Because the cab and trailer of a semi-truck are only connected to each other by a single coupling point that can freely rotate, they can each move independently of each other if the truck loses traction and goes into a skid. If the trailer of a semi-truck kicks out to the side of or all the way out in front of its cab, it creates a “jackknife” shape that may cover multiple traffic lanes and collide with multiple other vehicles before the truck comes to a stop.
Jackknife truck accidents in Glendale are often devastating incidents, and they can also be difficult to file a civil suit over. Fortunately, the experienced truck accident attorneys at Phillips Law Group can help if you were hurt in a wreck like this recently and want to enforce your right to civil recovery.
Getting Paid Fairly for Past and Future Losses
Various forms of “negligent” conduct can contribute to causing a jackknife truck crash in Glendale. This includes overtly illegal acts like speeding and drunk driving, careless ones like a trucker getting distracted at just the wrong moment, and even mechanical problems like faulty brakes, which can be traced back to a third-party mechanic or manufacturer. Regardless of what form it takes, any reckless or careless act that contributes to causing a truck accident confers civil liability for accident-related losses on the person who acted irresponsibly.
“Recoverable damages” through a lawsuit or settlement demand over a jackknife wreck can include but are not strictly limited to:
- Medical expenses, including expected costs of future rehabilitative and maintenance care
- Lost work income, benefits, or earning ability
- Personal property damage, including car repair/replacement costs and related expenses not already covered by insurance
- Physical discomfort and pain
- Psychological trauma and anguish
- Lost quality of life and other effects of permanent disability/disfigurement
A qualified legal professional from Phillips Law Group can help identify every person who played a role in causing a specific incident and demand fair compensation from all of them.
Getting Around Obstacles to Civil Recovery
Legal representation can also be key to ensuring that common procedural pitfalls do not sidetrack a claim based on a jackknife truck wreck in Glendale. For instance, a seasoned lawyer can ensure an injured “plaintiff” can build and file a strong claim within the applicable filing deadline. As per the “statute of limitations” codified in Arizona Revised Statutes §12-542, this timeline is usually two years after their injury first occurred.
Likewise, an attorney can help contest accusations made by a truck driver or trucking company that the plaintiff suing them is partially at fault for causing their own injuries through their own negligence. Otherwise, A.R.S. §12-2505 would allow a court to assign a percentage of “comparative fault” to that plaintiff and then reduce their final damage award in proportion to that percentage.
Get Help From a Glendale Attorney with a Jackknife Truck Accident Lawsuit
Few things you can possibly encounter on the average public road are more dangerous than a jackknifing truck skidding towards you at a high speed. Just like any other type of accident involving a tractor-trailer, though, you can seek civil restitution for the harm you sustained in a jackknife crash if you can prove at least one other person was directly to blame for causing the incident.
In the wake of a jackknife truck accident in Glendale, you will almost certainly want assistance from professionals like the ones at Phillips Law Group. They are not afraid to take your case all the way to trial to get you paid what you need. Call today to speak with a member of our team and schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
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