When a tractor-trailer loses traction with the road and skids, the cab and the trailer of the truck each have their own separate momentum. This means they can sometimes end up moving at different speeds and even in different directions. Sometimes, this results in the semi-truck bending at its central hinge into a jackknife shape, making it wide enough to cover multiple lanes at once and collide with several nearby vehicles before coming to a stop.
Our team at the Law Offices of David W. Holub has experience in successfully pursuing compensation in cases involving jackknife truck accidents in Lowell. If you have recently been injured in this type of wreck, find out how a talented truck accident attorney can help you enforce your right to civil recovery.
How Trucker Negligence Can Cause a Jackknife Wreck
The most common cause of jackknife truck crashes in Lowell is truck driver negligence. This can be a moment of carelessness, inexperience—such as the improper application of air brakes—or an overtly illegal act, including speeding or driving drunk.
All truck drivers have a duty of care to act lawfully and responsibly while driving. A violation of this can serve as grounds for a lawsuit if it directly causes a crash that likely would not have otherwise occurred. Restitution for accident-related damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident and/or subsequent disability
- Lost work income and/or working capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Lost enjoyment of life
A member of our team can provide crucial help with finding necessary evidence, constructing a compelling claim, and identifying your losses in pursuit of the compensation you deserve.
Are Trucking Companies Liable for Their Employees’ Misconduct?
Under certain circumstances, trucking companies are directly liable for causing Lowell jackknife truck wrecks—for example, if they failed to conduct background checks on new hires or knowingly forced their drivers to work illegally long hours, which made them dangerously fatigued. Even outside of those scenarios, trucking companies virtually always hold vicarious liability for injuries caused by the negligence of their employees if that negligence occurred while the employee was performing job-related tasks.
It may also be possible to hold certain other parties liable for this sort of incident, such as a mechanic who failed to identify and replace a truck’s worn-out brakes or a local government body that failed to maintain public roads in a safe condition. Your lawyer can explain the best path forward for your unique situation during a private initial meeting.
Discuss Your Legal Options With a Lowell Attorney After a Jackknife Wreck
Jackknife truck accidents in Lowell can be traumatic, dangerous, and potentially deadly. Know that you may be able to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered from the people at fault for causing it.
If you have recently been injured in this type of accident, our team at the Law Offices of David W. Holub could help you pursue the restitution you need. Contact us today to discuss your options.