Shreveport Jackknife Accident Attorneys

When an 18-wheeler loses control on the highway, the consequences can be life-altering. Jackknife accidents, where the truck’s cab and trailer fold into a V-shape, are some of the most dangerous crashes on the road. These accidents often lead to multi-car pileups, resulting in serious injuries and, sadly, even loss of life. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife accident in Shreveport, Louisiana, you need an experienced jackknife lawyer in Louisiana who understands the area and is dedicated to fighting for your rights.

Understanding Jackknife Accidents in Shreveport

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s cab slows down or stops suddenly, but the trailer continues to move forward, causing the two to fold into a sharp angle. This unexpected and often uncontrollable situation can cause the trailer to swing across multiple lanes, leading to serious chain-reaction crashes. 

Because of their size and speed, these accidents are particularly common on highways like I-20, a major commercial route through Shreveport.

How Our Jackknife Big Rig Accident Attorneys Can Help

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we understand the unique challenges that come with handling truck accident cases in Shreveport. Our dedicated team of Shreveport big rig accident lawyers is here to help you navigate the complexities of these cases, from determining who’s responsible to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Shreveport

Jackknife accidents can happen for several reasons, and the conditions on Shreveport’s roads often make these accidents more likely. Knowing the common causes of jackknife accidents can help you understand how these dangerous situations occur.

• Poor Weather Conditions: Shreveport’s weather can be unpredictable. Heavy rain and fog, especially in the spring and fall, often create slippery roads that make it tough for truck drivers to keep control of their vehicles.
  
  
• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can leave truck drivers exhausted. Fatigue slows down their reaction times and impairs their decision-making, which greatly increases the risk of a jackknife accident.
  
  
• Improper Braking Techniques: When a driver brakes too suddenly or uses the wrong technique, the trailer can swing out of alignment with the cab, leading to a jackknife.
  
  
• Improper Loading of Cargo: If cargo isn’t loaded properly, it can shift while the truck is moving, throwing off the vehicle’s balance and making a jackknife more likely.
  
  
• Failure to Properly Maintain the Vehicle: Neglecting regular maintenance, like checking brakes and tires, can cause mechanical failures that make it hard for the driver to control or stop the truck.
  
  
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: Impaired driving is a serious issue that dramatically increases the risk of jackknife accidents due to poor judgment and slower reaction times.
  
  
• Equipment Failure: Mechanical issues like faulty brakes or worn tires can cause the driver to lose control, leading to a jackknife.

Common Jackknife Accident Injuries

Truck accidents, especially those involving jackknifing, can cause catastrophic injuries. Victims often suffer from: 

• Severe neck and back trauma
• Deep cuts
• Broken bones
• Whiplash

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another common consequence, with long-term effects that can greatly impact a person’s life.

These injuries often result in substantial medical bills and lost wages, as victims may be unable to work. In the most tragic cases, paralysis can occur, completely altering a person’s daily life.

If you’ve been injured in a jackknife accident, the semi-truck jackknife injury lawyers are here to help you pursue the compensation you need to cover medical expenses and lost income. 

Determining Liability in a Shreveport Jackknife Accident

Determining liability in a jackknife accident can be challenging because more than one party might be at fault. It’s not always just the truck driver who’s responsible; the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, and even government agencies in charge of road maintenance could all be involved.

Our jackknife truck accident lawyers take a thorough approach to identifying who’s responsible. Our process involves:

• Analyzing Driver Behavior: We look into whether the driver was speeding, distracted, or tired at the time of the accident.
• Reviewing Maintenance Records: We examine whether the truck was properly maintained and check for any mechanical issues that could have caused the accident.
• Evaluating Road Conditions: We investigate whether poor road maintenance, like potholes or missing signs, contributed to the accident.

By thoroughly investigating these factors, we aim to hold all responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

Recovering Compensation After a Jackknife Accident

Recovering compensation after a jackknife accident is crucial for helping you regain both financial and emotional stability. The aftermath can be overwhelming—medical bills start piling up, lost wages strain your finances, and the pain and suffering take a toll on your daily life. 

That’s where our jackknife trucking accident attorneys can step in to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Compensation can help cover:

• Medical Expenses: Including hospital bills, rehabilitation, and any ongoing treatment you may need.
• Lost Wages: You can be compensated for the income you’ve lost due to your injuries and for future earnings if you’re unable to return to work.
• Pain and Suffering: This addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay us anything until we win your case—that’s the G Guarantee. Our goal is to make sure our efforts are focused on getting you the maximum compensation possible.

Why Choose Our Jackknife Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys in Shreveport?

When you choose Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, you’re partnering with a law firm that has been dedicated to the Shreveport community for decades. With 679+ years of combined legal experience, we’ve built a reputation as one of Louisiana’s leading personal injury firms. Our success in securing 59+ Million+ verdicts and settlements for truck accident victims across the state, coupled with our commitment to client care, truly sets us apart.

We take pride in offering personalized legal services that cater to your specific needs. From the moment you contact us, you’ll be supported by a dedicated team that understands the complexities of jackknife accident cases and is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Contact Your Shreveport Jackknife Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife accident, it’s important to seek legal help right away. Acting quickly can greatly improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. 

Call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys at 318.888.8888 to schedule a free consultation today! We’re here to support you every step of the way and make sure justice is served.