Anyone who has traveled the highways of Florida knows that the risks are almost always high. The state’s roads carry thousands of vehicles, including large trucks. Trucks, with their sheer size, are prone to jackknife accidents, which can cause catastrophic injuries to anyone involved.
What is a jackknife accident?
A jackknife accident happens when a large truck’s trailer swings out to the side and folds in on itself as if forming a V or an L shape. This highly dangerous accident, typically involving a tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler, can stem from sudden braking, poor road conditions, improper cargo loading, driver fatigue or inexperienced equipment failure.
The larger the vehicle, the higher the potential risks. That is why the law expects truck drivers and their employers to perform with a higher standard of care. Still, even with these precautions, jackknife accidents can and do still happen.
Who will pay for your injuries?
If you were unfortunately involved in a jackknife truck accident, you might wonder who will shoulder your medical bills and other expenses. That depends on the following:
- Liability: Was the truck driver or their employer negligent in some way, leading to the accident?
- Insurance coverage: Does the trucking company have adequate insurance to cover your damages?
- Third-party involvement: Were other parties, such as a mechanic or manufacturer, responsible for the accident?
Proving fault in a jackknife accident often requires a thorough investigation, including analyzing the truck’s black box data, reviewing the driver’s logbooks, examining maintenance records, gathering witness statements and reconstructing the accident scene.
The bottom line is that you can recover financial support through a personal injury claim for medical costs, lost income (if you cannot return to work after the injury), pain and suffering, property damage, and long-term care bills. However, trucking companies and their insurers may attempt to shift blame or pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
It is advisable to have a dedicated personal injury attorney on your side who can handle the legal battle for you while you focus on your recovery.