If the weight inside the trailer is unbalanced or the cargo shifts suddenly, it can cause the truck to lose stability. In some cases, the driver has no way of knowing the cargo was improperly loaded until it’s too late. The responsibility for correctly loading a truck may fall on a separate team. If they fail to do their job correctly, they could be liable for the crash.

Compensation You Can Recover After a Jackknife Accident

Depending on the circumstances and extent of their injuries, victims of jackknife truck accidents can seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses, both immediate and in the future
• Lost wages if they cannot work due to their truck accident injuries
• Loss of future earnings if their injuries make it impossible to return to work
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage, including the cost of repairing or replacing their vehicle

An experienced truck accident attorney can pursue the full amount you are owed.

How Do Jackknife Truck Accidents Happen?

Jackknife truck accidents can be dangerous, blocking multiple lanes of traffic and causing severe injuries or even fatalities. Many factors may contribute to a jackknife accident, including driver error, road conditions, or mechanical failures. Some of the most common causes of these truck accidents include:

Speeding

Driving above the speed limit is one of the most common reasons a truck might jackknife. When a truck moves at high speeds, stopping safely becomes much more challenging. If a driver suddenly slams on the brakes, the cab slows down, but the trailer may keep moving forward. This can cause the truck to fold in on itself, creating a dangerous jackknife accident. The faster a large commercial vehicle goes, the less control the driver has, making jackknifing more likely.

Poor Weather Conditions

Bad weather, like thick fog, heavy rain, or icy roads, can make driving much more dangerous. For truck drivers, staying in control becomes a real challenge. When roads are slippery, tires have a harder time gripping the surface. If a driver brakes suddenly or makes a sharp turn, the trailer can swing out, leading to a serious collision.

Even experienced drivers can have trouble keeping a truck steady in bad weather. If a driver doesn’t adjust their speed or braking technique when the roads are wet or icy, a jackknife accident can happen in seconds.

Improper Braking

Trucks need plenty of time to come to a complete stop. Braking too hard or suddenly, especially on a downhill slope, can cause the trailer to swing out of alignment. If a driver doesn’t use the correct braking technique, the truck’s back end can skid and lose control. This is why truck drivers are trained to brake gradually, especially when carrying heavy loads. But if a driver makes a mistake or doesn’t react quickly enough, they can easily cause a jackknife crash.

Driver Fatigue

Truckers often spend long hours on the road, sometimes driving through the night to meet deadlines. However, fatigue is a serious problem in the trucking industry. When a driver is exhausted, their reaction time slows, and they may struggle to respond quickly in an emergency. A tired driver might brake too late, turn too sharply, or lose focus for just a second – enough time for the truck to jackknife.

Poor Truck Maintenance

Trucking companies and drivers must keep their vehicles in safe working condition to prevent crashes on the road. When trucks aren’t properly maintained, mechanical failures can cause serious problems. Worn-out brakes, old tires with little tread, or faulty steering components can make it difficult to control a truck, increasing the risk of jackknifing. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential. But some companies cut corners to save money, putting everyone on the road at risk.

Get in Touch with Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Nassau County for Assistance

If you suffer injuries in a jackknife truck accident, our team at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. is ready to stand by your side. Truck accident claims can be challenging, but you do not have to go through this process alone. Our legal team will handle all the paperwork, negotiations, and legal challenges so you can focus on your recovery. We know how stressful this situation is. Between medical bills and figuring out how to move forward, it can feel like too much to handle. That’s why we are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call us or contact us online for a free legal consultation with a dedicated Nassau County truck accident lawyer. Let us help you pursue the financial recovery you need after your collision.