If you were injured in a New Braunfels jackknife truck accident through no fault of your own, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. However, the process of claiming the compensation you deserve after a wreck can be difficult, especially when powerful trucking companies, their insurers, and their lawyers get involved.
The experienced truck accident attorneys at the Burch Law Firm can protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for your losses. We have a history of successful case results, including several involving clients who were severely injured in Texas truck accidents.
To learn more about how we can support your jackknife truck accident claim, contact us today to speak with one of our attentive lawyers in a free initial consultation.
What Are Common Causes of Jackknife Crashes in New Braunfels?
A jackknife truck accident occurs when the trailer of large semi-truck pivots too far to one side and ends up facing in the wrong direction, forming a “V”-shaped wreck similar to a half-closed jackknife. This can happen as a result of:
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are focused on text messages, phone calls, or other distractions are more likely to stop too suddenly or take turns too quickly, either of which can contribute to loss of control and subsequent jackknifing.
- Impaired driving – Truck operators who are fatigued or under the influence of intoxicating substances tend to struggle with depth perception, reaction time, and other abilities necessary to prevent jackknife accidents.
- Reckless driving – When truck drivers engage in reckless behaviors such as speeding or lane weaving, they may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid jackknifing.
- Driver inexperience – Inexperienced drivers are more likely to follow other vehicles too closely, make improper turns, and take other driving risks that increase their chances of causing jackknife wrecks. They also lack familiarity with how a tractor-trailer handles.
- Defective truck parts – If critical truck components such as tires, brakes, or steering systems fail in transit, even seasoned drivers may experience a dangerous loss of control that leads to a jackknife accident.
- Poor road conditions – Potholes, poor drainage, inclement weather, and other road hazards can easily cause drivers to lose control of their rigs, increasing the likelihood that jackknife accidents will occur.
What Are Common Jackknife Accident Injuries?
Jackknife truck accidents are devastating events that can result in catastrophic damage and serious injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Partial or total paralysis
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Burns, bruises, and lacerations
- Traumatic or surgical amputations
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Soft tissue sprains, strains, and tears
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Steps You Should Take After a Jackknife Truck Accident in New Braunfels
In the aftermath of a jackknife truck accident, you may be feeling shocked, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. You can protect your legal rights and your ability to pursue compensation by:
- Seeking immediate medical attention – Even if your injuries seem relatively minor, you should seek prompt medical care to protect your health and establish an official record of your physical condition.
- Following through on your doctor’s orders – Make sure you follow your doctor’s orders regarding prescribed treatment plans and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Gathering as much evidence as possible – If you can, collect evidence from the scene of the accident, such as photos and eyewitness statements, as well as the truck driver’s insurance, contact, and employment information. It’s also a good idea to write down everything you can remember about the wreck while it’s fresh in your memory and record your daily pain levels.
- Keeping track of accident-related expenses – Hang on to all medical bills, repair invoices, and other receipts from accident-related costs as proof of the financial losses you have incurred as a result of the truck wreck.
- Watching what you say about the crash to others – If you interact with others at the accident scene, avoid apologizing or accepting responsibility for the wreck, as this may be taken as an admission of guilt. If you must speak to or provide statements to any insurers, consult an attorney ahead of time, so you have a better idea of what to say.
- Avoiding social media while your claim is pending – If you use social media, avoid posting any information about the accident while your claim is still pending. In fact, it’s usually best to avoid all social media activity since even innocent comments or photos can be taken out of context and used against you.
- Contacting a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer – Experienced truck accident attorneys understand the unique factors that apply to truck accident cases and can support you through every stage of the claims process.
Possible Compensation After a Jackknife Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured in a jackknife truck accident in New Braunfels, you could be entitled to compensation for the following accident-related losses and expenses:
- Medical bills – Any medical expenses related to the treatment of your accident-related injuries, including ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and prescription medications
- Lost wages and earning capacity – The value of any wage losses you suffer as a result of missed time at work, and the projected value of losses in your future earning capacity if you develop a disability that prevents you from returning to your previous job or career path
- Pain and suffering – The subjective costs of the physical pain and emotional suffering you endure as a result of the accident and any injuries you sustained in it
- Out-of-pocket expenses – Any incidental expenses you incur as a result of the accident that you are forced to pay for out-of-pocket, such as the costs of transportation to and from medical appointments
- Vehicle repair costs – Costs related to the repair of any accident-related damage that your vehicle sustains, or the costs of replacing your car with a comparable substitute if it is damaged beyond repair
How to File a Jackknife Truck Accident Lawsuit
Most truck accident claims settle long before a case ever has to go to trial, but in some instances, it’s necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit to secure the compensation you need.
If you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas, you should know that state law requires you to do so within two years of the date of the accident. If you wait too long to file, the court will likely throw out your case, and you will lose your right to pursue compensation. An attorney can guide you through every stage of the legal process and prevent your case from being derailed by avoidable administrative errors.
Contact Our Experienced New Braunfels Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyers
To speak with an experienced trucking accident lawyer about the details of your New Braunfels jackknife truck accident case, contact Burch Law Firm today for a free initial case review.
