Recovering Damages After a Jackknife Truck Accident in Florida
Any car accident has the potential to cause serious harm but jackknife truck accidents are more likely to result in permanent injuries and life altering complications that can cause significant financial stress and mental anguish.
When injured in a jackknife accident, it’s important to consult with an attorney to get the compensation you deserve. If you need help recovering damages after a jackknife truck accident in Florida, we welcome you to contact the Daytona Beach, FL, and Palm Coast, FL, attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau to discuss your accident claim.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife accident refers to an accident with a truck where the trailer swings from the cab, creating a 90 degree angle between the cab and trailer.
Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous for other vehicles on the road as they could be easily struck by the truck’s trailer as it swings out.
Trucks that jackknife are also more likely to overturn. A large truck that overturns on a roadway can cause a multi-car pile-up. The truck may spill its cargo after overturning in a jackknife accident, which can also increase the risk of injury to other motorists.
Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents
The size of commercial trucks combined with a heavy cargo load leaves truck drivers with a much smaller margin of error than most other vehicles on the road. As a result, jackknife accidents can happen when:
- Truck drivers speed or brake too fast
- Roads are slippery due to wet or icy conditions
- Truck brakes are poorly maintained or defective
- The truck driver is inexperienced
- Another vehicle collides with the truck’s trailer
Recovering Damages for Jackknife Truck Accidents
Those who have been injured in a jackknife truck accident may recover damages from an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. When seeking damages through a lawsuit, the trucking company may be held liable.
Depending on the cause of the accident, other organizations or entities may be held liable. For example, if the accident was related to a factory defect in the truck’s brakes, the manufacturer of the brakes may be held liable.
What Damages Are Available?
Jackknife truck accidents can have devastating consequences, potentially leaving victims with permanent injuries and trauma. Accident victims may be able to recover a wide range of damages through a personal injury lawsuit including:
- Hospital expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
An Attorney Can Help
When seeking damages either through an insurance claim or lawsuit, it’s important to consult an attorney to maximize compensation. An attorney can gather evidence to support accident claims and hold truckers and trucking companies responsible for their negligence.
Contact the Truck Accident Attorneys of Chanfrau & Chanfrau
If you have been injured in a jackknife accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The Daytona Beach attorneys of Chanfrau & Chanfrau can review your accident claim and help determine the best course of action for recovering damages. Schedule a consultation with our attorneys to discuss your accident claim.
