When the cab and trailer of a truck are out of sync, the vehicle will sometimes “jackknife.” This causes the two parts to go in different directions and fold up—much like a pocketknife. Usually the result of a driver’s negligence, a jackknife accident is extremely serious and can lead to massive pileups that can harm you and your passengers.
If you were hurt in a jackknife accident in Baton Rouge, you deserve fair compensation for your losses. To better understand your options, speak with a dedicated truck accident attorney today. Our team at Tomeny | Best Injury Lawyers understands how to handle these cases and pursue justice on your behalf.
What is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife accident is a unique hazard associated with semi-trucks. Commercial trucks are composed of two separate parts; a trailer and a cab, which can move independently of one another. The trailer and cab are meant to operate in sync, so when they move separately, this can cause the trailer and cab to fold up on one another. This is the “jackknife.”
As a seasoned Baton Rouge attorney can attest to, jackknife crashes often have severe impacts simply because of the sheer size of semi-trucks. There is significant potential that the trailer will cross lanes of traffic, hitting cars in its path. A truck can also spread across a multiple-lane highway, affecting traffic behind it and even causing pile-ups on major highways.
What Causes Jackknife Accidents?
A jackknife wreck can have many causes, many of which are avoidable if not for the driver’s negligence. Potential causes of jackknife accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Speeding and reckless operation
- Curvy roads at high speeds
- Failure to pay attention to blind spots
- Tire blowouts
- Mechanical defects or lack of maintenance
- Slippery roads or other dangerous road conditions
- Empty or unbalanced trailers
- Distracted driving
While many other potential causes exist for this kind of accident, these represent some common ways a jackknife accident might happen. When these crashes do occur, there is a real danger to others on the road. A Baton Rouge attorney can look into a particular jackknife accident case to determine the cause, identify the responsible party, and hold them legally and financially accountable.
Filing Deadlines in a Jackknife Truck Accident Case
A jackknife truck accident falls within the purview of a personal injury claim in most situations. Louisiana’s Civil Code § 3492 states that a claim must be filed within one year of the jackknife truck accident. The time after an accident can go quickly, so it is crucial to get legal help as soon as possible. Once the deadline passes, an injured person will be unable to recover any compensation at all. A Baton Rouge lawyer can jump into action after a jackknife truck crash, interviewing witnesses, collecting camera footage, and negotiating with insurance adjusters on behalf of the injured driver.
Work with a Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney in Baton Rouge
Dealing with the aftermath of a jackknife truck accident in Baton Rouge can be difficult. You are likely in a great deal of pain, and medical bills pile up quickly.
You deserve tenacious representation from a dedicated lawyer. Contact us at Tomeny | Best Injury Lawyers to learn more about what we could do for you. We are ready to fight for the payments you need and deserve.
