Gainesville Jackknife Accident Lawyer
Were you injured in a jackknife accident in the Gainesville, Florida area? When you work with our Gainesville jackknife accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm, P.A., you’ll have strong legal representation and the best chance of getting maximum compensation.
Call our Florida law offices at (877) 255-3652 and schedule your free consultation today. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will review your case and discuss your legal options. With our contingency fee arrangement, you only pay if we win your case and secure a financial award.
How Can Allen Law Firm, P.A., Help You After a Jackknife Accident in Gainesville?
While you’re recuperating from your truck accident, you’re likely worried about your financial situation. How will you pay bills? What about your medical expenses and your car?
Our Gainesville, FL, truck accident lawyers have the skills and experience you need to build a strong case and pursue compensation. You can recuperate without worrying.
When you hire one of our Gainesville truck accident attorneys, we get right to work. Among the many services we provide, we’ll:
- Conduct a meticulous investigation into the accident
- Gather evidence from all available sources, including witness statements
- Consult with experts
- Negotiate with the insurance companies to maximize your settlement
- Represent you at trial if needed
We strongly recommend that you don’t speak to anyone from the trucking company, their legal team, or their insurance companies. Leave that to us. Their motive is to disqualify your claim and pay you nothing–don’t let them take advantage of your situation.
Discuss your case with our Gainesville law offices. Your first consultation is free with no obligation.
What is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife accident is when a tractor-trailer isn’t in a straight line. The trailer swings one way or the other, and lands either in an “L” or “V” position behind the tractor/cab.
A fully loaded trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds. A driver must maintain complete control over both the vehicle and the trailer. Traction is vital to keeping a big truck in line on the road. Once the truck loses traction, the driver loses control.
When a driver slams on the brakes, the brakes lock, causing the vehicle to skid. The wheels then have insufficient traction to stop properly, causing the trailer to swing sideways.
Jackknife accidents are frequently caused by:
- Slamming on the brakes to slow or stop due to speeding
- Not braking gradually to slowly reduce the truck’s speed
- Not enough distance for a safe stop
- Tailgating
- Taking a curve sharply
- Weather conditions, such as rain, ice, or snow on the road
- Improperly loaded cargo, which can also lead to a rollover
- Driving with an empty trailer, lessening traction
- Failing to maintain the tractor and the trailer
An inexperienced or improperly trained driver may be responsible for the jackknife. The trucking company may also be liable, since many companies urge drivers to drive beyond established safety protocols.
Why is a Jackknife Accident So Dangerous?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), jackknife accidents make up a large number of semi-truck accidents. In a recent year, there were nearly 5000 fatalities in the United States.
Jackknifing is particularly dangerous because the driver loses all control. The trailer can swing left or right while still attached to the “hitch,” or the joint where it’s attached to the back of the truck. The truck is then led by the trailer.
Much like a large tail on an alligator, the trailer hits anything in its way, sweeping it forward. The sweeping motion takes anything in its path, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and even pedestrians. Because it happens quickly, others may not have time to avoid being hit.
Because of the truck’s immense weight and size, jackknifing can cause serious damage and injuries to anyone involved. The trailer’s swinging action picks up the vehicles in its path and smashes them between the cab and the trailer of the truck and into oncoming lanes of traffic.
What Types of Injuries Result From Jackknife Accidents?
Because of the uncontrolled, chaotic nature of the accident, those involved suffer serious injuries, such as:
- Crush injuries
- Burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bone fractures and breaks
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
The Gainesville truck accident attorneys at Allen Law Firm, P.A., can represent you and help you get the financial compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases was recently adjusted. If your accident occurred on 3/23/2023 or before, you will have four years to file your jackknife accident lawsuit. Otherwise, the deadline for filing your claim is two years. If you miss that deadline, you’ll lose the opportunity to recover compensation. Don’t wait—you need to begin the process now for filing.
Get Help From Allen Law Firm, P.A., Today
Call Allen Law Firm, P.A., if you or a loved one has been injured in a Gainesville jackknife accident. You may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, and pain and suffering. Trucking companies don’t want to pay you anything and will work to dismiss your claim. Don’t let them take away the money you need to get back on your feet.
The consultation is free with no obligation, so give our Gainesville jackknife accident lawyers a call today.
