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Because semi-trucks are bigger and weigh more than the average vehicle, sometimes even ten times more, they require expert handling. To qualify as a truck driver, one must undergo a very rigorous training process. Unfortunately, even the most qualified truck operators let their guard down at one point.
If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a jackknife accident, contact the jackknife truck accident lawyers in Bellaire from Lone Star Injury Attorneys. Our Bellaire truck accident lawyers have nearly two decades of combined experience and are ready to put our knowledge to work for you.
Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents
It’s not a surprise that many auto wrecks in Texas are linked to individual drivers. However, drivers are not always to blame. Here’s a look at how jackknife truck accidents occur:
Driver Negligence
As discussed, carelessness on the part of drivers is responsible for a huge chunk of auto wrecks reported every day. With jackknife truck accidents in Bellaire, driver negligence may be demonstrated in different ways, such as:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Inexperienced driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
Any behavior that is contrary to the actions a reasonable person would take in similar circumstances is deemed as negligence. Your jackknife truck accident lawyer in Bellaire will identify ways to establish fault on the driver based on the facts available.
Vehicle Malfunctions
Semi-trucks involve a complicated system of components such as hydraulics, braking systems, and more. All parts must work in sync at all times. So when one system fails or malfunctions, the safety of these 18-wheelers is compromised.
For example, a tire burst or brake system failure usually results in the driver losing control of the vehicle. In the end, the truck becomes a coffin on thewheels, sweeping everything in its way. Vehicle manufacturers and maintenance companies are likely to bear liability, although this is subject to your Bellaire jackknife truck accident attorney’s investigations.
Lousy Weather
While a truck driver may be duly qualified and experienced in truck operations, lousy weather may turn what is supposed to be a safe trip into a catastrophic one. Black ice, rainfall, snow, fog, and mist are some of the bad weather conditions that often contribute to jackknife truck accidents in Bellaire.
For example, black ice makes the roads slippery, causing imbalanced shifts in cargo load and gravity. As a result, the driver may lose control and jackknife. Bad weather accidents may be blamed on individual parties, such as a state agency for improper road maintenance.
Improper Cargo Loading
Cargo load must be safely secured on every trip a truck makes. Improper balancing may result in sudden shifts in weight and gravity, causing the truck to tip on its side.
Trucking companies must ensure this requirement is fully met to the letter. In case an accident occurs, and the fault is established on any party involved in the line of cargo handling, a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Bellaire will try to settle with you before heading to court.
For a free legal consultation with a jackknife accident lawyer serving Bellaire, call (832) 449-8230
Your Legal Options After a Jackknife Truck Accident
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a Bellaire jackknife truck accident, you have two options to choose from as far as compensation is concerned.
If you can prove that another party was responsible for the crash, you have the right to demand reimbursement for injuries suffered and related losses.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
You can settle with insurance companies Representing the party at fault. An insurance adjuster takes up your claim and evaluates your demands as they relate to the crash.
If eligible, the insurance company makes an initial offer to settle out of court. Your attorney may decide to settle if the offer made is fair based on your damages.
Proceeding to Court
In case the settlement offer is a rip-off, your Bellaire jackknife truck accident attorney has another card left to play. Proceeding to court is the last resort, although most injury cases don’t reach this phase.
The process involves filing a petition to the at-fault party, the defendant answering, discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, mediation, and finally, going to trial. The qualifications and experience of the Bellaire jackknife truck accident attorney you choose matter, so it’s in your best interests to retain a seasoned and accredited legal team to represent your interests.
Bellaire Jackknife Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Working with Experienced Bellaire Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyers
Hiring a Bellaire jackknife truck accident lawyer is the only guarantee you have that your case is handled the right way. He or she will help you with:
- Investigations to determine liability
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Proving causation
- Valuing your tangible and intangible losses
- Retaining expert witnesses to support your side of the story
- Negotiating with insurance companies and adjusters
- Proceeding to trial if no out-of-court settlement is reached
The good news is that working with our jackknife truck accident lawyers won’t cost you a thing unless we win your case. Please call our Lone Star Injury Attorneys’ offices to set up a meeting with our truck accident lawyers.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
