Because the trailer part of a tractor-trailer is only connected to the cab by a single freely rotating joint, that trailer technically has its own separate momentum from the cab while the truck as a whole is in motion. As a result, if the truck’s driver loses traction with the road and goes into a skid, the trailer may wind up drifting well out to the side of or even all the way in front of the cab, bending the truck into a ”jackknife” shape that may block multiple traffic lanes at once.
With all that in mind, it is not hard to imagine why jackknife truck accidents in Tolleson are often particularly dangerous and deadly, even compared to other types of truck wrecks. If you have been injured in a crash like this and need help paying for your ensuing losses, you should make contacting a seasoned truck accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group one of your top priorities.
It is certainly true that the majority of jackknife truck wrecks that happen in Tolleson and throughout the Grand Canyon State stem mainly from the reckless or careless actions of the person driving the truck involved. Speeding is a particularly common culprit behind crashes of this nature, especially if it happens on sharp curves or while going down steep slopes. In addition, everything from drunk driving to distracted driving to a simple lack of experience operating such a massive machine could potentially lead to a truck jackknifing.
That said, there are certain scenarios where someone other than a truck’s driver may hold partial or even primary fault for this kind of wreck. For instance, a third-party supplier could be liable if they failed to secure cargo properly inside a trailer, leading to it shifting during transit and throwing the truck out of balance. Likewise, people who get hurt in jackknife accidents are not immune from being partially at fault for their own injuries if they too were negligent in some way, as a qualified attorney can explain in more detail.
Something else legal counsel can provide vital assistance with in the wake of a jackknife truck collision in Tolleson is building the strongest possible claim within the applicable filing deadline. Virtually every truck accident lawsuit has a deadline of two years after the date of the initial accident, in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes §12-542.
This deadline typically applies even in situations where the person with grounds to file suit has suffered a permanent injury, which will continue to negatively affect them for decades to come. Because of this, it is often necessary when suing over a jackknife wreck to estimate the future value of certain damages well before they actually manifest—yet another thing a capable lawyer can provide invaluable assistance with.
Even if it seems obvious to you that an individual trucker is at fault for their truck jackknifing on a crowded highway, successfully filing suit over that crash can be far from a straightforward process. In fact, many people who try to sue over jackknife truck accidents in Tolleson without support from legal counsel have serious trouble getting any compensation at all, let alone the full amount to which they should be legally entitled.
Assistance from a skilled legal professional will almost certainly be vital to getting the best possible result from your lawsuit or settlement demand. Call today to get the help you need from Phillips Law Group, a firm that has been locally owned and operated in the central Arizona area for over 30 years.
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