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When 18-wheelers turn sideways while traveling at high speed, they have the potential to jackknife. Jackknifing happens when the cab of the truck turns one direction and the trailer turns the other. This results in the two parts of the vehicle folding in on each other like a knife. As this occurs while the truck is sliding sideways, it has the potential to strike other vehicles in its path.
If you were hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Sugar Land, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Maximizing your recovery can be challenging on your own, but you have the right to hire skilled injury attorneys to advocate on your behalf.
Commercial trucks can be difficult to handle under the best of circumstances. When drivers are careless or reckless in Sugar Land, the odds of a jackknife truck accident go up substantially.
An important key to operating these enormous vehicles is avoiding any sudden braking or hard turns. The weight of a commercial truck increases the likelihood of a driver losing control, and those situations often result in the vehicle jackknifing.
These incidents are common when the roads are wet or slick. When a driver tries to overcorrect while turning, it can send the cab of the truck in one direction and the trailer in another. These problems are often made worse if the cargo is loaded improperly.
Once a truck is folded in on itself and sliding sideways, the driver can do little to avoid a crash. Given the length of the vehicle, it’s not uncommon to strike multiple vehicles across more than one lane of traffic.
A key part of our work in these cases is identifying the party or parties responsible for your accident. Often, it’s a matter of determining that the truck driver was negligent. This can happen due to speeding, intoxication, aggressive driving, or a variety of other issues.
The trucking company can also be held accountable in some situations. It’s their job to ensure the vehicle is in safe working order and to carefully screen drivers to ensure someone with a history of accidents is not behind the wheel.
There may also be claims against the manufacturer. Truck accidents can occur due to mechanical defects, and the company that made the defective vehicle causing a jackknife truck collision in Sugar Land can be held liable.
It is crucial to act promptly following a jackknife truck wreck in Sugar Land. The law gives you the chance to recover compensation for your injuries, but this opportunity will not last forever. Every truck accident is governed by a deadline referred to as the statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations exists in every jurisdiction, but each state sets its own time limit. In Texas, injury victims generally have two years to settle their claim or file a lawsuit. Waiting until after the deadline expires to file a lawsuit can lead the court to dismiss the claim.
The law does provide for some limited exceptions. When they apply, an injury victim can have additional time to file suit. It’s never a good idea to assume that these exceptions apply to your case. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible to help your chances of success.
If you were hurt due to a jackknife truck accident in Sugar Land, you deserve compensation. Getting the most from your claim can be challenging on your own, but our team is here to help.
Before you accept the first settlement offer that comes along, let us build the strongest case possible. Reach out today for a confidential consultation with our firm.
Lone Star Injury Attorneys, PLLC
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