Jackknife Truck Accidents

Lawyer for Commercial Truck Accidents in Texas

Any roadway accident involving an 18-wheeler can have devastating consequences. It takes only a fleeting moment of carelessness for a truck driver to cause an accident that can alter the course of a victim's life. Truck drivers are fully aware of the risk of harm their vehicles pose to others if not operated with a high level of caution. However, commercial truck accidents happen every day. These devastating collisions are preventable in almost all cases. Rarely does an 18-wheeler crash when both the driver and the trucking agency fulfill the duty of care they have to everyone on the road around them.

Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec in Houston TX

At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, we are experienced in pursuing truck accident claims. Our skilled lawyers understand the extent of harm that a truck wreck can cause to not only the firsthand victims, but to their families as well. Our goal is to recover the highest possible amount of compensation on behalf of people who have been injured due to careless trucking. We will strive to keep the claims process as easy on you as possible so that you can focus on your healing.

Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents

A jackknife truck accident occurs when the truck driver loses control of the vehicle in such a way that the trailer of the truck folds at a 90-degree angle to the cab. Trailer hitches are designed to allow flexibility around turns. When they rotate inappropriately, the truck is likely to be sent spinning uncontrollably, causing extreme damage to anyone and anything unlucky enough to be caught in its path.

Jackknife accidents rarely occur unless the driver or the agency that employs him has made a serious mistake, such as:

  • Poor brake maintenance - Jackknifing is frequently caused by defects in the truck's braking system. When the truck's braking system does not work as it should when the driver tries to stop his rig, the trailer may continue moving forward despite the driver's efforts to brake, causing the trailer to rotate around the side of the cab.
  • Improper braking - Another common cause of jackknife accidents is when a driver attempts to stop their truck too quickly. Truck drivers may brake too hard if they were distracted and failed to notice traffic ahead stopping in time.
  • Speeding - Speeding truck drivers run the risk of losing control of their rig.
  • Drunk driving - Intoxicated truck drivers are at very high risk for causing serious accidents.
  • Dropped or shifting cargo - Poorly placed and secured cargo can shift to one side of the truck and cause the trailer to bend toward the cab.

Our attorneys will conduct a skilled investigation to determine and demonstrate the causes of your accident.

Compensation Available After a Jackknife Accident

The dollar amount of damages caused by a commercial truck accident can be substantial. Many injuries associated with jackknife truck accidents can be life-altering. Sadly, some victims will not heal fully, and they may be unable to return to work or school. Types of compensation that may be available after a truck accident include:

  • Lost wages and lost future earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Current and future health care expenses
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Wrongful death compensation for surviving family members

Contact a Harris County Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer

The Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec takes jackknife truck accidents very seriously, and we pursue these claims aggressively. Our skilled Board Certified Personal Injury Houston attorneys are able to prove negligence and are also skilled negotiators. We stand prepared to take your case to trial if need be, and insurance companies and defense lawyers take our cases very seriously. Contact us at 281-962-8949281-962-8949 to receive a free consultation.


Contact Us For A Free Consultation

Work with an attorney with a proven record of success. To begin crafting your personal injury case, contact our Houston office online or call us at Free Consultation 281-962-8949281-962-8949.

We offer free personal injury consultations, and most cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. Under this fee structure, you would not owe us attorney fees unless we recovered compensation on your behalf.