Jackknife truck accidents in Grand Junction are serious collisions capable of causing significant injury to nearby drivers and passengers. You or a loved one may have a legal claim to pursue compensation from the party liable for causing these types of accidents. Veritas Injury Lawyers is home to talented truck accident attorneys who use their experience and compassion to help clients assert their rights to compensation in court. You can contact our office today to schedule a free case review with one of our lawyers.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident and How Do They Happen?
A truck jackknifes when the cab or front of the vehicle swings to one side while the trailer continues to move forward. This creates a V-shape that closely resembles a partially opened pocketknife. Many different circumstances and events can cause a jackknife truck accident in Grand Junction, including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Imbalanced cargo
- Braking too quickly
- Locked steering wheel
- Driving during bad weather or road conditions
Jackknifing creates a major risk for accidents because the truck driver has no control over the vehicle. These accidents can involve multi-lane obstructions and lead to secondary collisions with other drivers who are unable to stop in time.
Who Has Liability for the Damages from Injury in a Jackknife Truck Accident
Liability for injury from a jackknife truck accident can belong to several different parties depending on the cause(s). The truck driver can be liable in most cases for not taking the necessary safety measures to prevent the jackknifing from happening in the first place. Another driver could also be at fault for the accident through their actions that forced the truck driver to react in a way that caused the jackknife. For example, cutting off the truck driver when changing lanes or failing to yield at an intersection.
Many truck accidents also involve commercial vehicles that can establish the liability of parties not directly involved. The owner of the truck or the employer of the truck driver may be responsible for the injuries that result from the negligent operation of their truck or employee. Additionally, a truck’s manufacturer may be liable for a jackknife accident in Grand Junction that happened because of a vehicle defect. During a case review with our lawyers, we can evaluate the cause of the truck accident to help determine who was at fault for the collision and is liable for damages.
Filing a Legal Claim to Recover Compensation for Your Injury in a Truck Accident
Filing a civil lawsuit for personal injury in a Grand Junction truck accident is often a necessary step to recover compensation for your damages in a case. In Colorado, the deadline to file a claim is generally three years from the date of the accident under C.R.S. 13-80-101. You must timely file the claim to maintain your legal right to pursue compensation against the at-fault driver or responsible party in court.
The damages we seek in a case will depend on the nature of your injury and how it affects your life, but will likely address the following common items:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical care expenses
- Lost wages from missed work
- Losses to your quality or enjoyment of life
- Diminished future earning capacity from injury-related disability
Personal injury cases are often complex with several stages, including court hearings and extra filings, that take place before a case can settle or go to trial. We manage each of these steps on your behalf and keep you informed on the status of the case as it progresses.
Schedule a Free Case Review with Veritas Injury Lawyers After a Jackknife Truck Accident in Grand Junction
Jackknife truck accidents in Grand Junction can leave you facing painful injuries and overwhelming challenges. Our lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and pursue the compensation you could be entitled to. Contact Veritas Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free case review.
