ORANGE COUNTY JACKKINFE ACCIDENT LAWYER
Jackknife accidents are a common type of truck accident that cause immense damage and injury. In Orange County, these accidents can be especially dangerous due to the heavy traffic and large commercial trucks on the roads.
In 2020, California experienced the second-highest fatalities resulting from large truck crashes, with 398 people losing their lives. Most of those killed were individuals traveling in other vehicles at the time of the accidents. In 2018, medical expenses and lost work due to traffic-related fatalities in California exceeded $5 billion. Jackknife accidents are one of the biggest contributors to these truck accident statistics.
Suppose you have been involved in a jackknife accident in Orange County. It is essential to seek the help of an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and obtain fair compensation for your losses. A skilled Orange County jackknife accident lawyer can work with you to determine liability, investigate the accident, and build a strong case on your behalf.
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What Are Jackknife Accidents?
A jackknife truck accident presents a challenging situation where a car driver cannot avoid the incoming collision. Such an occurrence happens when a commercial truck gets sideswiped on the road. The truck’s rear end sweeps to the side, creating a wall-like barrier across the road.
In most cases, the passenger car driver sharing the highway has no option but to crash into the wall-like barrier or risk being rear-ended by another car from behind. Unfortunately, this type of accident often results in devastating injuries to all parties involved in the collision. As a result, victims may become permanently disabled due to the crushing weight of a car, and there is also a high risk of fatalities resulting from being crushed by a truck that weighs thousands of pounds.
Causes Of Jackknife Accidents In California
There are many reasons why a jackknife accident can occur, including:
- Speeding
- Sudden stops or turns
- Brake failure or malfunction
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Driver fatigue or distraction
- Poor weather conditions
In California, truck drivers are required to follow strict regulations regarding their driving behavior and the maintenance of their vehicles. If a driver or trucking company is found to have violated these regulations and caused an accident, they may be held responsible for any resulting damages.
Injuries From A Jackknife Accident In Orange County, CA
When a car is pinned in a jackknife accident, the driver and passengers can suffer tragic and life-altering injuries. The injuries that one endures in such accidents tend to be worse than those suffered in other types of car accidents. Below is a list of some of the most common types of injuries that one can suffer from a jackknife truck accident:
- Permanent brain damage
- Permanent physical disability and paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Limb amputations
- Crushed limbs
- Fractures to the skull
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Fractured or broken bones
- Severe burns
- Broken ribs
- Death of the driver and passengers
These injuries can compromise the lives of those involved in the accident. All drivers on the road need to utilize the best driving practices to avoid this type of accident.
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Steps To Take After A Jackknife Truck Accident
In case of a jackknife truck accident, ensure that all involved parties are safe and summon medical assistance. Do not leave the accident scene before contacting the police. Leaving the scene of a truck accident is against the law in most parts of the country, including Orange County.
It is crucial to get a police report to settle your case. When you talk to the police, stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or dismissing anybody else’s role in the accident. You should also document or collect the evidence and details of all the parties involved.
The final step would be to contact an experienced jackknife accident lawyer; Nordean Law is here to help. We offer Free Consultation and Proper Guidance from expert law professionals.
Do You Need A Jackknife Accident Lawyer?
An experienced lawyer is crucial after a jackknife accident when serious injuries occur. A jackknife truck accident lawyer can assist in seeking the compensation entitled to cover the losses and injuries caused by accident.
Nordean Law personal injury lawyers have the needed experience to win with truck accident cases. Our experts help you navigate the complexities of a semi-truck accident case, including determining the responsible party, whether it’s the driver, trucking company, or parts manufacturer. We interview witnesses, collect information, check for recordings and photos, and determine just compensation for injuries such as lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage.
It’s important to avoid accepting insurance company settlement offers before consulting an experienced truck accident attorney. We will effectively collect evidence, including the truck driver’s log book, electronic data, maintenance records, safety records, and cell phone data, to prove liability in the case.
Who Is Responsible For A Jackknife Accident?
Determining who is at fault after a tractor-trailer accident is a complex process. Multiple parties could be responsible, and they often don’t want to admit fault for an accident that causes serious injury or death.
In jackknife accidents, the truck driver’s negligence is typically the cause, but determining who compensates the victims can be tricky. It could be the trucking company, the truck’s owner, or those responsible for loading the cargo. The manufacturer might also be held accountable if defective brakes or faulty parts cause an accident.
When truckers are driving for work, they are usually covered by their employer’s insurance. Unless the driver intentionally caused the accident, the victim will likely deal with the trucker’s employer. If you were injured in a jackknife truck accident, Nordean Law indistinctively helps you identify all responsible parties and make them accountable for their actions.
What Kind Of Insurance Do Commercial Truck Companies Provide?
California has always prioritized the protection of its residents, which is why the state enforces stringent insurance requirements for commercial trucking businesses and their drivers.
The mandatory insurance for commercial trucks in California differs depending on the kind of cargo they transport. Commercial truck drivers operating solely within the state and driving vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds must obtain an intrastate identification number and liability insurance corresponding to the type of freight being transported. The following are the minimum liability insurance requirements for each type of freight:
- $1,000,000 liability insurance for the transportation of oil
- $5,000,000 liability insurance for the transportation of hazardous materials
- $750,000 liability insurance for the transportation of general freight
- $300,000 liability insurance for the transportation of household goods
- $20,000 per vehicle and $20,000 in cargo insurance per catastrophe.
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What Will You Receive After A Jackknife Accident?
Typically, when initiating a claim after a truck accident, the initial step is to submit an insurance claim. Before the lawsuit goes to court, the trucking company’s insurer assess the claim and may propose a settlement. Accepting the settlement means compensation for relinquishing the right to pursue the case. However, since the damages in jackknife truck accidents differ substantially, there is no average settlement amount. Thus, knowing the elements that impact the settlement value is crucial.
Some of these elements include economic damages, like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, inconvenience, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. That said, your compensation rate is also affected by the percentage of your fault in the accident, if you have any. A professional jackknife accident lawyer can help you calculate your loss in monetary value and claim the appropriate amount of compensation.
Contact Top Rated Orange County Jackknife Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife accident in Orange County, it is crucial to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A knowledgeable and skilled attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for your rights to compensation.
Contact a top-rated Orange County jackknife accident attorney today; Nordean Law is a perfect fit. We offer free consultations and will guide you through your case with expert representation. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options.