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St. Louis Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyers
Many drivers are afraid to drive near large commercial trucks, for a good reason! On average, trucks typically weigh 16 times more than the weight of a car; legally, a fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, whereas a car weighs around 3 to 5 thousand pounds. This makes jackknife truck accidents especially dangerous.
The size difference between a semi-truck and another vehicle alone increases the chances for an accident to result in serious injuries, property damages, or even death. Additionally, the size and force of the trucks when they jackknife can result in a multiple-vehicle collision.
Hiring an experienced St. Louis jackknife truck accident lawyer to file a lawsuit, represent you, and help you seek maximum compensation is important if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident. We have 30 years of experience winning truck accident claims at Cantor Injury Law, and we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients. An attorney from our firm will help you preserve evidence and guide you through the claims process.
Common Causes Of Jackknife Truck Accidents
Many things can cause a jackknife truck accident to occur. Some of the common causes include:
Improper Weight Distribution: Trailers must be loaded evenly to maintain balance. Uneven weight or shifting loads can cause the trailer to swing out of control, leading to jackknife accidents.
Inclement Weather: Rain, snow, and ice make Missouri roads slick and hazardous. Loss of traction on wet or icy roads can cause a truck’s trailer to veer and jackknife.
Curvy Roads: Sharp curves can be dangerous for big rigs. Entering a curve too quickly can force drivers to oversteer or understeer, increasing the risk of jackknifing.
Speeding: Large trucks require more time to stop than cars. At high speeds, sudden braking can cause the trailer to swing out of control, leading to serious accidents.
Truck Driver Fatigue: Fatigued drivers often have slower reaction times or may even fall asleep at the wheel, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Defective Parts or Lack of Maintenance: Neglecting routine maintenance or necessary repairs can lead to faulty brakes, malfunctioning transmissions, or other defects that increase the risk of accidents.
Common Injuries Caused By Jackknife Truck Accidents
Jackknife truck accidents result in severe outcomes. The National Center for Statistics and Analysis conducted research and discovered jackknifing trucks cause nearly 10% of all semi-truck fatalities. Some common causes of these fatalities include decapitation, crushing, or catastrophic organ trauma.
In Addition To Death, Jackknife Truck Accidents Result In The Following Injuries:
Head & Brain Injuries
Neck Injuries
Back & Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralysis
St. Louis Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyers FAQS
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, resembling a folding pocketknife. This often happens when the truck’s wheels lose traction or the driver brakes suddenly. These accidents are especially dangerous due to the size and weight of the truck, often resulting in multi-vehicle collisions.
First, seek medical attention for any injuries. Then, document the accident scene by taking photos, gathering witness information, and obtaining a copy of the police report. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. Contact Cantor Injury Law as soon as possible so we can start building your case and protect your rights.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. If the truck driver or company acted recklessly or violated safety regulations, you might also pursue punitive damages. We’ll work to maximize your recovery.
Determining fault often involves analyzing the driver’s actions, the condition of the truck, and external factors like road conditions or weather. For example, was the driver speeding, or were the brakes faulty? We use expert testimony, accident reconstruction, and thorough investigations to establish liability.
How Cantor injury law Can Help
At Cantor Injury Law, we understand how devastating jackknife truck accidents can be and the challenges of navigating legal complexities while recovering. That’s why we’re here to help. Our team thoroughly investigates your case, examining the driver’s actions, truck condition, and compliance with federal regulations. We identify all liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, or manufacturers of defective parts.
Our goal is to secure maximum compensation for your injuries, covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care. If negligence or recklessness played a role, we pursue punitive damages to hold the responsible parties accountable. Skilled in negotiating with insurance companies, we’re also prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
With decades of experience and a track record of success, Cantor Injury Law is dedicated to fighting for your justice and compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward.
