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Jackknife Accident Lawyer in Louisiana

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A semi truck driving down a Louisiana highway at sunrise

Weighing in at nearly 40 tons, commercial trucks far outweigh the passenger cars you and I drive on the highway every day. Because of their much higher weight and size, big rigs need to contend with a number of issues that other cars, trucks, and SUVs simply don’t:

18-wheelers take much longer to start and stop than smaller vehicles
Tractor trailers have less visibility in general, and are harder to maneuver
Due to their construction, trucks are prone to jackknife accidents

Jackknifing is a common accident for commercial trucks, and it’s one of the most dangerous. If you’ve been the victim of a jackknifed truck accident, you’re likely dealing with major property damage, severe injuries, lost wages, and more. You need a dedicated legal advocate to ensure your needs are met.

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What Is a Jackknife Accident?

During normal operation, the cab and trailer of a commercial trucking rig are in line with each other. A truck jackknifes when its cab and trailer go in different directions, forming a V-shape.

This type of accident is called a jackknife because the truck looks like an open jackknife, or pocket knife, with the cab resembling the handle and the trailer the blade.

Jackknife accidents can be extremely dangerous and cause a large disruption in traffic. Often, they can block multiple lanes of traffic, including opposite lanes. As a result, jackknifing trucks often lead to multi-car pileups, which not only increases the risk of a serious injury but can make it difficult to determine liability in each separate collision.

Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents

A jackknifed truck lying by the side of the road

Most jackknife accidents happen because the truck driver has to brake suddenly. A tractor-trailer’s braking system is far more complex than a passenger vehicle’s—both the cab and trailer have their own braking systems that need to be applied simultaneously. When the driver doesn’t have time to apply the trailer brakes after applying the cab’s brakes, the trailer out-paces the cab and swings to the side, causing a jackknife.

Of course, the majority of jackknife accidents—like most traffic accidents—are caused by driver error. That negligence can occur at many stages of the truck’s trip:

Improper loading of cargo
Failure to properly maintain the vehicle
Equipment failure
Incorrect braking technique or adjustment
Driver inexperience
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Fatigued driving
Inclement weather, such as rain, snow, sleet, or fog

All of these can increase the risk that the trailer overtakes the cab and jackknifes into traffic. When this happens, the truck driver, loader, transport company, or cargo owner could be found liable for the accident and its associated damages.

Determining Liability for a Jackknifing Truck Accident

Because of the number of parties involved in every trucking case, determining liability can be complicated. With jackknifing accidents, the question of liability for your injuries can be even more complex due to the higher number of vehicles generally involved.

That being said, certain parties are generally held at least partially liable for tractor trailer jackknifing accidents:

The truck driver, for neglectful driving
The truck loader, for failing to properly load the truck
The truck owner or trucking company, for failing to maintain the truck properly
Governmental agencies, if the road was improperly maintained or had improper signage
If another car caused the truck to stop short and jackknife, the driver or owner of that car

Common Jackknife Accident Injuries

Jackknifing trucks often lead to extreme, debilitating injuries for everyone involved. While your injuries will depend on the circumstances, including where you are in relation to the truck, your speed, and other conditions, common injuries sustained in jackknife accidents include

Neck injuries and back injuries
Serious cuts and bruises
Broken bones
Whiplash
Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Paralysis

If you’ve sustained a serious injury from a jackknife accident, your treatment can cost thousands of dollars. Your injuries could also keep you from working, causing lost wages, and could lead to an inability to work in the future. All of these costs can be recoverable through a jackknife injury claim. Call the experienced truck injury lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys for a free consultation about your legal options.

Recovering Compensation After a Jackknife Accident

If you’ve been the victim of a jackknifing truck, you don’t have to face your injuries alone. You deserve compensation for your injuries, and you need a personal injury lawyer with the drive and skill to get you the compensation you deserve.

The truck accident lawyers with Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys have decades of experience helping Louisiana drivers get the money they need to heal and move on after a traumatic injury. Give us a call today at 888.501.7888 for a free legal consultation. We won’t charge you a dime until we win or settle your case. That’s the G Guarantee!

Jackknife Truck Accident Accident Lawyer Near Me

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Don’t Wait — Talk to a Louisiana Jackknife Accident Lawyer Today

At Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys, we understand that emotional and physical recovery come hand and hand after an injury or accident. We also know that you may not have the energy or time to fight with an insurance company and the complexities of your personal injury claim.

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   Dexter Jackson 
 28 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I definitely recommend Gordon. They are the best trust me they won't let you down.
  
 
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   Jaylan Smith 
 28 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing lawyer
  
 
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   Jada Landreneau 
 28 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Hayden Bergeron.  He stayed in touch with me and helped me navigate handling everything after the car accident.  He helped us settle at the maximum limits.
  
 
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   Luna Minou 
 28 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My lawyer Hayden was great and got me the maximum amount of money for my case!
  
 
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   L manadi 
 28 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the opportunity to work with a wonderful team! Courtney Kretzsinger and Chelsea Graham took on my case and did an amazing job. They were very professional, courteous, warm, and most importantly transparent. I highly recommend them, as their ability to follow through exceeded my expectations. If I’m ever in need again, I would not hesitate to request this team! The ladies were exceptional! Thank you, again!
  
 
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   James Victorian 
 27 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything was what I expected and more
  
 
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   Christopher Marshall 
 27 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My attorney was awesome. Did his best for me and my family in our time of dread. Great job.
  
 
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   Skylar Landry 
 26 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Brent to anyone looking for a great lawyer! He was very professional, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the entire process. He made sure I understood everything and always had my best interest in mind. I truly appreciate his hard work, dedication, and the way he handled my case.
  
 
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   keodra keekee 
 23 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Devin and crystal are the best. I really appreciate them helping me with my case
  
 
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   Darnell Odds 
 22 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ann Marie and Daniel are the best ever very professional and gets it done
  
 
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   Paul Varnado 
 22 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My AttorneyMr. Hayden Bergeron was professional, courteous, compassionate, and understanding throughout my case. He's an asset worth having on your team.
  
 
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   Lawrence Dunbar 
 22 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything was real profesonial and hassle free.If I had question I made one call and it was answered immediately. Very helpful and understanding
  
 
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   LOVE YOURSELF 
 21 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ THE BEST OF THE BEST!

I’ve used Attorney Tim McCray for multiple cases, and I wouldn’t hesitate to choose him again! He is knowledgeable, professional, honest, trustworthy, efficient, and an absolute BULLDOG for his clients! His advocacy goes above and beyond expectations, and his communication is consistently responsive and reliable. He doesn’t just represent you; he FIGHTS for you!

Honorable mention to his amazing assistants, Ann Marie and Emily, who are just as wonderful to work with!

God forbid I ever need an attorney again, but if I do, TIM WILL BE MY FIRST AND ONLY CALL! I trust him to fight for me and my loved ones and to ensure we receive the fair compensation we deserve. When you find an attorney you can truly count on, you stick with him. Tim is that attorney!
  
 
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   natasha campbell 
 21 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you Attorney Hayden Bergeron for working my case I give you double stars for doing what you do to get the job done Thanks 😊
  
 
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   W Kimbell 
 21 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the pleasure of Attorney Markel Guidry handling my case. Not only was he efficient and consistent with his efforts to ensure that the insurance company appropriately compensated me, but he also made certain that the case was resolved quickly. I highly recommend Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys. You can't go wrong, unless of course you never give them a call. I will definitely utilize their services again should I find myself in need.

Always amazing results!
  
 
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   Katie West 
 21 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an amazing team to have working on my side!!! They are so patient and kind and get you everything you could ever need !!
  
 
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   Molly Larpenteur 
 20 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brent Robinson handled my case so well. He always communicated with me in a timely manner and guided me in making the best decisions regarding my case.
  
 
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   Kaiden Dawson 
 20 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Devin was very helpful and did an awesome job with my case
  
 
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   Marlene Johnston 
 20 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m grateful that I trusted Gordon McKernan to handle my injury case. My attorney, Chris Melancon was so professional, understanding, knowledgeable and informative. I couldn’t have asked for better. Highly recommend! The outcome he worked for exceeded my expectations. I only wish I’d contacted them sooner!
  
 
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   Kaiden Dawson 
 19 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Devin was awesome and very helpful, he did a great job handling my cases
  
 
 
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   Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 6488 reviews 
 
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