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NST Law Attorney

Jackknife Accident Lawyer

Champions for the Injured
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NST Law Attorneys Corey Trotz and Alex Saharovich
NST Law Attorney
National Law Firm with Local Roots

A jackknife accident occurs when a vehicle’s trailer swings independently of the cab, causing the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. This can lead to severe injuries to others sharing the road with them. Victims who suffer injuries due to a jackknife accident may have the right to pursue compensation through an injury claim. A jackknife accident lawyer at NST Law can help you learn about your rights.

screenshot of Jackknife accident

 Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings independently of the cab, causing it to fold in half at a right angle.  The truck driver loses control, with the trailer either pulling the cab off-course or causing a rollover. Both situations can lead to devastating injuries to other vehicles’ drivers and passengers. 

If you have suffered injuries in a jackknife accident, you need a truck accident lawyer to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. NST Law has the resources and experience to help jackknife accident victims in Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Illinois. 

Table Of Contents

Why should you choose NST Law for a jackknife accident claim?

At NST Law, we have extensive experience dealing with various types of truck accident claims. We are champions for the injured who want to make your life easier following a jackknife accident. 

We have a proven track record of results in truck accident cases, including the following: 

  • $6.3 million for a truck accident wrongful death claim
  • $3 million for a married couple who suffered catastrophic injuries in a tractor-trailer accident
  • $1 million for a pedestrian struck by a concrete truck 
  • $550,000 for a client who suffered severe back and shoulder injuries in a truck accident

At NST Law, we care about the challenges you are facing when filing a claim. Take a look at our client testimonials to see what our clients have to say. 

The NST Law Approach to Jackknife Truck Accident Cases

At NST Law, we have a time-tested approach to the truck accident claim process. 

We start with a comprehensive investigation into what might have caused your jackknife accident. This means looking at the following:

  • The accident itself
  • The truck driver and their records
  • The trucking company
  • The company that loaded the truck

Our investigation aims to uncover as much information as possible about the accident. This allows us to identify all potential causes so that you know who to hold accountable for your losses. 

We offer ongoing communication and transparency to our clients. It’s your claim, and you deserve to understand the process and progression of your claim.

Once we have the information we need, we aggressively pursue maximum compensation. This process includes negotiating with the truck driver’s insurance company or, if necessary, taking your claim to court. 

Truck

How To Seek Legal Assistance After a Jackknife Truck Accident

After a jackknife truck accident, you need legal support to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Start by contacting NST Law for a free consultation. We’ll review your claim’s basic elements and ensure you understand your rights and options. 

What To Expect

You can expect your jackknife claim to include a period of investigation followed by an extensive negotiation with the insurance company. In some cases, the insurance company may try to pressure you to accept a fast initial settlement. An experienced jackknife accident lawyer at NST Law can handle the negotiation process and fight for you to get the best possible outcome. 

Potential Compensation for Victims of Jackknife Truck Accidents

At NST Law, we cannot guarantee that you will receive compensation. However, we can help you determine whether you may receive compensation for specific damages, such as: 

  • Medical expenses related to the accident
  • Lost wages if you could not work after your truck accident
  • Pain and suffering
  • Damage to your car or property 

Legal Aspects of Jackknife Truck Accidents

There are several elements to a jackknife accident claim. 

Liability in Jackknife Accidents

Often, determining liability for a jackknife accident is complicated. Liability can rest with any of these parties:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • The company that loaded the truck
  • Another driver that caused the accident

Because several parties are often involved in truck accidents, it’s important to thoroughly investigate how your accident happened and who might be liable. For example, did the accident occur because of dangerous roads or a negligent driver? At NST Law, we will work with you to identify the parties responsible for your damages. 

Trucking Industry Regulations and Compliance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets clear regulations that trucking companies and truck drivers must follow. 

Unfortunately, in some cases, trucking companies ignore those regulations. This increases the odds that their truck drivers will cause an accident. Truck drivers may also violate those regulations, including hours of service regulations. 

Failure to follow those laws can result in the trucking company or truck driver being liable for an accident. 

The Role of Insurance Companies in Jackknife Accidents

Big trucks generally have comprehensive insurance policies providing coverage for accidents. After an accident, you must deal with the insurance company to get compensation for any damages you suffered. Insurance companies, however, may try to decrease the compensation they have to pay out. Having a lawyer on your side makes fighting for the compensation you deserve easier. 

Causes of Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents can occur for several reasons. Among them are the following: 

The faster a truck driver travels, the greater the risk of a jackknife accident. 

A trailer with poor overall balance has a greater risk of swinging free of the controlling cab, increasing the risk of a jackknife accident. Improperly loaded cargo can also cause a trailer to become unstable and jackknife. 

When a truck driver cannot bring the vehicle to a safe stop, the trailer is at greater risk of swinging out of control.

Poor weather conditions, including rain and ice, increase the risk of a jackknife accident.

Common Injuries and Damages from Jackknife Accidents

Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks can cause severe injuries in a jackknife accident. The following are some of the most common injuries suffered by jackknife accident victims: 

Back and Neck Injuries

Many jackknife accident victims suffer devastating back and neck injuries, such as:

Head Injuries

A traumatic brain injury can lead to trouble with memory and focus, which will immensely impact the victim’s everyday life. 

Amputations

The trauma from a jackknife accident may cause a victim to lose a limb or require amputation. 

Contact a Jackknife Accident Lawyer After Your Accident

If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife car accident, it’s important to seek legal representation to protect your rights and pursue compensation. Contact NST Law today for a free consultation with one of our experienced jackknife truck accident lawyers. 

We will listen to your story, answer any questions you may have, and help you understand your legal options. Don’t wait. Call us now to get the justice you deserve.

Jackknife Accident FAQs

Liability for a jackknife accident can rest with the truck driver, the trucking company, or the company that loaded the truck. A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation for you to help determine liability. 

Several industry regulations help reduce the risk of a jackknife accident, including:

Most truck drivers and trucking companies have insurance policies that cover the damages caused by a truck accident. The insurance company will investigate the accident, evaluate liability, negotiate with the injured party, and pay out compensation for those damages. 

However, remember that insurance companies are solely motivated by their bottom line. They do not have your best interests at heart. That’s why it’s critical to hire an attorney to represent you. 

If the negligent actions of another party, including the truck driver or the trucking company, led to the accident, you may have the right to compensation. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options. 

The bus company or school district may be liable for a school bus accident involving faulty equipment. In addition, the manufacturer may be on the hook for selling a defective part. A skilled and knowledgeable attorney can fully investigate the accident, determine the cause, and identify all responsible parties. 

The statute of limitations for a jackknife vehicle accident claim varies by state. In Tennessee, for example, you must file suit within one year after the accident date. In Mississippi, you have three years to file suit. 

Contact NST Law to learn about the statute of limitations in your state. 

You should expect it to take at least several months to settle a jackknife accident lawsuit, including time for investigation and negotiation. Sometimes, settlement can take years. The timeframe depends on several factors, including the willingness of the insurer to settle, the facts of the case, the extent of the injuries, and the evidence of liability. 

Generally, yes. The laws vary from state to state on whether you can pursue a claim if you are partially at fault. Most states allow you to pursue a claim for the percentage of your damages caused by the other party if you were partially at fault for the accident. State law will determine how much fault you can be assigned while still being eligible to receive compensation. 

  • Report the accident.
  • Get medical attention.
  • Take photos of the accident scene, if you can.
  • Contact an attorney as soon as possible.

You can expect your lawyer and the insurance company to investigate the accident and the extent of your injuries. The insurance company will negotiate with your attorney over the compensation you deserve. If an agreement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit on your behalf.

NST Law Attorneys Corey Trotz and Alex Saharovich

Contact us for a free consultation now so that we can review your case and decide how we can best help you.

Our Knoxville Office

408 N. Cedar Bluff Road

Suite 450

Knoxville, TN 37923

Phone: 865-684-1000

Fax: 865-934-4364

Testimonials
- Climas B.
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"They stayed with my case until everything was resolved. My situation was complicated and they ensured things were in check from start to finish."
- Vicki L.
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"From start to finish it was a good experience. They listened and handled my case with compassion and care. I highly recommend them."
- Tasha S.
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"I was involved in a auto accident with my mother and she suggested NST to handle the case for us. Everything was handled professionally and in a timely manner."
Client Successes
$3,000,000.00
Obtained in tractor-trailer accident case for a husband and wife that suffered traumatic injuries.
$2,200,000.00
Recovered in car accident case against construction company in which our client suffered a traumatic brain injury.
$1,500,000.00
Received for a woman injured in car accident while on the job, who sustained numerous fractures and underwent several surgeries.