Truck accidents can be devastating, and one of the most dangerous types is a jackknife accident. When a large truck skids and its trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle, it can lead to multi-vehicle collisions, severe injuries, and road blockages. If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife truck accident in Florida, knowing your rights and legal options is crucial.
What Causes a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Jackknife accidents often occur due to driver error, road conditions, or mechanical failures. Some of the most common causes include:
- Sudden Braking – When a truck driver brakes too hard, the trailer can lose traction and swing out of control.
- Speeding on Curves – High speeds make it difficult for trucks to maintain stability on curves, increasing the risk of jackknifing.
- Poor Weather Conditions – Rain, ice, and wet roads reduce traction, making it easier for a truck to jackknife.
- Driver Fatigue – Tired drivers have slower reaction times and may brake improperly, causing a loss of control.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo – Unbalanced or overloaded cargo can shift and make it harder for the driver to steer.
- Mechanical Failures – Malfunctioning brakes, tire blowouts, or steering defects can contribute to jackknife accidents.
Who is Liable in a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Determining fault in a jackknife truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share liability:
- Truck Driver – If reckless driving, speeding, or fatigue caused the crash.
- Trucking Company – If they failed to maintain the vehicle or enforced unsafe driving schedules.
- Cargo Loaders – If improper loading contributed to the truck’s loss of control.
- Truck Manufacturers – If a defective part, such as faulty brakes, played a role in the accident.
Common Injuries in Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents often lead to severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns and lacerations
Compensation Available for Victims
If you were injured in a jackknife truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for missed work and future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – Emotional and physical distress caused by the accident.
- Vehicle Damage – Costs for repairs or replacement of your car.
- Wrongful Death Claims – If a loved one was killed in a jackknife accident, their family may seek compensation for funeral expenses and financial loss.
Why You Need a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer
Jackknife truck accident cases often involve powerful trucking companies and insurers who try to minimize payouts. A skilled Florida truck accident attorney can:
- Investigate the accident and gather critical evidence.
- Determine liability and identify all responsible parties.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies.
- Take your case to court if necessary to maximize compensation.
Contact a Florida Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife truck accident in Florida, don’t face the legal process alone. At Hairston & Crooks Legal Group, we fight for truck accident victims to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
📞 Call us today at 305-HC-MONEY (305-426-6639) for a free consultation, or visit our website to get started.
We’re here to help you recover and get the justice you deserve.
