Jackknife accidents are among the most dangerous commercial truck accidents. When a jackknife accident occurs, the trailer may sweep across the road as the cab and trailer fold together. The trailer can cause catastrophic damage if it hits approaching passenger vehicles. The accident scene can be complex. People injured in Lafayette jackknife truck accidents often struggle for months afterward with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and a decline in their quality of life.
Trust The Thibeaux Firm to protect your future after a jackknife truck accident in Lafayette. A Lafayette truck accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you need while you rest and heal. Attorney Omar Thibeaux understands what’s at stake for you and will fight to recover full and fair compensation to help you move forward. Call or complete our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced jackknife truck accident attorney.
How Can The Thibeaux Firm Help You After a Jackknife Accident in Lafayette?
At The Thibeaux Firm, we understand your need for effective legal representation and financial relief when jackknife crashes happen. The law firm is based in Lafayette, so we know the area and the local courts. People all over Louisiana know firm founder Omar Thibeaux as “The 25 Percent Attorney.” While many Lafayette personal injury lawyers charge clients 35 to 45 percent of any settlement or recovery, The Thibeaux Firm believes you should keep more of your money. That’s why we charge a flat 25 percent fee if we recover money for you in a truck accident settlement or jury award.
We are understandably proud of the testimonials our former clients have shared about the firm’s legal services on their behalf. Here’s what one satisfied client said about their experience with:
“I had gotten in an accident. I was at the red light on Louisiana Avenue turning, and there was a truck that had sideswiped me while I was turning into the turning lane. I hired The Thibeaux Firm because I needed a lawyer, and it’s a Black business, so why not support Black law firms? The settlement amount of my case was $40,000. I was beyond happy with my settlement. I would definitely recommend The Thibeaux Firm to everyone who gets in an accident or anyone who needs a lawyer in general. The Thibeaux Firm is your firm to go to.” – Brook H.
Should you have serious injuries and need a Lafayette truck accident lawyer, The Thibeaux Firm can help you pursue fair compensation by:
- Documenting your physical injuries, financial losses, medical expenses, and pain and suffering
- Investigating the truck jackknife accident to gather evidence and identify who should be held financially accountable
- Negotiating with the responsible parties and their insurance companies on your behalf to maximize your compensation
- Preparing your truck crash case for court and representing you at trial, if necessary
- Providing emotional support and answering any questions you have throughout your case
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident, and Why Are They So Dangerous?
A jackknife truck accident happens when a large truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming an “L” or “V” shape with the cab. It usually occurs when the driver loses control, often because of improper braking, slick roads, or sharp turns. The term “jackknife” comes from the trailer’s movement toward the truck’s cab resembles someone closing a pocket knife.
Jackknife truck accidents are hazardous because they can block multiple lanes of traffic and involve multiple vehicles. The size and weight of a tractor-trailer mean that it hits with much greater force than a passenger car. A jackknifed truck can crush smaller cars, cause massive pileups, and lead to severe injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or fatal injuries.
Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents in Lafayette
Jackknife truck accidents in Lafayette typically occur due to a driver error or negligent actions by the trucking company or other vehicles involved. Common jackknife truck accident causes include:
- Sudden Braking—A truck’s trailer can swing out of control if the driver slams on the brakes, particularly in wet road and weather conditions.
- Speeding – Driving too fast makes it harder for a truck driver to stop safely, increasing the risk of a jackknife accident.
- Sharp Turns—If the driver turns too sharply, a trailer can become misaligned with the truck’s cab and swing out.
- Poor Weather Conditions—Adverse weather conditions, such as rain and fog around Lafayette, make it harder for semi-truck drivers to maintain control and stay in their lanes.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo – When a truck’s cargo shifts or is unbalanced, it can make a trailer unstable and more likely to jackknife during sudden movements.
- Brake Failure or Mechanical Problems – Worn or faulty brakes can prevent a driver from stopping properly, leading to jackknife situations. Likewise, a sudden tire blowout can cause a truck to swerve and its trailer to swing wildly across the road.
- Driver Fatigue – Tired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, which can cause serious accidents and jackknife injuries.
Who Is Liable for a Jackknife Truck Accident in Louisiana?
Determining who is financially responsible for a jackknife truck accident requires an investigation by an experienced truck accident lawyer. Depending on the crash’s cause, the potentially liable parties include:
- The Truck Driver – Careless actions such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or improper braking can make the commercial driver responsible for causing the accident.
- The Trucking Company – Trucking companies may be liable for crashes resulting from poor hiring practices, lack of driver training, or failure to maintain their trucks properly. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the trucking industry and requires regular maintenance and inspections to help prevent accidents.
- Cargo Loaders – If improperly loaded cargo shifted in transit and caused the jackknife accident, the company responsible for loading the commercial vehicle could be held accountable.
- Truck and Parts Manufacturers – In cases involving mechanical defects such as tire failure or defective brakes, the company responsible for manufacturing the faulty component could be liable for a crash.
- Maintenance Companies – Third-party mechanics or service companies could be liable if poor maintenance or sloppy repairs caused an equipment failure that led to a crash.
Compensation You Can Recover After a Jackknife Accident
The compensation available in a jackknife truck accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the finding of fault, and the insurance policies available to pay an insurance claim. Your claim could include compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property, such as your car
Contact a Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyer at The Thibeaux Firm
At The Thibeaux Firm, we are committed to helping you recover physically and financially after a Lafayette jackknife truck accident. You can call us now for legal assistance or complete our contact form for a free consultation.