Orlando, FL Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced Lawyers for Collisions Involving Jackknifed Trucks in Orlando, Florida

Commercial trucks play a vital role in Florida's economy, transporting goods across the state's highways and into Orlando's busy commercial districts. However, these massive vehicles can pose a serious threat when things go wrong. One dangerous type of truck accident is a jackknife accident. These crashes may lead to severe injuries, extensive vehicle damage, and even fatalities.

When a jackknife truck accident has caused you to suffer harm, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. The Doan Law Firm is here to help you navigate the legal challenges these accidents present and hold the responsible parties accountable.

What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

A jackknife accident occurs when a large truck with an attached trailer loses control and folds in on itself. In these situations, the cab and trailer form an angle that resembles the folding of a pocketknife. This can happen when the trailer swings out to the side while the cab travels in a different direction, and it can lead to a complete loss of control that may result in collisions with other vehicles and serious injuries.

Jackknife accidents are especially dangerous because they often result in the truck sliding across multiple lanes of traffic or rolling over. These crashes may be caused by:

  • Sudden Braking: If a truck driver brakes too hard or too suddenly—especially on a wet or slippery road—the trailer may continue moving forward and swing sideways.
  • Speeding: Driving at high speeds or failing to adjust speed to account for rain, fog, or heavy traffic can increase the risks of jackknifing.
  • Improperly Loaded Cargo: When a trailer is overloaded or its cargo is unevenly distributed, the imbalance can affect the truck's stability, potentially causing the driver to lose control.
  • Mechanical Failure: Brake malfunctions, steering issues, or worn tires can all play a role in a loss of control for a truck driver.
  • Driver Fatigue or Inexperience: Truck drivers who are overtired or who have not received the proper training may not react correctly to hazards or changes in traffic conditions. This may lead them to engage in maneuvers that lead to jackknifing.

Injuries and Damages Caused by Jackknife Accidents

The injuries sustained in jackknife truck crashes are often severe, particularly when passenger vehicles are struck by a swinging trailer, crushed between parts of the truck, or caught in a multi-vehicle pileup. Injuries may include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries that may occur in a sudden impact or when a vehicle is violently struck or crushed by a truck or trailer
  • Spinal cord injuries that may occur in high-impact collisions, including herniated discs, fractures, and paralysis
  • Broken bones, which are common when vehicles are struck at high speeds or when drivers or passengers are crushed within a vehicle
  • Internal injuries, including damage to organs, internal bleeding, or ruptures
  • Severe burns or lacerations in cases where a crash leads to a fuel spill, fire, or shattered glass
  • Amputations or crush injuries that may occur when limbs are trapped or pinned in wreckage

Victims of jackknife accidents may experience multiple types of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses, including the costs of emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, ongoing care, medications, assistive devices, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost wages due to an inability to work during recovery or a disability that will result in a permanent loss of earning capacity
  • Emotional and psychological trauma, which may lead to ongoing concerns such as anxiety and depression
  • Property damage to a vehicle or other items

Secondary Collisions and Multi-Vehicle Pileups

One of the most dangerous aspects of jackknife accidents is their potential to cause multi-vehicle collisions. When a truck jackknifes across a roadway, it can block multiple lanes of traffic, leaving other drivers with little or no time to react. This can lead to a chain reaction of crashes, including:

  • Vehicles rear-ending one another as traffic suddenly slows or stops
  • Collisions when vehicles swerve to avoid the truck and strike guardrails or other vehicles
  • Pedestrian or motorcyclist injuries when a crash occurs in an urban area

These pileups often involve complex liability issues, and it may be difficult to determine who was at fault or whether factors such as dangerous roads or defective parts contributed to an accident. Our attorneys can fully investigate an accident to determine who was responsible, and we will work to ensure that victims will be able to receive financial compensation for their injuries and damages.

Contact Our Orlando Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney

At The Doan Law Firm, our team understands the devastating impact that jackknife truck accidents can have on victims and their families. We work to build strong cases and ensure that our clients can receive a full financial recovery. Arrange a free consultation today to begin taking steps to recover the compensation you deserve. Call our office at 407-289-0000 or contact us online.

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