Hollywood Jackknife Accident Lawyer

Jackknife accidents are among the most terrifying truck collisions that occur on Florida’s roads. When a truck driver loses control, and a trailer suddenly sweeps across several lanes of highway, nearby motorists have very little way of avoiding a collision. The consequences of large truck accidents may include serious injuries.

If you have been involved in a commercial truck accident, you may be dealing with a lengthy recovery, loss of income, and unexpected medical bills. You need legal representation to deal with the insurance companies and help you pursue fair compensation. Let the legal team at Rosen & Ohr, P.A., fight for the just compensation you need to move forward with your life. Contact our office today to arrange a free consultation with a Hollywood jackknife accident lawyer.

What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

Jackknife crashes involve large commercial trucks, such as semis, tractor-trailers, and other combination vehicles with separate cabs and trailers. A jackknife accident occurs when a truck cab’s tires lose traction or lock up, causing the trailer to swing outward across other lanes of traffic. Once the trailer moves out of line with the cab, the truck driver loses the ability to keep the truck traveling in a straight path. Because of a commercial truck’s size and length, the sweeping motion of the trailer can put nearby vehicles at risk of a serious truck accident.

Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents in South Florida

Jackknife accidents can happen in a range of traffic conditions when heavy trucks share crowded highways with passenger vehicles. If a truck driver brakes improperly or the cab’s tires lose traction, the tractor and trailer can travel at different speeds. That can cause the trailer to swing outward, leading to a Hollywood truck accident. Some of the most common causes of jackknife accidents include:

• Sudden braking that causes the trailer to swing out of line
• Speeding, especially in heavy traffic or on curves
• Unsafe lane changes
• Overcorrection
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Slick roads or standing water
• Mechanical problems involving brakes, tires, or other truck parts
• Truck driver fatigue or inattention

Our Hollywood jackknife accident lawyers can investigate your accident involving a large truck to determine how it occurred, gather evidence to establish liability, and guide you through the legal process.

Injuries You May Suffer in a Hollywood Jackknife Collision

Jackknife truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries because of the disparity in the size and weight of the commercial trucks and passenger vehicles involved in a crash. Severe injuries may require extensive medical care and time away from work, resulting in lost wages and financial stress. Common injuries in truck accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Neck and shoulder injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Crush injuries
• Severe cuts, lacerations, and soft tissue injuries

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Jackknife Truck Accident in Hollywood?

The liability for a jackknife truck accident in Hollywood depends on what caused the crash and whose actions contributed to it. It’s not unusual for there to be more than one liable party in Hollywood truck accident cases. Different companies may handle trucking operations, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. Possible liable parties may include:

• The Truck Driver – A truck driver’s negligence may involve unsafe conduct such as speeding, following too closely, distracted driving, or failing to control the truck.
• The Trucking Company – A trucking company may have liability if it hired an unqualified driver, pressured drivers to meet unsafe delivery schedules, or didn’t properly maintain the truck.
• A Maintenance Provider – A repair garage may share fault if poor maintenance of brakes, tires, or other parts contributed to the crash.
• A Cargo Loading Company – A loading crew may be liable when improperly balanced or unsecured cargo affects the truck’s stability.
• A Manufacturer – A parts maker may be responsible if an equipment failure caused by a defective truck component played a role in the accident.

What Compensation Can a Jackknife Accident Victim Pursue?

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might pursue compensation for the following types of losses:

• Past, ongoing, and anticipated future medical expenses
• Lost income, including future losses if your injuries force you to change jobs or prevent you from returning to work
• Physical pain and suffering
• Psychological and emotional distress
• Damaged property
• Diminished quality and enjoyment of life

How Long Do You Have to File a Jackknife Accident Claim in Florida?

Florida law strictly limits how much time you have to file a jackknife accident claim. While most negligence-based claims must be filed within two years, the specific deadline will depend on the type of case and the circumstances involved. The most important thing to understand is that if you wait too long, you may lose the chance to seek compensation.

Because deadlines can vary and important evidence from the accident scene may disappear quickly, you should speak with a Hollywood jackknife truck accident attorney as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney can review the facts and explain the filing deadline that applies to your case.

Contact Rosen & Ohr, P.A. for a Free Jackknife Accident Consultation in Hollywood

If you got hurt in a jackknife accident, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your medical expenses and financial losses. You deserve the space to focus on healing. An experienced Hollywood truck jackknife accident lawyer with Rosen & Ohr, P.A., can investigate the accident, determine liability under Florida law, and pursue a personal injury claim on your behalf.

For over 50 years, our firm has served the injured in Hollywood, FL, and the surrounding communities. Our Hollywood jackknife accident lawyers have developed a proven track record in complex truck accident claims, including a $2.3 million settlement for a teenager injured in a head-on collision involving a semi-truck. As one satisfied client wrote:

“I am so grateful to Jared Ohr for all he has done for me and my case. After 12 months of working on my case, Jared finalized my settlement with the best outcome I could have expected. Thank you Jared and staff for all you have done and for helping me when I most needed it. I now know exactly who to refer my friends and family to when needed. Thank you!!!”

– F.M.

Rosen & Ohr, P.A., is here to support you throughout your recovery. Don’t go up against insurance companies on your own. Contact our office right away to get started with a free initial consultation with a South Florida jackknife truck accident lawyer.