Houma Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer
Larger vehicles, in particular, large trucks, are prone to a phenomenon known as jackknifing. When the truck comes to a sudden stop, especially on a slippery roadway, the entire truck can turn and cause an accident. Under certain circumstances, the driver of a jackknifed truck cannot be held liable, especially if they were following the rules of the road and driving safely. However, they can be held liable if the jackknifing accident was caused by negligence.
Truck accidents can have deadly outcomes, and even when all the victims survive, they are often left with painful injuries and memories. Money cannot remove these memories, but it can help victims pay for their medical expenses and bills when they are unable to work. If you have been involved in an accident, and you want to obtain compensation, it would be in your best interest to contact a Houma jackknife truck accident lawyer. A qualified attorney can help you seek compensation for the pain you endured.
How is Liability Established?
When a truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the outcome can be devastating. Under such extreme circumstances, it is understandable that many people would blame the driver of the truck for the jackknife collision, but in reality, a Houma truck accident attorney may be able to hold multiple parties liable. In addition to the truck driver, the following parties may bear some degree of responsibility as well:
- Trucking company
- Owner of the truck
- Manufacturer of the truck
- Cargo loading company
- Truck inspector
If the accident results from a mechanical error, the manufacturer of the truck or the inspector can be held liable. It is the responsibility of these parties to ensure each truck they produce is safe to operate. It is also the responsibility of the trucking company to ensure the drivers they hire are well-trained and aware of traffic laws. They are also responsible for ensuring truckers adhere to federal and local safety regulations.
Unfortunately, not all trucking companies take these responsibilities seriously, and many forget about safety in the face of profits. If a trucking company refuses to take safety seriously, and one of their drivers cause an accident, they should be held accountable for their actions in court.
Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be terrifying, and after a crash, victims often wonder what really happened. Truckers are held to higher safety standards than drivers of passenger vehicles, and if choose to not adhere to these standards, they are placing the lives of countless motorists at risk. Like normal car accidents, jackknife truck accidents are often caused by:
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving (ex: texting, tampering with the radio)
- Driver fatigue
- Lack of driving experience
- Speeding or reckless driving
Fatigue is a serious problem with truck drivers, and often, they are encouraged to make numerous stops in a relatively short period of time. To achieve this goal, many truckers forego sleep and periodic breaks to stay ahead of schedule. If a jackknife accident is caused by any of the factors above, victims should contact a Houma truck accident attorney.
Talk to a Houma Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney Today
A Houma jackknife truck accident lawyer may be able to assist you if you have been injured in an accident. Taking on a trucking company on your own can be intimidating, but with the right attorney, you could hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence. Get in touch with an experienced attorney at Kopfler & Hermann to discuss the details of your case.