Albuquerque Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyers

Why Choose an Attorney after a Jackknife Accident

You might question whether you need legal representation if you’ve been involved in a jackknife truck accident. After all, commercial drivers should adhere to strict standards and have substantial insurance coverage. It’s easy to assume the truck driver’s or their employer’s insurance company will offer a fair settlement.

However, accepting the insurance company’s initial offer often means settling for much less than you deserve. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, even in severe cases involving significant injuries or fatalities. Working with a skilled truck accident attorney with prior experience and success handling jackknife collisions significantly increases your chances of receiving the full compensation you are entitled to.

Jackknife Truck Crashes in Albuquerque, NM

New Mexico sees a significant number of truck accidents each year, with jackknife incidents contributing to a notable portion of serious injuries and fatalities. The critical characteristic of jackknife crashes is the folding action of the truck, which can block multiple lanes of traffic and cause severe damage to other vehicles.

What Causes Jackknife Truck Crashes?

Various factors can cause jackknife truck crashes:

• Truck Driver Error: Sudden braking or taking turns too quickly can cause a trailer to jackknife.
• Adverse Weather: Ice, rain, and snow can reduce traction, making it easier for trailers to skid.
• Improper Loading: Unevenly distributed cargo can destabilize a trailer, increasing the risk of jackknifing.
• Mechanical Failures: Brake failures or other mechanical issues can contribute to losing control.
• Speeding: Driving too fast for road conditions can lead to sudden stops and jackknifing.
• Truck Driver Fatigue: Tired drivers may have slower reaction times and make errors that can lead to accidents.

Common Injuries in Jackknife Crashes

Jackknife accidents can lead to various severe injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations and contusions
• Fatalities

Liability for Jackknife Truck Accidents

If you or a loved one are seriously injured in a jackknife accident with a semi-truck or any large commercial vehicle, you’ll want to know who is responsible. Sometimes, the truck driver may be at fault due to negligence or error. However, there are numerous situations where other parties may be liable for a jackknife accident in Albuquerque, NM. Examples include:

• Trucking Companies: Failing to maintain the truck correctly or pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules.
• Cargo Loaders: If improper loading contributed to the accident.
• Truck Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure due to defective parts caused the accident.

Dealing with Insurance After a Jackknife Accident

When recovering from any serious truck crash, remember that the other party’s insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to minimize their liability and shift the blame onto you. The sooner you contact a jackknife truck accident attorney, the better you can protect yourself from aggressive tactics to pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement.

After a crash, the insurance company may send adjusters and lawyers to the scene to collect evidence. The evidence they gather will either be used against you or ignored if it doesn’t benefit them. You cannot expect a fair settlement offer from an insurance adjuster whose primary goal is to avoid a lawsuit. You need an advocate to protect your interests.

Compensation After a NM Jackknife Accident 

Victims of a jackknife truck crash have several legal options to pursue compensation for the harm and financial loss they endured. Depending on the specifics, you may file a lawsuit or personal injury claim to recover damages.

Jackknife Accident Insurance Claims

This involves negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company to settle. An experienced truck accident attorney can handle communications with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair jackknife truck accident settlement.

Jackknife Truck Accident Lawsuits

You may need to file a lawsuit and sue after a jackknife accident if the insurance company fails to offer a satisfactory settlement. This legal action aims to recover compensation through the court system. Your attorney will gather evidence, represent you in court, and work to prove the other party’s liability.

What is a Jackknife Accident Worth in NM?

The compensation you can seek if a jackknifed truck caused you harm depends on the specific details of your accident, such as the severity of your injuries and losses. But generally, you are entitled to your:

• Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, emergency medical transportation, medical equipment, and surgical expenses.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim lost wages and compensation for impaired earning ability.
• Property Damage: Compensation for repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle and any other personal property.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Disfigurement and Physical Impairment: Compensation for any lasting physical changes or disabilities resulting from the accident.

Fatal Jackknife Truck Accidents in NM

In tragic cases where a jackknife accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This can cover:

• Funeral and Burial Expenses: Costs associated with laying your loved one to rest.
• Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the emotional pain and loss of a relationship.
• Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the future income your loved one would have provided.
• Emotional Distress: Damages for the emotional trauma and grief experienced by surviving family members.

The Law Giant Helps Recover Max Compensation

We have extensive experience investigating, negotiating, and litigating jackknife truck accidents at the Law Giant Injury Lawyers. This includes helping to determine who is liable for a jackknife truck crash and fighting for all the compensation victims deserve. Our attorneys understand insurance companies’ tactics to minimize payouts and know how to respond effectively.

Most truck crashes are resolved with a truck accident settlement, allowing you to receive compensation more quickly and move on with life. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, The Law Giant is prepared to take your case to court to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

Contact us today to discuss your jackknife truck accident claim. The New Mexico Law Giant is here to help you navigate the legal process, prove fault, and secure all the compensation you are entitled to. Call (505) 900-0000 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

NM Jackknife Truck Accident FAQs

Get the Law Giant After a NM Jackknife Truck Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife truck collision in New Mexico, acting fast is essential. Ensure your safety and seek medical attention first. Then, protect your rights and contact a truck accident attorney immediately.

The Law Giant is here to help. We will explain your rights and explore all options for maximum compensation. Our experienced attorneys have helped recover over $1 Billion for injury victims like you. We offer a free, no-risk consultation to discuss your case and no fees unless you win. Call (505) 900-0000to get started.