New Orleans Jackknife Accident Lawyer

New Orleans Jackknife Accident Attorney

Due to their sheer size and shape, large commercial trucks pose a serious risk to everyone on the roadway. One of the most common accidents involving a commercial truck is a jackknife accident, which happens when the cab and trailer of a truck go in opposite directions, forming a V-shape. Whether an accident has occurred on Jefferson Highway or I-10, it is essential that you speak with a New Orleans jackknife accident lawyer who can help you recover compensation.

The Team at Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, Is Here to Protect You

For over 50 years, senior attorney Blake Jones and his team have been assisting New Orleans residents in recovering the compensation they are owed following a personal injury. When another party causes your injuries due to negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing, it is natural to feel physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelmed. Our team is here to help, ready to come alongside you and offer you the emotional and legal support you deserve at this difficult time.

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Common Causes of a Jackknife Accident in New Orleans

In a single year, the U.S. has seen around 169 fatal jackknife accidents involving large commercial trucks. There are several causes for this, and many times, a truck can jackknife without any kind of initial collision as a cause.

The most common causes for these accidents include:

• Overloading or improperly loaded cargo. When a commercial truck is hauling cargo, said cargo needs to be properly secured and weighted. If a truck is overloaded or cargo is not secure, it can cause the truck to lose balance and lead to a jackknife incident. Overloaded trucks account for up to 65% of all fatal traffic accidents across the United States.
• Equipment failure. When a truck has bad or poorly maintained brakes, this can lead to an increased risk of jackknifing. Trucking companies are required to maintain their trucks in a certain way through regular inspections. When they neglect to do so, it can lead to equipment failures that can result in jackknife accidents.
• Poor road or weather conditions. Potholes, slippery roads, and other defects can all lead to a truck’s tires having less contact with the road. This can increase the chances of suffering a jackknife incident and colliding with other vehicles.
• Incorrect braking. When a truck driver is more inexperienced, it can cause them to be more likely to cause a jackknife accident. A poorly trained driver may fail to apply the necessary brakes at the same time or may not understand the correct maneuvers they need to make in order to maintain a level of safety. In this case, the company could be held liable for improper training or hiring a driver without the necessary experience.
• Diver negligence. A truck driver may operate their vehicle in a negligent manner, which can increase the risk of jackknife accidents.

At Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, we are here to review your accident and help determine why the jackknifing incident took place. From there, we can begin to build a case for liability and help you recover compensation.

Liability in Jackknife Accidents

Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the factors that led to the truck jackknifing, there are several parties who you may be able to hold liable in your personal injury claim. These parties include:

• The truck driver, in cases of negligent driving
• The truck loader, in cases of improperly loaded or secured cargo
• The truck owner or trucking company
• Government agencies in charge of road upkeep

At Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, we are here to review the details of your case and help determine which party, or combination of parties, may be liable in your case.

FAQs

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Jackknife Accident?

Some of the most common injuries in a jackknife accident include severe fractures and broken bones, traumatic brain injuries that could result in lasting cognitive impairment, spinal cord injuries, including possible paralysis, severe burns, damage to your internal organs, and even death. In a single year, America sees around 6,000 fatal truck accidents.

What Should You Do After a Jackknife Accident in NOLA?

After a jackknife accident in NOLA, you can get overwhelmed easily. You need to take certain steps if you are able in order to protect yourself and any future claim. You should move yourself to safety off the road and dial 911. Even if you do not feel physically injured, you could be suffering from invisible injuries. You will also want to exchange contact and insurance information with the at-fault driver.

How Much Compensation Am I Entitled to Receive?

The amount of compensation you are entitled to receive will likely depend on the severity of your injuries and property damage, as well as how long it takes you to recover from your injuries. Compensation usually comes in the form of medical costs, lost wages, loss of your earning capacity, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and even wrongful death damages, if relevant.

How Long Can a Jackknife Accident Injury Claim Take?

It can be difficult to offer an exact estimate as to how long it might take to process a jackknife accident injury claim in New Orleans. This is because there are several factors often involved in these cases that can affect the timeline. These factors include the availability of the evidence, the complexity of the case, and the level of cooperation displayed by those involved.

Hire a Jackknife Accident Lawyer Serving NOLA Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a jackknife accident in NOLA, you need to hire a jackknife accident lawyer as soon as possible. You do not have to face this challenging process alone and deserve compensation for your injuries and property damage. At Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, our New Orleans jackknife accident lawyer has the skill required to get you the money necessary to heal and move on.

Contact our offices today to learn more and to schedule a free consultation.