McAllen is a booming border city with lots of activity on its roads. This makes McAllen particularly prone to jackknife accidents, which occur when the trailer of a commercial truck gains speed and skids ahead of the cab.
These types of collisions often involve more than one vehicle, since truck trailers can take up wide swaths of the road. If you happened to be in a vehicle involved in a jackknife truck accident in McAllen, you may have the opportunity to pursue compensation from whoever caused the crash. Call an experienced truck accident attorney for assistance with your claim.
Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Collisions
A truck’s cab is attached to the trailer with a rotating hinge, meaning the cab and the trailer have separate momentum. The trailer can surpass the cab when the driver brakes suddenly–even to prevent an accident. A truck driver can also lose control of their trailer when they are speeding or taking turns too quickly.
These types of accidents frequently happen because of hazardous weather conditions that decrease visibility or make the roads slippery. Sometimes, there may be a problem with parts of the vehicle, for example, a faulty braking system. In this case, the truck’s manufacturer might be liable. Poorly maintained roads can also be a culprit, causing drivers to lose control of their trucks filled with heavy cargo.
Depending on the circumstances of a crash, a plaintiff may be able to pursue financial damages from:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Loaders and shippers
- The state and federal agencies responsible for maintaining the roads
- Vehicle and parts manufacturers
- Vehicle maintenance companies
- Other drivers on the road
A skilled McAllen lawyer with experience handling jackknife truck accident claims could explore all possible avenues for pursuing the maximum possible compensation.
Establishing Negligence in Jackknife Crash Claims
To establish negligence, a plaintiff must prove several elements. First, they must prove that the named defendant had a duty of care. For example, in cases involving commercial truck drivers, the driver always has a duty of care to act responsibly on the road. The plaintiff must then prove the defendant breached this duty, whether through an illegal act such as driving under the influence or a simple moment of carelessness. If the plaintiff can prove this breach of duty was the direct cause of their injuries, they will be able to recover financial compensation.
An experienced jackknife truck accident lawyer in McAllen could guide a plaintiff through all the necessary steps to prove negligence. Our attorneys could investigate the accident to gather evidence from photographs and witness testimonies. Then, we could negotiate with insurance companies and at-fault parties or take a claim to court to get fair compensation.
Call a Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney in McAllen Today
Because McAllen is such a booming place with a constant flow of new construction and developments, the roads can be particularly busy and dangerous. When you are involved in a jackknife truck accident in McAllen, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses and lost income.
Dealing with insurance companies and the personal injury system is not for the faint of heart, especially when you are in the midst of managing your physical recovery. Call our firm so you can focus on recovering while knowing you have informed legal counsel on your side.