Were you injured in a jackknife truck accident in Shreveport, Louisiana? A Shreveport jackknife accident lawyer at Desiah Injury Lawyers can investigate the collision, identify the responsible parties, and help you pursue compensation. Call us today at (318) 252-3034 to schedule a free consultation.
Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries when they jackknife because an out-of-control trailer may sweep across several lanes of traffic. Our law firm can handle the legal process while you focus on your health and recovery.
How Desiah Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Jackknife Accident in Shreveport, LA
Claims involving commercial trucks in Shreveport, LA, can be more complicated than ordinary passenger vehicle accident claims. Several companies may be involved, and valuable evidence can disappear soon after the collision. At Desiah Injury Lawyers, our lead attorney, Travis Desiah, has 12 years of experience representing injured people and their families.
A Shreveport truck accident lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the crash scene and reviewing the police report
- Obtaining electronic logging, maintenance, and inspection records
- Seeking data from the truck’s electronic control module
- Interviewing witnesses and reviewing available video footage
- Identifying the trucking company, cargo loader, and other responsible parties
- Calculating your financial and personal losses
- Negotiating with insurers and preparing your case for court when necessary
Our Shreveport personal injury lawyer can keep you informed and give your case the attention it deserves throughout the legal process. Contact us today for a free case review.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings outward and forms an angle with the cab. The truck may resemble a folding pocketknife. Once the trailer starts moving sideways, the driver may be unable to regain control.
The trailer can strike vehicles in neighboring lanes, push cars from the roadway, or block several lanes at once. A jackknifing truck may also overturn or cause a chain-reaction collision.
What Causes Jackknife Accidents in Shreveport, Louisiana?
Jackknife crashes often occur when the truck’s wheels lose traction or the trailer moves differently from the tractor. Sudden braking is a frequent factor, especially when the trailer begins to skid while the cab continues moving forward.
Other possible causes include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Following another vehicle too closely
- Improper braking techniques
- Worn or defective brakes
- Bald or under-inflated tires
- Improperly secured or shifting cargo
- Driver distraction or fatigue
- Sharp turns or sudden steering movements
- Wet, icy, or uneven roads
- Inadequate driver training
Determining the cause may require examining the truck, maintenance documents, driver records, and electronic data.
Who Could Be Liable for a Shreveport Jackknife Accident?
The truck driver may be liable if careless driving caused the trailer to swing out of control. However, the driver is not always the only party responsible.
Depending on the facts, liable parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking or transportation company
- A company responsible for maintaining the truck
- The trailer’s owner
- A cargo-loading company
- A manufacturer of defective brakes, tires, or other components
- Another driver whose actions contributed to the crash
At Desiah Injury Lawyers, our Shreveport truck accident attorney can investigate the relationships among the driver, carrier, vehicle owner, and other companies involved.
What Compensation Is Available After a Jackknife Crash?
A person injured because of another party’s negligence may be able to seek compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages. The value of a claim depends on the injuries, available evidence, insurance coverage, and long-term effects of the crash.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning ability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A Shreveport personal injury attorney can review medical records, employment documents, expert opinions, and other evidence to assess the full extent of the losses caused by the crash.
What Evidence Can Support a Jackknife Accident Claim?
Commercial trucking companies create and maintain records that may help explain why a crash occurred. However, some records may be overwritten or discarded unless steps are taken to preserve them.
Important evidence may include:
- Driver qualification and training files
- Hours-of-service logs
- Vehicle inspection and repair records
- Brake and tire maintenance records
- Cargo-loading documents
- Cellphone or dispatch records
- Drug and alcohol testing results
- Dashcam or surveillance video
- Electronic control module data
- Photographs and physical evidence from the scene
An attorney can help you determine liability and pursue compensation for your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Jackknife Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Louisiana generally provides a two-year filing period for personal injury actions arising on or after July 1, 2024. The period usually begins on the date the injury or damage occurs. Claims arising before that date may be governed by a different deadline.
Exceptions may shorten or extend the applicable period. Waiting can also make a case harder to prove because video may be deleted, vehicles may be repaired, and witnesses’ memories may fade.
Speak with an attorney promptly to determine the deadline that applies to your circumstances.
Contact a Shreveport Jackknife Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation Today
A jackknife collision can leave you facing serious injuries, missed work, and pressure from several insurance companies. You do not have to manage the claims process alone.
Desiah Injury Lawyers represents people injured in commercial truck accidents throughout Shreveport, Louisiana. Attorney Travis Desiah has 12 years of experience and is prepared to investigate your crash, explain your options, and pursue accountability from the responsible parties.
Call us to schedule a free consultation with a Shreveport jackknife accident lawyer today.
