Truck wrecks always pose a danger to those involved, but accidents that cause a tractor-trailer to jackknife can cause devastating damage. A trucker making a sudden stop may cause the truck to skid and the trailer to swing around and make an L shape, which is known as jackknifing. When the trailer swings into other lanes, it can strike nearby cars and pedestrians.
Truck drivers and their parent companies usually have an attorney and insurance company ready to try and limit payouts to injured parties. Therefore, seeking help from a skilled truck collision attorney could help you collect the compensation you need and deserve. Schedule a consultation with a hard-working lawyer at Smith Hulsey Law for help with jackknife truck accidents in Gainesville.
Jackknife truck collisions can happen for many reasons and almost always cause severe injuries and property damage. Some of the most common jackknife truck accident causes include the following:
Most jackknife commercial truck accidents happen because the trucker tries to maneuver abruptly or makes other mistakes on the road. An experienced Gainesville attorney could investigate the cause of a jackknife trash crash to determine where a trucker could be liable.
Truck drivers, the companies that employ them, and attorneys and insurers that represent them will often assert the plaintiff shares responsibility for a collision. However, the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-11-7 establishes that sharing a portion of fault does not bar the plaintiff from recovery unless they are over 49 percent liable. When the claimant is partly responsible for the damages, the court will determine their percentage of fault and subtract it from the total award. An experienced attorney could build a case on a potential plaintiff’s behalf to dispute allegations of shared fault and try and pursue the maximum possible compensation under the circumstances.
In Gainesville, there is also a court-enforced time limit for filing a lawsuit against liable parties after a jackknife truck crash. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 9-3-33, the petitioner must file the civil claim within two years of the cause of action. Missing this deadline will usually mean losing the chance to recover any damages from the negligent party, which is why it is crucial to start working with a seasoned lawyer as soon as possible after a crash.
Soon after an accident involving a truck driver, potential plaintiffs usually receive a call from the insurance adjuster representing the trucking company. They typically sound concerned and want to speak about the accident’s causes and damages. The representative’s job is to get injured parties to admit some form of fault to minimize the truck driver’s liability and reduce compensation.
Therefore, it is seldom a wise choice to communicate with insurance companies directly. A knowledgeable Gainesville lawyer could handle these negotiations on the plaintiff’s behalf to help fight for the maximum award for damages after a jackknife truck accident.
If a truck driver’s negligence caused you to suffer injuries, you could be eligible to collect compensation for your losses. The personal injury and civil court processes are complex, and when commercial trucks are involved, there are even more challenges to overcome.
A determined lawyer who has experience handling jackknife truck accidents in Gainesville could help you through the process and advocate on your behalf. If you need help after a crash with a negligent trucker or company, call Smith Hulsey to schedule your free case consultation and begin preparing your claim.
Smith Hulsey Law
Tap Here For Free Case consult 