Jackknife truck accidents can result in serious injuries and complex legal battles. When a truck driver loses control and their trailer swings out to form a V or L shape, it’s called a jackknife accident. These incidents often involve improperly secured loads, sudden braking, or impaired and distracted driving.

Our law firm specializes in truck accident cases, including jackknife accidents. Our team will work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive fair compensation for injuries sustained in these devastating accidents. From spinal cord injuries to internal trauma, we’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Jackknife Truck Accidents in Las Vegas

A jackknife truck accident, one of the most dangerous incidents on Las Vegas roads, is a significant concern for drivers and law enforcement. 

The name ‘jackknife’ comes from the sharp angle formed by the truck’s cab and trailer during these accidents. They often occur due to sudden braking or taking turns at high speeds. In particular, large trucks like semis are more prone because their trailers can swing out if not controlled correctly. Other causes include poor road conditions, such as ice or rain-slicked surfaces, that make stopping suddenly risky for large vehicles carrying heavy loads.

Common Jackknife Accident Injuries

Common jackknife accident injuries range from minor bruises and lacerations to more serious injuries like:

  • Broken bones
  • Spinal damage
  • Traumatic brain injuries

The sheer force involved can easily crush smaller vehicles, causing significant harm to passengers. In some cases, victims suffer from long-term disabilities or require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Trucking companies bear a significant responsibility for these accidents. Victims often face a challenging recovery, both physically and financially, as they need to pay medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

Role of a Las Vegas Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer 

The primary responsibility of a jackknife truck accident lawyer is to help clients seek compensation for injuries sustained. These accidents often involve large trucks, such as semi-trucks and commercial trucks, resulting from:

  • Sudden braking
  • Impaired or distracted driving
  • Improperly secured loads

The lawyer’s representation is invaluable in understanding these circumstances and establishing the trucking company’s financial responsibility. Experienced in truck accident cases, these attorneys are skilled at collecting evidence from the accident scene. This might include:

  • Gather witness statements
  • Collect evidence
  • Look for trucking company records
  • Work with accident reconstruction specialists

Their goal is to build a solid case that proves the truck driver or trucking company was negligent.

Dealing with trucking companies and their insurance providers can be challenging for victims. Jackknife truck accident attorneys have the necessary experience to handle negotiations with these entities, aiming to recover compensation that covers medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. They understand insurance companies’ tricks and tactics, ensuring clients aren’t pressured into accepting lowball offers.

Injuries from jackknife accidents can be life-altering, necessitating a legal team that is committed to winning fair compensation. Whether through a personal injury lawsuit or an injury claim, a skilled accident lawyer is a victim’s partner. They offer a free case evaluation and usually work on a contingency basis, meaning clients pay only if they win their case.

Visit our Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas, NV

Jeff and Marissa Temple

Choosing Temple Injury Law as Your Legal Representative

In jackknife truck accident cases, several types of damages may be available to those injured or otherwise harmed. These damages are designed to compensate the victim(s) for their losses and can be categorized as economic, non-economic, and sometimes punitive damages. Here’s a closer look:

  1. Economic Damages: These are intended to compensate for quantifiable monetary losses. They include, but are not limited to:
    • Medical Expenses: Costs of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical care related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
    • Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to the time taken off work to recover from the accident, including future lost earnings if the victim cannot return to work or must take a lower-paying job due to injuries.
    • Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing the victim’s vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
  2. Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for losses not directly tied to financial expenses and are more subjective. They include:
    • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered as a result of the accident.
    • Loss of Consortium: These are damages awarded to the spouse or family of the accident victim for loss of companionship, affection, assistance, and, in some cases, sexual relations.
    • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the victim’s inability to enjoy hobbies and other life pleasures as they did before the accident.
  3. Punitive Damages: Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are compensatory, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. They are not awarded in every case but may be considered when the defendant’s actions were especially reckless or egregious. For instance, if a truck driver was excessively speeding or driving under the influence, the court might award punitive damages.

Contact a Las Vegas Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer