Jackknife truck accidents in Pasadena, TX can be terrifying for everyone involved. These crashes mean a commercial truck driver has lost control of their vehicle, which can cause devastation, permanent disabilities, and even death. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, an attorney can help you determine the right way to get compensation. This can mean both filing an insurance claim and suing the responsible party. Your lawyer can guide you through both processes to help you get the best available outcome.
Who Is Responsible for a Jackknife Accident?
Jackknife accidents happen when a driver loses control of a tractor-trailer or semi-truck and the trailer segment of the vehicle swings outward toward the cab. The truck appears to be folding in on itself and taking the shape of a pocket knife, which gives this type of accident its name. Jackknife accidents in Pasadena are often caused by driver errors like speeding, turning or stopping too quickly, or not paying enough attention to blind spots.
In these situations, the truck driver is probably mostly or entirely responsible for a crash. Since commercial truck drivers are typically driving as part of their jobs, their employer could be vicariously liable. The employer would also be liable if it was negligent during hiring or training and failed to ensure that the employee could operate a large vehicle safely.
If any faulty or malfunctioning equipment contributed to the loss of control, the installer or manufacturer of that equipment might be responsible. Improper loading techniques can also make a driver lose control of a trailer. The company or individuals who loaded the truck could be liable if they were negligent while doing so. Finally, other drivers on the road might have contributed to the accident. For example, a driver who was following the truck too closely could have partial liability. Determining and proving liability can be very difficult, and an attorney can perform their own investigation to gather valuable evidence.
What Compensation Could Be Available After a Jackknife Accident?
If a person is injured in a jackknife accident in Pasadena, they can file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the responsible driver. If someone dies in an accident, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 71.004 allows their surviving spouse, children, or parents to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In both cases, the injured person or their survivors can receive economic and non-economic damages. Economic compensation pays for specific expenses like medical bills and lost wages. In a wrongful death case, this includes the deceased’s future earning potential as well as any final medical bills. Non-economic damages are for intangible suffering like physical pain, trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, or loss of companionship in a wrongful death case.
Discuss Your Jackknife Accident Case With a Pasadena Attorney Now
Any type of crash can cause serious damage, but the larger and heavier vehicles involved in jackknife truck accidents in Pasadena make serious injuries more likely. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, you are probably dealing with pain and substantial expenses. A lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation with Schechter, Shaffer & Harris to review your options now.
