California Jackknife Accident Attorney

Tractor-trailers are subject to jackknifing when not handled properly. During an accident of this type, the trailer becomes separated from the cab. Drivers unaware of the obstruction or nearby when it occurs may sustain injuries, damage to their vehicle or loss of life. When a jackknife accident takes place as a result of neglect or irresponsible driving, the victims are eligible to pursue compensation. Our team of California jackknife truck accident attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP want to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options after a jackknife accident.

Why Choose Us? 

• We have a case success rate that is over 99 percent. We have obtained more than $3 billion in truck accident verdicts and settlements for our clients since 2010.
• Our attorneys are highly experienced in negotiating and litigating big rig accident cases in California. We know how to go up against large trucking corporations and their insurers.
• We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay our attorneys anything in legal fees unless we win your jackknife truck accident case.

How Can a Jackknife Accident Lawyer Help?

A collision involving a tractor-trailer and a jackknifing incident is a serious event.  It can result in painful injuries or death, expensive medical bills and other adverse impacts on your life. An insurance company will try to downplay the effects of your accident to save itself money on your claim payout. The best way to protect your legal rights is by hiring an attorney to represent you. 

A jackknife accident lawyer in California can conduct a comprehensive investigation into the crash to determine fault and gather evidence against one or more parties. Your lawyer can craft the strongest possible case to go up against powerful adversaries, including hiring experts to testify, as necessary. An attorney will give you the peace of mind to focus on healing from your serious injuries. 

What are the Risk Factors for Jackknife Accidents?

The most common direct cause of jackknifing is poor traction between the wheel and the road. Though a jackknife accident can occur for many reasons, four causative factors have been identified that can significantly contribute to this event:

• Trucks & Speeding Negligent Driving. Commercial truck drivers are often operating under tight deadlines, which result in wage loss or other penalties if missed. Whether running behind schedule or attempting to head home early, speeding truck drivers are more likely to jackknife their rig.

• Inclement weather. As many commercial truck drivers travel long distances, driving adjustments must be made for inclement weather. Between snow, sleet, rain and hail, changing weather patterns can interfere with wheel traction, which often leads to jackknifing.

• Curving roads. When roads curve, wind and meander across the terrain, commercial trucks become more difficult to maneuver. Without formal training and experience navigating winding roads, drivers may jackknife their truck while obstructing traffic patterns.

• Poor braking. Brakes that are poorly maintained will not function properly when engaged. This dangerous predicament may result in detachment of the trailer, placing drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk for serious injury.

An investigation of your jackknife accident will be performed to determine the cause of the crash and identify the at-fault party/ies. This can allow you or your attorney to pursue a claim against the correct party and hold someone accountable for your serious injuries. 

Who Is Liable for a Truck Jackknife Accident?

California is a fault state. This means that when a motor vehicle collision occurs, the person or party at fault for causing the crash can be held liable, or legally and financially responsible, for victims’ losses. However, the victim must prove fault or liability to qualify for financial compensation. 

Liability for any type of accident involving a commercial truck often falls on the trucking company. A law known as vicarious liability holds trucking companies responsible for the actions and negligence of their employees, including truck drivers who are classified as independent contractors, in most cases.

In other cases, a trucking company is held directly liable for its own mistakes that contribute to jackknife accidents, such as poor truck maintenance or insufficient driver training. Other liable parties may include cargo companies, truck manufacturers, maintenance crews and third-party drivers. An experienced attorney can help you determine liability in your specific jackknife accident case.

What to Do After a Jackknife Accident?

Upon receiving medical treatment, the next step is seeking legal counsel with experience in personal injury and commercial truck accidents.  At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we have an experienced team of truck accident lawyers in California. Without legal help, attempting to recover losses directly from the owner or business may prove unsuccessful and frustrating. Our team of professional jackknife accident attorneys regularly urge those involved in a commercial truck accident to retain legal counsel as soon as possible. Take the following simple steps to begin your case:

• Document details and gather paperwork. Developing a personal injury case against a business requires an in-depth review of the circumstances surrounding your accident. Gathering accident-related paperwork and documenting facts is your first step before contacting an attorney.

• Schedule a free consultation. In most cases, a free consultation is enough to provide you with the information needed to proceed with your case. Depending on the details of your claim, you may qualify for above-average compensation. 

• Meet with an attorney dedicated to winning your case. It’s important to know a dedicated attorney and team of legal professionals are in charge of your case. Choose an attorney with a proven record of winning similar cases who will take the time to walk you through each step of the process.

Put your health and safety first after a jackknife accident. Call 911 to report the crash and request an ambulance, or visit the nearest hospital without delay. Even if you initially do not think you are injured, you may have injuries with hidden or delayed symptoms. Once you have received care, focus your attention on trying to collect information and evidence related to your truck accident case. Then, contact our attorneys for a free case review.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit for a California Jackknife Accident?

California has a statute of limitations, or a deadline for filing a personal injury claim, under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. This law states that the time of bringing a civil action for “assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another” is within two years. 

In general, if you do not take legal action for a jackknife accident in California within two years of the date of the crash, you will lose the ability to hold someone responsible. There are some exceptions, however, that can shorten or extend this time limit. It is important to speak to a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to remain within your filing window.

Get Help: California Jackknife Accident Lawyer

After sustaining injuries or property damage from a jackknife accident, obtaining legal representation should be a priority. When legal counsel is sought promptly after an accident, the chances of winning your case greatly increase. At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we help accident victims recover compensation for damages and loss. For a free consultation, contact us today at 877-800-1700.