At Nordean Law, we strive to keep our community safe. We pursue justice for the injured and we share critical information on how to keep you and your family safe.
Follow the link below for the best tips to prevent accidents of all kinds. If you have a specific question, or if you were injured in an accident, reach out to one of our attorneys today.
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.
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.
There are many reasons why a jackknife accident can occur, including:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Orange County truck accident lawyers at Nordean Law, 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.
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.
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:
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.
Attorney Sam Nordean has made a commitment to helping victims get back what was taken away from them. He fights for people that are injured and can’t fight for themselves.
“Going to court or negotiating a settlement is not akin to my client winning a lottery ticket. It’s about balancing the scales; it’s what they’re owed.”
Sam Nordean
If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife accident, it is crucial to contact an experienced Orange County 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.
Orange County, which lies in Southern California, is a compact yet vibrant region known for its diverse cities, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Home to popular cities like Anaheim, known for Disneyland, and Santa Ana, the county seat, it also boasts coastal cities like Huntington Beach and Newport Beach.
The county is connected by the Interstate 5 (Santa Ana) Freeway and hosts shopping centers like South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Tourist attractions include Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park and Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano.
Geographically, it's adorned with features like the Santa Ana Mountains and the Santa Ana River. With a pleasant average annual temperature of 68 °F (20 °C), Orange County offers an unforgettable experience for all.
From our office in Costa Mesa, we are proud to extend our services to a wide range of cities within Orange County. This includes Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, and Mission Viejo. We also cater to clients in Newport Beach and larger cities such as Los Angeles, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and Norwalk. We're committed to serving these communities with dedication and excellence.
We’re proud to have helped countless clients across California achieve justice and compensation.
"After my car accident in Irvine, I didn’t know where to turn. This team took care of everything, from dealing with insurance to getting me a fair settlement. Highly recommend!"
"I was injured in a truck accident on the freeway near Riverside. They fought hard for me and won my case in record time. Professional and caring every step of the way."
"Nordean Law is working in my injury case and can't thank them enough. Sam and his team have been reaching and keeping me informed with all pending matters. I appreciate that because with all that is currently going in right now, I need some stress off my shoulders. Thank you Nordean Law!!!"
"The best lawyer in the area! He and his team will take great care of you. They are very good with taking questions and answering them without lying to you. I will use Sam and his firm for any cases I might encounter. Highly recommend!!"
"If you are worried about your claim you should contact Nordean Law. Sam Nordean and his team are not only true professionals with integrity, but also sincerely care about their clients well being and state of mind throughout the process."
