Jackknife Accidents

Dallas Jackknife Accident Attorneys

Experienced & Compassionate Legal Guidance

Jackknife accidents are among the most dangerous types of truck accidents. When a truck jackknifes, the trailer swings out to the side, creating a 90-degree angle with the cab of the truck. This can cause a truck to skid out of control and collide with other vehicles in its path. In catastrophic cases, the truck may even roll over.

Due to the size and weight of large commercial trucks, jackknife accidents often result in severe injuries and fatalities. If you or a loved one was involved in a jackknife accident in the Dallas area, you may be entitled to compensation. At Aldous \ Walker, our experienced lawyers can help you understand your legal options.

Call (214) 307-6307 or contact us online for a free consultation with our Dallas jackknife accident lawyers.

What Causes Jackknife Accidents?

Jackknife accidents can be caused by many factors, including:

  • Truck driver error
  • Improper braking
  • Speeding/too fast for conditions
  • Aggressive/reckless driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Impaired driving
  • Driver fatigue
  • Overloaded trucks/unbalanced cargo

Many jackknife accidents are caused by a combination of human error and mechanical failure. For example, a truck driver who is speeding may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. The driver may then slam on the brakes, causing the wheels to lock up and the trailer to swing out to the side. If the truck is not properly maintained, the brakes may not be in good working order or may not be properly adjusted. In some cases, the brakes may even fail.

Truck jackknifes can also be caused by other factors, such as poor weather conditions (e.g., rain, ice, snow) and defective brakes or other truck parts. In some cases, the trucking company may be at fault.

Who is Liable for a Jackknife Accident?

Determining liability for a jackknife accident can be challenging. In many cases, multiple parties share liability, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the truck manufacturer. In some cases, a third party may also be at fault.

The following parties may be held liable for a jackknife accident:

  • The truck driver: If the truck driver was negligent in any way, he or she may be held liable for the accident. For example, if the truck driver was speeding, driving too fast for conditions, or following the vehicle in front of the truck too closely, he or she may be at fault. Likewise, if the truck driver was distracted, fatigued, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he or she may be held liable for the accident.
  • The trucking company: In some cases, the trucking company may be held liable for an accident. For example, if the trucking company failed to properly maintain the truck or failed to properly train the truck driver, the company may be held liable for the accident. Likewise, if the truck driver is an employee of the trucking company and was acting within the course and scope of his or her employment at the time of the accident, the trucking company may be held vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence.
  • The truck manufacturer: If the truck or any of its components were defective, the manufacturer of the truck or truck part may be held liable for the accident. For example, if the truck’s brakes were defective, the manufacturer of the brakes may be held liable for the accident.

How Our Firm Can Help You

After a jackknife accident, you may be unsure of what to do next. If you sustained serious injuries or lost a loved one, the last thing you want to worry about is dealing with the insurance company. However, it is important to take action as soon as possible. The sooner you get in touch with our attorneys, the sooner we can get to work on your case. We have a proven track record of success handling even the most complex personal injury and wrongful death cases.

When you trust your case to our team, you can expect the following and more:

  • Personalized legal services: As a small firm, we are able to provide our clients with the one-on-one attention and individualized legal services they deserve. We will take the time to get to know you, understand your situation, and help you determine the best course of action.
  • Aggressive advocacy: We are known for our fierce advocacy on behalf of the injured and the wronged. We are not afraid to take on large corporations, and we are not afraid to take cases to court. Our attorneys are skilled litigators with a proven track record of success.
  • Long-term relationships: We are not just in it for the short term. We are committed to building long-term relationships with our clients based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. We will be here for you when you need us most.

If you have questions about your legal rights and how we can help, do not hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation. We serve clients throughout Texas and beyond.