Jackknife Truck Accidents in Los Angeles

When an 18-wheeler jackknifes, its trailer slides sideways instead of following directly behind the cab. The two then fold in on each other, causing the truck to slide sideways across multiple lanes of traffic. The resulting injuries are often severe or even fatal.

If you have been hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Los Angeles, you may have a case for compensation. Pursuing legal action on your own can feel overwhelming, but the right team can simplify things. Let our skilled truck crash attorneys help you get the outcome you deserve.

Jackknife Truck Accidents Frequently Involve Negligence

Negligence is often to blame in these accidents. Commercial vehicles take a long time to bring to a halt, and drivers might lose control when they wait too long to start braking. In these cases, the braking system can lock up and lead the trailer to turn sideways. Drivers who fail to take care of managing their speed can be at fault for triggering these collisions.

In order for an injured person to recover compensation following a Los Angeles jackknife truck accident, there must be evidence of negligence. Negligence in this scenario involves a commercial driver or other party causing a crash by failing to use reasonable care to protect their fellow drivers.

Negligence can occur due to many different factors, like impairment, fatigue, or distractions. If the trucker fails to take reasonable steps to avoid losing control of their vehicle, they might be responsible for any losses that occur.

The Deadline to File a Lawsuit After a Jackknife Truck Crash

Anyone injured in these incidents has the right to file suit against the negligent party, but only for a limited period of time. The statute of limitations is the deadline that applies to these cases. For jackknife truck accidents, an injured person in Los Angeles generally has two years from the date of the crash to file their lawsuit.

If a person files a lawsuit after the two-year period expires, the judge overseeing the case is likely to dismiss it with prejudice. This type of dismissal brings the suit to an end and permanently bars the injured person from ever pursuing compensation for their losses again.

Exceptions to the statute of limitations exist. When they apply, a person is granted additional time to file their lawsuit. For example, an injured person under the age of 18 typically does not see the statute in their case start counting down until they reach the age of majority. These exceptions often do not apply, which means the best way to protect a claim is by speaking with legal counsel immediately after a crash.

Talk to Our Los Angeles Attorneys About a Jackknife Truck Accident

If you have been hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Los Angeles, you may benefit from a discussion with our attorney. With a successful injury case, you have the opportunity to recover a monetary award based on your losses in the crash. If you act as your own attorney, you will only put your recovery at risk.

You never have to face these challenging times on your own. The right attorney could help you obtain financial damages based on the extent of your losses. Call immediately for a confidential consultation.