Oklahoma City Jackknife Accident Lawyer
Jackknife truck accidents can cause multi-vehicle crashes that result in catastrophic injuries. Semi-truck accidents are extremely dangerous for the occupants of passenger vehicles. About three-fourths of the deaths and injuries from truck accidents each year are occupants of passenger vehicles.
Our Oklahoma City jackknife accident attorneys at McGuire Law Firm fight trucking companies and insurance companies to protect the rights of accident victims. With over 60 years of legal experience, our legal team works to get you the money you need and deserve for your truck accident case.
Contact our Oklahoma City, Oklahoma law firm now at (405) 513-5658 for a free consultation to discuss your options for recovering compensation for injuries and damages caused by a tractor-trailer accident.
How Our Oklahoma City Truck Accident Lawyers Help Victims of Jackknife Crashes?
A large truck accident case often involves many parties. The trucking company and its insurance provider count on the fact that you will not have the resources or knowledge to fight them. However, when you hire our experienced Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers to handle your case, you even the playing field.
When you hire the McGuire Law Firm to handle your case, you can expect us to:
- Monitor the investigations of the large truck accident by law enforcement agencies and government agencies
- Conduct an independent investigation to gather evidence
- Work with accident reconstructionists, economists, medical experts, and other expert witnesses, as necessary
- Identify all parties liable for damages and file claims with insurance companies and other parties
- Document your damages to calculate the maximum value for your personal injury claim
- Negotiate settlements that are fair given the facts of the case
- Prepare to aggressively advocate for you in court if the other parties refuse to negotiate good faith settlements
Accidents with big rigs are traumatic events. However, you do not have to handle this matter alone. Call now to speak with one of our jackknife truck accident lawyers in Oklahoma City, OK. Your initial consultation is completely free of charge.
What is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
“Jackknife” describes the tractor's position in relation to the trailer during an accident. The trailer swings to the side at an angle to the cab. It appears as if the two parts are folding together like a jackknife.
As the trailer swings around, the truck continues moving forward, taking up more than one or two lanes. Other vehicles may be swept into the “V” shape that the tractor and trailer form before coming to a stop.
Before stopping, the truck may roll over. Rollover accidents are common occurrences when a truck jackknifes. Passenger vehicles may be crushed beneath the cab and the trailer as the truck rolls over.
How Common Are Jackknife Truck Accidents?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large trucks in crashes by jackknife occurrence in 2019 included approximately:
- 172 fatal crashes
- 1,400 injury crashes
- 5,000 property crashes
Speed limits of 55 mph or higher, poor weather, and curved roads significantly increase the risk of a jackknife truck accident. Also, the risk of a jackknife truck crash increases as the length of the truck increases, according to an analysis of fatal large truck accidents.
Common Injuries Caused by Jackknife Truck Accidents
The nature of jackknife accidents tends to produce a wide range of injuries and life-threatening conditions.
Common injuries in a jackknife crash include:
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of limbs and amputations
- Paralysis and spinal injuries
- Internal organ damage and failure
- Multiple fractures and broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Soft tissue and nerve damage
Jackknife accidents can result in wrongful deaths, disabilities, and permanent impairments. The cost of treating jackknife truck accident injuries can be costly.
It could take many months to recover from injuries and return to a somewhat regular routine. Unfortunately, some accident victims never recover fully from truck accident injuries.
Who Is Responsible for the Damages Caused by a Jackknife Accident?
Determining who is responsible for your damages requires our attorneys to determine causation and fault. Generally, the cause of the accident involves some type of negligence. There are often multiple potentially liable parties.
Truck drivers are often responsible for causing a jackknife truck accident. Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and drowsy driving are just a few of the factors that can contribute to the cause of a truck crash.
However, trucking companies may also be held strictly liable for damages caused by a truck accident. In addition, trucking companies may also be negligent because they failed to maintain the truck, utilized poor hiring policies, or violated federal and state trucking regulations.
Other parties that could share in the liability for a jackknife truck accident include other drivers, maintenance facilities, truck manufacturers, loaders, and government entities. Our legal team does not stop investigating your case until we identify each party who may be responsible for your damages.
What Damages Are Available in a Jackknife Accident?
The damages in a truck accident case could total millions of dollars. Damages include the monetary losses caused by the crash, including medical treatment, physical therapy, lost wages, personal care, and out-of-pocket expenses.
In addition to the economic damages, the victim may experience debilitating physical pain and suffering. The mental anguish and emotional distress can be overwhelming. Furthermore, permanent impairments and decreased quality of life are included in non-economic damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With A Truck Crash Attorney in Oklahoma City Today
Have you or your family member been injured in a large truck accident? If so, we encourage you to reach out to our law office to speak with a member of our legal team. Call now to schedule your free appointment with an attorney. Our Oklahoma City jackknife accident lawyers are here to help you.
