With the number of trucks that go through the Buffalo area, it is not uncommon to see an accident occur on the roadways, especially in wet or cold weather. Yet, when you are the victim, and you have mounting financial losses because of the negligence of someone else, it is time to contact a Buffalo jackknife accident lawyer to help you. At Towey Law PLLC, our Buffalo truck accident lawyer brings experience and dedication to your claims.
What Happens in a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife truck accident occurs when the truck’s trailer and tractor skid. This causes the trailer to fold towards the tractor component, creating a “V” like shape. It looks like the shape of a pocket knife, which is where it gets its name.
Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Buffalo
Jackknife accidents can occur for various reasons, including one or more of the following:
- Reckless driving
- Evasive maneuvers
- Black ice
- Sharp turns
- Unsafe cargo loading
- Poor brake maintenance
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Tire blow-outs
In any situation in which the truck driver loses control over the truck, it may be possible for the truck to skid and, ultimately, jackknife. This is a highly dangerous situation since it can result in the tractor-trailer flipping or turning over.
Determining Who Is at Fault in a Jackknifing Truck Accident
One of the factors that makes truck cases challenging is proving fault. If you are in an accident with a truck that jackknifes, it is still necessary to demonstrate that the accident was the truck’s fault. Using commercial truck logs, witness statements, and accident reconstruction tools, we can build your case and demonstrate that this is, in fact, the driver’s fault. That enables us to pursue compensation for any losses you have against that truck driver or trucking company’s insurance policies.
Potential Damages You Can Recover from Jackknife Truck Accidents
Truck accidents involving jackknifing can cause serious injury and loss of life, especially if that truck slams into a car or rolls onto one. You may be able to recover any and all damages you have in the accident that you can prove. Some examples of this include:
- Medical costs associated with emergency care
- Ongoing medical costs for rehabilitation and recovery
- Lost wages and time at work
- Loss of earning capacity
- Permanent or temporary disability
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to your vehicle or other assets
There are some situations where it may be necessary to pursue legal action against more than just the truck driver. It may also be the fault of the truck company that hired that driver or the truck cargo loading company that failed to secure products safely. Our objective is to pursue compensation from all parties responsible for your accident, maximizing your ability to recover all of your losses.
Note that, in New York, you have three years from the date of the accident to pursue legal action against the person at fault. If you wait beyond that timeframe, the court will not hear your case, and you may miss key opportunities to collect what you owe.
Victims of these accidents deserve compensation. At Towey Law PLLC, our Buffalo accident attorney will work with you to pursue full and fair compensation for all of your losses. Contact us now for a free consultation to learn more about your rights.