Jackknife Accidents
Experienced attorney serving injured motorists in New Mexico
Drivers in the Albuquerque area often have to share Interstates 40 and 25 with large commercial trucks. When one of these massive vehicles loses control, the damage it causes to nearby cars can be catastrophic. Jackknife truck accidents occur when the trailer of a large truck spins out at a 90-degree angle, forming the shape of a jackknife. This typically happens when the trailer is empty or carrying a light cargo load. When the trailer swings around, it can strike other cars, resulting in multiple injuries to other drivers and passengers.
Attorney Andras Szantho understands how complicated jackknife truck accidents can be. Trucking companies, and their insurance providers, can often be difficult to deal with. Fortunately, attorney Szantho knows how to deal with them. He has years of experience and legal knowledge handling complex truck accidents. He can answer your questions. He can work with you to develop a winning strategy. Contact us today and find out how we can help you.
Cause and effect of a jackknife accident
Jackknife accidents typically happen when road conditions are slippery. In New Mexico, that can mean many different types of weather depending on the time of year – from heavy rain and sleet to ice or snow. These accidents can be disastrous, leaving drivers little time to avoid a crash. Additionally, truck rollovers can occur and cargo can spill onto the road. Jackknife accidents often occur when:
- Truck driver swerves quickly to avoid hitting another vehicle or road defect.
- Truck driver changes lanes too quickly.
- Truck driver applies the brakes abruptly.
- Truck driver takes a sharp turn too quickly.
- Truck experiences a tire blowout.
Due to the sheer size and weight of large commercial trucks, the injuries sustained by car drivers can take months or even years to recover from. Some injuries caused by a jackknife accident can result in permanent complications that may require lifelong treatment. Common injuries sustained in a jackknife accident often include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Severed limbs
- Organ damage
- Torso injuries
- Cuts, bruises and contusions
- Paralysis
- Death
Your claim matters to us
Jackknife truck accidents can be very complicated since multiple parties can be involved. The truck’s cab, trailer and cargo can all be insured separately. The insurance companies of other drivers involved in the crash may also be a factor in your case. Trucking companies also often have their own team of investigators, adjustors and attorneys who will go to great lengths to downplay any wrongdoing on their part.
Since large commercial trucks often pose a liability to insurance companies, they often must pay high premiums. A single jackknife truck accident can cost the truck company’s insurance provider millions of dollars. For this reason, insurance companies will stop at nothing to keep their costs down. They may try to pin the blame on you. Or they may offer you a small settlement in the hopes that you will simply go away.
Don’t fall for their tricks. If you take a small settlement, it will likely only cover a portion of your medical expenses, lost wages and suffering – forcing you to pay for the rest of your accident-related expenses out of your own pocket.
Don’t try to handle your jackknife truck accident on your own. An experienced New Mexico truck accident attorney can handle your claim so you can focus on recovery. Attorney Szantho can launch a thorough investigation and find out what caused your jackknife accident. He can fight to hold the driver, the truck company and their insurance provider accountable for your losses. Don’t hesitate to contact the Szantho Law Firm for a free case evaluation.