Jackknife Truck Accidents in Greeley
When a truck jackknifes, its trailer moves perpendicularly instead of following behind the cab. The trailer often, but not always, tips over. A jackknifing truck could collide with other vehicles across several lanes of traffic. These types of wrecks often cause severe injuries to the occupants of other involved vehicles.
If you were hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Greeley, you could seek compensation for your losses from the negligent parties. A truck crash attorney at Amy G Injury Firm could explain your rights and help you pursue damages for your losses.
Jackknife Wrecks Usually Result from Negligence
A braking problem is behind most truck jackknife accidents. Trucks take a long time to decelerate, and a trucker must apply the brakes steadily to come to a smooth stop. If they must brake forcefully, the brakes could lock, causing a jackknife. Jackknifes often happen in bad weather if the brakes do not get adequate traction. If a truck driver fails to take proper steps to brake safely, they could be held legally liable for a resulting crash under the principle of negligence.
The Role of Negligence in Jackknife Cases
Whenever an injured person tries to collect damages, they must prove that another party’s negligence contributed to their injury. Negligence means not using the degree of caution to protect others that the circumstances require.
Trucking companies and truckers must exercise a high degree of care because trucks can be so dangerous to other motorists. A Greeley attorney could investigate a jackknife accident to identify whether a truck driver, their employer, or even a manufacturer acted negligently. The trucker could have been negligent, but the trucking company also could have liability if it did not properly maintain the vehicle’s brakes or tires. A manufacturer also could be responsible if the brakes or tires were defective.
Damages in Jackknife Truck Accidents
Jackknife crashes can cause severe and even permanent injuries to Greeley motorists, including traumatic amputations, crushing injuries, facial trauma, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord damage. The experience of being in a horrific truck accident could cause significant and long-lasting emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The damages an injured person obtains through filing a lawsuit could compensate for all losses the individual suffers directly and indirectly due to their injuries. Economic damages include health care costs, ancillary expenses, lost income, and projected future injury-related losses.
An injured person is entitled to non-economic damages to compensate for their physical pain, disability, emotional trauma, disfigurement, lost enjoyment of life, and other subjective effects of the injury. Colorado usually caps non-economic damages at $250,000, adjusted for inflation from the date of the injury. If an attorney could prove by clear and convincing evidence that the accident merits higher damages, an injured person could receive as much as $500,000 in non-economic damages. There is no cap on the non-economic damages an injured person might receive if they have a permanent injury.
Seek Legal Representation Soon After a Truck Accident
Colorado Revised Statutes §13-80-101 allows someone who suffered injuries in a motor vehicle crash three years from the incident date to bring a lawsuit seeking damages. However, it is unwise to wait so long to get legal help.
When a truck accident causes injuries, attorneys for the trucker’s insurer often present the injured victims with settlement offers soon after the accident. Accepting an initial offer is usually unwise because it typically is inadequate to cover the actual losses the victim could suffer. A Greeley attorney could handle communication with the potentially responsible parties and their insurance companies after a jackknife truck accident, preserving the injured person’s rights and ensuring that the insurers negotiate in good faith.
Obtaining legal counsel soon after an accident also helps them build a robust case for damages. It is beneficial for the advocate to interview witnesses and examine the evidence as soon after the crash as possible.
Pursue Your Jackknife Truck Injury Claim with a Greeley Attorney
If you were in a jackknife truck accident in Greeley, you probably have a legal claim against the negligent parties who contributed to the wreck. If you suffered severe injuries, your claim could result in significant monetary damages.
You could preserve your rights, reduce your stress, and enhance the possibility of receiving a fair settlement by working with a local attorney. Set up your free initial consultation today to get started on your case.
