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Jury Verdict in Los Angeles County Superior Court for a $15/hr employee fired only because she was a pregnant Mexican woman who needed a handful of days off to give birth to her baby. Click here to learn more about this case.

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$4,000,000 Arbitration win for a sales associate at a major retail chain for workplace sexual assault. Click here to learn more about this case.

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Wrongful Termination

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Jackknife Truck Accidents in Bakersfield

As the trailer of a semi-truck is only connected to the tractor by a single freely rotating joint, it is possible for both components to travel in different directions and at different speeds if the vehicle loses traction with the road. If this leads to the truck bending into an angled jackknife shape, the massive machine may wind up covering multiple lanes of traffic at once. This also means it could slide out of control down a busy highway, potentially causing catastrophic harm to several other people through a multi-car pileup.

Jackknife truck accidents in Bakersfield are uniquely dangerous incidents that could also make for uniquely complex civil lawsuits. However, by working with one of our qualified attorneys, you may be able to make a stronger claim and more effectively demand fair compensation from everyone whose misconduct caused you harm.

Are Trucking Companies Liable for a Jackknife?

Most jackknife truck crashes in Bakersfield occur because of irresponsible driving by the truck driver. This is most often due to speeding, improper braking technique, or failing to adjust driving behavior for poor road conditions. If a truck driver who causes a wreck like this is an employee of a trucking company and not an independent contractor, the company may hold vicarious liability for its employee’s negligence on the job. This means the company could be named as a defendant in an ensuing civil claim.

Alternatively, trucking companies could sometimes be held directly liable for crashes of this nature based on negligent hiring and training practices. This could also apply to third parties, such as mechanics and manufacturers, based on a failure to ensure a truck was roadworthy prior to going out on a route. Support from experienced legal counsel could be key to determining exactly how a particular incident occurred. Our attorneys could take prompt legal action against everyone who holds civil liability for injuries based on those circumstances.

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WE HANDLE A WIDE RANGE OF PERSONAL INJURY CASES, INCLUDING:

BICYCLE ACCIDENT

BIRTH INJURY

BUS ACCIDENTS

CAR ACCIDENTS

CATASTROPHIC INJURY

CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT

DOG BITES

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

NURSING HOME ABUSE

SEXUAL ABUSE

Getting Around Legal and Procedural Obstacles

Our Bakersfield attorneys could also help you avoid many of the obstacles that state law and court precedent may put in your way during your pursuit for compensation for your jackknife truck crash injuries. We could ensure you are able to build and formally file a strong lawsuit within the time limit set by California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. This code generally allows personal injury victims no more than two years to file suit after initially sustaining or discovering harm.

We could also take the lead in contesting any allegations made by defendant truckers or trucking companies that you were at fault for causing your own injuries through your own negligent driving. This could be key to avoiding a reduction in available compensation through the pure comparative fault system followed by the state’s civil courts. One of our attorneys could further explain this during an initial consultation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A PERSONAL INJURY?

Personal injury cases are some of the most common civil litigation cases—also known as “tort actions” or “lawsuits”—in the United States. They are filed by individuals who have experienced bodily injury, pain and suffering, and sometimes property damage in an accident caused by a negligent third party. These claims can also be filed for intentional harm or defamation of character by a third party.

DO I NEED TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY?

While you are not required to have an attorney to file a claim, having an attorney can make a significant difference in your claim. A personal injury attorney has a deep understanding of the claims process and can help you navigate the complexities of the law. Your attorney can also help you level the playing field with insurers and can tell you whether you are receiving the maximum compensation to which you are legally entitled.

I HAVE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT – WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

If you have been injured in an accident that was no fault of your own, there are steps you should take to ensure you are compensated for costs related to the incident. Taking quick action after your accident can profoundly affect your personal injury claim or lawsuit. After being involved in an accident, you should: Seek medical attention for your injuries, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent. Keep a record of your injuries and note any complications that arise because of your injuries. Report the incident as soon as possible after it occurs. Record detailed descriptions and notes about the facts of the incident. Keep receipts of medication and medical care you received Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who can help you navigate your claim.

WILL MY PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM GO TO TRIAL?

Not all personal injury claims make it to court. In fact, a majority of injury cases are settled without having to litigate. What’s the difference between a settlement and going to trial? What are the pros and cons of each? There are two ways in which compensation can be awarded to you for your claim: through a settlement or by going to trial. There are pros and cons to each. When your claim is settled, the compensation for your claim is decided outside of court, usually through negotiations between lawyers.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?

In California, you have two years to file a personal injury claim against an individual or non-government entity. If the injury is not immediately known, you have one year from the date the injury is discovered. If you’ve suffered injuries from an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should act quickly to ensure you are able to recover compensation for your losses.

Notifying Insurance Companies

You should notify your insurance company and the responsible party’s insurance company as soon as possible after your accident. Most insurance companies request that you file your claim within 24 – 48 hours after your accident. When you file a personal injury insurance claim, you are requesting that the at-fault party’s insurance pay for the losses you suffered as a result of your accident, and the compensation amount is determined during negotiations. Seeking Compensation You can get financial compensation in two ways: filing a personal injury insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. Generally, compensation can be sought for two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are those with a measurable monetary value, such as medical expenses and lost wages. On the other hand, non-economic damages refer to losses that cannot be easily quantified, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. It is important to understand the types of damages available in your case so that you can seek compensation for all of your related losses. Soon after your accident, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who can explain the time limits to you and help you get the compensation you deserve.

ARE THERE PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS NEAR ME?

Our firm is located in downtown Los Angeles. We can take all personal injury cases based in California.

Contact a Bakersfield Attorney for Help With a Jackknife Truck Crash Claim

Even by the usual standards of commercial truck crashes, jackknife wrecks are particularly dangerous and all too often deadly. Jackknife truck accidents in Bakersfield could also serve as grounds for civil recovery if you understand and proactively enforce your rights under the state’s law.

Our team could provide the custom-tailored assistance you need to get the compensation you deserve from the people at fault for your injuries. Call our firm today to discuss your legal options.

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PERSONABLE, HIGH-QUALITY CLIENT CARE

READY TO SPEAK WITH AN ATTORNEY?

If your claim has been denied or your attorney has decided to give up, reach out to our firm for a second opinion.