While jackknife truck accidents in Lake County have multiple causes, they all follow the laws of physics. Tractor trailers moving forward continue to move forward until stopped by an external force. When the tractor (cab) stops suddenly, the trailer continues moving forward, causing weight distribution changes. The end of the trailer begins to swing out at an angle that resembles the opening of a jackknife. The angle’s degree depends on environmental factors and driver behavior. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Lake County, let an experienced truck accident attorney review your case for potential compensation.
What Causes Jackknife Accidents?
Environmental factors like weather and road conditions can contribute to accidents, but many accidents result from driver behavior and equipment failure. Common causes of jackknife accidents in Lake County include:
- Speeding: Everything happens faster at high speeds except a driver’s reaction time
- Driver Fatigue: Drivers have mandated rest breaks to minimize fatigue-related accidents
- Poor Maintenance: Failing to follow recommended maintenance schedules can result in mechanical failures
- Poor Loading Practices: Uneven weight distribution can cause cargo to shift and weaken a truck’s stability
- Distracted Driving: Reaching for coffee or adjusting the radio can distract the driver from the road and slow down response times
- Sudden Braking: Unexpected braking may stop the tractor, but the trailer continues forward, causing the trailer to swing out of alignment.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident due to someone’s negligence, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
How to Prove Negligence
Although Florida is a no-fault state, injured parties can pursue compensation if they can prove negligence on the part of the driver, the trucking company, or other third parties after a jackknife trucking accident in Lake County. Proving negligence requires:
Accident Reports
Law enforcement appears at most truck accidents in Florida. They investigate the accident and prepare a report describing the results, including citations. The information can form the basis of a legal strategy.
Trucking Logs and Black Box
Most commercial trucks have computerized black boxes that record speed, braking, and other driver-initiated activities. Truckers must also maintain a log of their work and rest hours. An experienced attorney can help accident victims access this information after they were involved in a Lake County Jackknife crash.
Medical Records
Medical records include hospital stays, doctor visits, or emergency room services. They cover treatment plans, medications, and diagnostic tests. The information may consist of diagnosis and prognosis after treatment.
Witness Statements
Gathering witness statements can be challenging. However, a knowledgeable Lake County truck accident lawyer could help access police reports and insurance documentation to obtain contact information after a jackknife crash.
Photographs and Videos
Bystanders with cell phones may have captured some or all of an accident, and traffic or surveillance footage may have recorded it. Gathering video or photographic evidence can help substantiate a negligence claim.
What Compensation is Possible?
Lake County truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, physical pain, and mental suffering after a jackknife crash. Recoverable damages are considered economic or noneconomic.
Economic Compensation
Economic compensation covers emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, and doctor visits. A settlement may include future medical expenses if the injury causes permanent impairment. Injured individuals can recover lost wages if they cannot return to work and may seek compensation for reduced future earnings.
Noneconomic Compensation
Noneconomic compensation covers the emotional and psychological trauma that accident victims suffer, such as emotional distress, reduced companionship, and loss of enjoyment.
Contact a Lake County Attorney for Help With Your Jackknife Accident Case
Although accident victims have two years (four years if before March 24, 2024) to file a personal injury lawsuit, the most substantial cases begin immediately, so evidence is preserved and witness statements are taken. Anyone injured in jackknife truck accidents in Lake County should reach out to a skilled truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
