Any time a truck accident occurs, the risk of injuries to others on the road is serious. Our Myrtle Beach jackknife truck accident lawyer has helped many clients recover substantial damages after these often highly damaging incidents. At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyer, is passionate about providing our clients with exceptional support throughout their cases.
Jackknife Truck Accidents Are Serious
One of the most common types of truck accidents is jackknifing, which means the tractor and the trailer end up in a “V” shape, often due to the lack of control the truck driver has. In these types of accidents, the trailer does not stop or moves erratically as the tractor (the front portion of the truck) tries to stop. The accidents resulting from this type of incident can be numerous:
- The truck can roll, leading to crushing injuries to other vehicles nearby.
- The truck may not be able to stop, which can lead to a significant amount of force in a collision with a vehicle in front of the truck.
- The tractor may break from the tractor and may tumble off a bridge, down a slope, or onto other vehicles.
In every one of these cases, the truck driver and others on the road are at serious risk of injury. If you are the victim in a case like this, we strongly urge you to contact our jackknife truck accident attorney in Myrtle Beach to learn what your legal rights are. Our personal injury lawyers in Myrtle Beach hold those who cause these accidents accountable for the damage they create.
Jackknife Truck Accidents Create Serious Injuries to Others
When a truck jackknifes like this, it can create a serious impact on the vehicles surrounding it, and that leads to costly losses. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released its Large Trucks in Crashes by Jackknife Occurrence and Crash Severity report, which shows that in 2020, 4,842 jackknife accidents occurred, resulting in fatalities, with more than 107,000 others suffering injuries. Some of the most common injuries our attorneys see in victims include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and crushing injuries
- Spinal cord and column damage
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Amputations
In some situations, fatalities occur. If you are a family member of someone who died as a result of a truck accident, or you suffered serious injuries, allow our Myrtle Beach jackknife truck accident attorney to help you take the next steps. Expect our legal team to be here to guide and support you throughout the process and review our case results to learn more.
We Work to Understand Who Was at Fault in a Truck Accident
Jackknife truck accidents occur for various reasons, and understanding what those reasons are will allow our attorneys to seek out compensation from all responsible parties. Each accident warrants careful investigation with all available evidence considered. Some of the most common reasons trucks jackknife include:
- The truck driver did not brake properly (often too fast or too hard).
- The truck driver was operating at a very high rate of speed.
- The driver was fatigued, potentially due to too many hours on the road.
- The roadways were in poor condition.
- The driver was inexperienced or lacked proper training for the conditions or type of vehicle.
- The driver’s turn was not done properly or was done in a reckless manner.
- The driver acted intentionally.
In many of these situations, the truck driver is responsible, especially if they were reckless, speeding, or not paying attention to the road in front of them. There are times when the brakes fail, and that may be the result of poor maintenance or improper repairs. Other times, the trucking company could be responsible for pushing the driver to work too many hours or putting an inexperienced or untrained driver behind the wheel.
You Could Be Owed Substantial Damages After a Truck Accident
When a truck accident occurs as a result of jackknifing, it can be critical to take fast action to get medical care, call the police, and then start documenting what occurred. Our truck accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach will be able to help you determine all of your specific losses in this type of case. Some of the most common damages we fight to recover include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency medical care, surgical care, in-hospital stays, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation costs could be included in your claim.
- Lost benefits and wages: If you missed time at work, you may be able to claim those from the responsible parties.
- Property damage: Damage to your vehicle and other valuables within the car could be a component of your damage claim.
- Pain and suffering: This is often a significant amount of loss in these accidents since the damages are often numerous and can be catastrophic.
- Emotional trauma: It is not uncommon for victims to face years of trauma and emotional struggle after this type of accident occurs because of the intensity of it.
In each one of these situations, it is critical that you work with a trusted, experienced jackknife truck accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach who can guide and support you. Our legal team is ready to provide you with the guidance you need by providing you with transparent, comprehensive legal guidance to hold those who hurt you responsible for the damages they created.
If You Lost a Family Member in a Truck Accident, Call Our Team
Jackknife truck accidents can lead to fatalities and wrongful death claims, but these types of claims can be very challenging, especially against large trucking companies. Our legal team has experience as a Myrtle Beach wrongful death lawyer and will work closely with close family members to pursue fair compensation. Do not wait to contact us for help with your family’s devastating loss.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Truck Accident Attorney in Myrtle Beach Today
Turn to Shelly Leeke Law Firm now to learn more about the legal rights you have in recovering compensation from any type of truck accident. Our Myrtle Beach jackknife truck accident lawyer provides a free consultation to discuss your specific case and determine what your options are. Do not wait to give us a call to get the information you need.
