Experienced and Trusted Truck Accidents Law Firm

San Diego Jackknife Accident Attorneys

Helping You Get the Money You Need to Get Better After a San Diego Jackknife Accident

A jackknife accident occurs when a driver loses control of their truck, causing the cab and trailer to become spread out across the road in the shape of an open pocketknife. This is one of the most dangerous things that can happen on the freeway.

By blocking the road, a jackknife can cause a chain reaction involving several cars and trucks. Jackknife accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries for people traveling in passenger vehicles.

If you were harmed in a jackknife truck accident, contact the experienced San Diego truck accident attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates. We’ll investigate the accident and file claims against anyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries. And we aren’t afraid to take on the big insurance companies.

Call (619) 209-6066 to schedule your FREE case evaluation today.

What Causes Jackknife Accidents?

Jackknifing is almost always the result of human error. In most cases, these accidents could have been prevented if trucking companies hired experienced drivers, provided them with the right training, and made sure their trucks were properly loaded and maintained.

Frequent causes of jackknife accidents include:

• Speeding. The maximum speed limit for trucks in California is 55mph. Jackknifing accidents are much more likely to occur when trucks go too fast, especially downhill.
• Inexperienced drivers. Truckers are taught to apply their brakes gradually to avoid jackknifing. But inexperienced drivers are much more likely to slam on the brakes when there’s an interruption in the traffic flow, and this is the biggest cause of jackknife accidents.
• Fatigued driving. Trucking is strictly regulated by the federal government to prevent drivers from logging too many hours. But trucking companies that are trying to increase their profits will often pressure drivers to ignore these laws.
• Poorly balanced cargo may compromise the truck’s center of gravity, causing weight shifts that make a jackknife much more likely to happen.
• Bad weather. Rain, ice, and snow make braking more difficult by increasing stopping time. And fog reduces the driver’s visibility, so they have less time to stop when there’s an emergency. Safe drivers wisely reduce their speed when they encounter inclement weather.
• Distracted driving is a major cause of vehicle crashes, and professional truck drivers must vigilantly watch the road at all times to prevent catastrophic accidents. Texting, using a handheld device, eating, or reaching for an object inside the cab can all result in traffic collisions.
• DUI. Alcohol and controlled substances reduce a driver’s reflexes, reaction time, judgement, and vision. Impaired drivers have no business operating any type of vehicle, especially a big rig truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds.
• Product liability. When a jackknife happens, companies that manufacture faulty truck parts may be liable.
• Poor maintenance. Trucking companies are responsible for making sure their trucks are in peak operating condition. Good brakes and tires are particularly important for preventing jackknife accidents.

How Your San Diego Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

A lot of trucking companies are willing to risk people’s lives just to make a few extra bucks. At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we don’t think that’s right. That’s why we’ll conduct a thorough investigation to find out what really caused your accident using the following types of information:

• Police reports
• Witness interviews
• Internal company documents
• Accident scene recreations
• Expert testimony

If somebody’s careless behavior caused your injuries, then you shouldn’t have to pay your own medical bills. But insurance companies that represent trucking companies will do everything they can to save money.

Our team will file a claim that covers the true cost of your injuries, and if the other side won’t make a reasonable offer, we’re always ready to take them to court.

Claims for injuries that result from San Diego jackknife truck accidents may include the following types of expenses:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning potential
• In-home nursing care
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Home modifications for wheelchair access

Injuries Caused by Jackknife Crashes

Jackknife accidents cause severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. And some injuries such as paralysis and brain injuries may require a lifetime of assisted care. Injuries and other negative consequences from traumatic brain injuries include:

• Spinal cord damage
• Loss of limb
• Bone fractures
• Nerve damage
• Neck and back injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Wrongful death

We’re on Your Side

Our team at Eugene Bruno & Associates has won millions of dollars in damages for our clients. We belong to Consumers Attorneys of California, and we have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Call (619) 209-6066 to learn more today. At Eugene Bruno & Associates, our San Diego jackknife accident lawyers will never stop fighting for you.