Due to their sheer size and weight, commercial trucks can easily crush nearby vehicles in a wreck. Jackknife truck accidents are a particularly terrifying type of collision that can cause serious injuries and property damage.
If you or a loved one experienced jackknife truck accidents in Metairie, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a lawsuit. Survivors and those who have lost loved ones in such crashes often suffer from significant trauma as a result. Handling complex litigation and court documents can be overwhelming for survivors. A dedicated truck accident attorney can navigate the legal process on your behalf and fight for your right to compensation while you focus on recovery.
About Jackknife Truck Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when a vehicle with two separate parts folds in on itself at the point of separation. The sections form a 90-degree “V” shape. The hinging effect closely resembles a pocketknife blade folding into its handle while closing.
The injuries resulting from a jackknife truck accident can be catastrophic, potentially leading to fatal or life-changing consequences along with lifelong medical costs and doctor’s appointments. Some common examples include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
In addition to direct collisions, people can get hurt in secondary collisions. When a truck folds and blocks multiple lanes of traffic, other cars may collide if they are caught off guard or attempt to avoid the accident. A lawyer in Metairie could help an injured person pursue fair compensation for injuries resulting from a jackknife truck accident.
The Path to Financial Recovery
People injured in truck accidents can pursue reimbursement through litigation in the court system or by settling with insurance companies. Communicating with insurance companies can be stressful for someone to handle without the assistance of a lawyer who is a trained negotiator. Insurance adjusters often provide settlements that fall short of adequately covering the plaintiff’s losses and injuries. Their primary goal is to protect their company’s assets, so they try to pressure unrepresented plaintiffs to settle quickly for an amount that is far less than they deserve. A lawyer could negotiate a settlement with insurance companies on behalf of an injured person.
Jackknife accidents can be complex since multiple parties and insurance companies are usually involved. In court, a lawyer can advocate for economic and non-economic damages from various defendants before a judge and jury.
Economic damages are actual financial losses the plaintiff incurred due to the accident, such as future and current medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. Non-economic damages are compensation for subjective losses that do not necessarily have a receipt, like pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Strong evidence is especially important to prove that the truck driver, trucking company, or even the truck manufacturer was negligent and responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries. Documenting the scene of a jackknife truck accident in Metairie by taking photographs and gathering contact information from witnesses will provide valuable evidence for a lawyer to prove fault.
Contact an Attorney in Metairie When You are Hurt in a Jackknife Truck Accident
When you are hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Metairie, you may be able to file a claim to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage expenses, and pain and suffering. However, exploring this process is often accompanied by difficult discussions with insurance companies and the trucking company’s lawyers. Determining liability for your claims can be challenging, but our legal team could handle this process for you. Contact us for a consultation today.
