Have you been hurt in a jackknife accident in Bell, California? If so, contact Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers at (323) 402-1000 for a free consultation. Let our Bell jackknife accident lawyers help you pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages & benefits, pain & suffering, and more.
Our team has 25 years of combined experience helping accident and injury victims get the justice they deserve. Our legal team has recovered more than $100 million for clients and has extensive experience handling serious truck accident claims.
How Can Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers Help After a Jackknife Accident in Bell, CA?
The aftermath of a jackknife accident can be overwhelming, especially when victims suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and time away from work. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts after a serious truck accident, making it important to thoroughly investigate the crash and accurately assess the full extent of your damages.
At Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers, an experienced Bell personal injury lawyer can help accident victims understand their legal rights and navigate the challenges that often arise during the claims process.
Let our experienced Bell, CA, team help you by:
- Investigating the cause of your accident
- Using experts in the trucking industry to help prove your case
- Handling all communications with the trucking company
- Completing the necessary paperwork for the claims process
- Reviewing your medical records to fully understand your injuries
- Putting an accurate value on your claim
- Negotiating a full and fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to a jury when necessary
Contact us today to speak to a Bell truck accident lawyer and put our experience to work for you.
Overview of Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents get their name from the angle formed between the truck and trailer during these accidents. The angle resembles that of a small pocketknife known as a jackknife. During a jackknife accident, the truck and trailer form such a sharp angle that they may hit each other.
These accidents often occur when the trailer loses traction and swings outward, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Because commercial trucks are so large and heavy, jackknife accidents can quickly involve multiple vehicles and lead to severe injuries, extensive property damage, and roadway closures.
What Are Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Bell, CA?
Jackknife accidents can happen for a variety of reasons.
Some of the most common causes of these accidents are:
- Inexperienced drivers
- Brake failures
- Wet or slippery roads
- Speeding
- Shifting loads, especially on steep downhill declines
- Not enough room to maneuver
Identifying the cause of a jackknife accident is often an important part of determining liability and pursuing compensation from the responsible parties.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Jackknife Accident in California?
After a jackknife truck accident, there may be multiple defendants who could share liability. Proving liability requires showing which party was negligent.
Some of the parties whose negligence may be responsible for these accidents are:
- The trucking company
- The truck driver
- Equipment manufacturers
- Service or maintenance providers
- Third-party drivers
For instance, imagine a mechanic services the brakes on a big truck. Instead of following the proper procedures, he takes shortcuts, and the brakes fail on the truck’s next trip. This results in a jackknife accident and severely injures another driver. The mechanic could likely be held legally responsible for the victim’s injuries.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Jackknife Accident Victims?
Victims in Bell, CA, who are injured in a jackknife accident may be legally entitled to recover both economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate victims for their financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and benefits
- Future reduced earning capacity
- Medical equipment or devices
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
Non-economic damages compensate victims for their physical and emotional pain and trauma. These intangible losses often make up a large portion of the compensation available in a personal injury claim.
Common examples of non-economic damages are:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
The damages available in a jackknife accident case depend on the specific facts of the accident, the severity of the injuries, and the long-term impact on the victim’s life.
How Long Do I Have to File a Jackknife Accident Lawsuit in California?
The California statute of limitations allows accident victims two years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit for damages. Missing this deadline can result in you completely losing your right to recover any compensation.
However, there are some special circumstances that can change the deadline in your case. Contact Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers to let us help ensure you do not miss your chance to obtain a financial recovery.
Contact Our Bell Jackknife Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have been hurt in a jackknife accident in Bell, CA, contact the team at Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers for help. Let us handle every detail of your legal claim while you focus on your health.
We will take the time to answer all your questions and will work diligently to put together a winning strategy. Schedule your free consultation with a Bell jackknife accident attorney to get started.
