Jackknife truck accidents in Southfield can involve multiple vehicles across several lanes of traffic. The owner of the truck and other related parties may be liable for injuries and damage caused by their driver in such collisions. Understanding your rights after an injury or a loved one’s death in a truck accident is the first step toward recovering compensation from those at fault.
Our experienced truck accident attorneys at Thurswell Law help clients review their cases and evaluate options for pursuing a claim in court or through settlement. We have helped clients since 1968 and have built a reputation on experience that gets results. We work on a contingency-fee basis for clients, so you do not pay us until we recover compensation on your behalf.
What Causes a Truck To Jackknife?
These particular semi-truck accidents occur when the trailer folds at the hitch, forming a sharp angle between the cabin and the trailer. The trailer pushes the cab to one side and continues to drive forward until the truck resembles a partially opened pocketknife. The driver loses control and risks colliding with nearby vehicles. The following types of driver negligence could play a role in causing a truck to jackknife:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Braking too hard
- Changing lanes too quickly
- Neglecting mechanical failures
- Driving in bad weather
- Driving an overloaded truck
Meet with our experienced personal injury lawyers at Thurswell Law in Southfield as soon as possible after a collision with a jackknifed truck to protect your right to maximum compensation.
Many truck accidents involve large commercial operations with distribution companies, insurance providers, and others with potential liability for your injury. They may attempt to quickly resolve claims for personal injury or wrongful death by convincing you and your loved ones to accept payment in exchange for a release of liability. However, these offers may not fully capture the value of your case. A consultation with our lawyers before agreeing to a settlement is important for evaluating your potential claim and damages with the proposed settlement amount.
Liability in Truck Accidents
The amount of compensation you could recover in a truck accident case will depend on two key issues. The first is the percentage of fault each party bears for the accident, including the injured person seeking compensation. Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.2957 requires juries to assign each party a percentage of fault for their role in an accident. This will determine their proportionate liability and obligation to compensate an injured person for damages.
The second issue is the extent of damages from your injuries in a Southfield jackknife crash caused by a negligent truck driver. You may have a right to pursue several different types of damages depending on the severity of an injury and the losses that result:
- Medical care expenses
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Losses to the quality and enjoyment of life
- Losses to your relationships
Assessing these damages requires a careful review of your personal circumstances, such as your age, occupation, lifestyle, and dependents under your care. Our lawyers help clients understand the full value of their cases to make informed decisions about settling a claim or going to trial. The deadline to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim is generally three years under MCL § 600.5805.
Hire Our Southfield Attorneys for Your Jackknife Truck Crash Claim
We understand the challenges of recovering after injury from jackknife truck accidents in Southfield. Protect your right to pursue compensation. Our goal is to manage your claim with compassion and diligence to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact Thurswell Law today to schedule a free consultation.
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