One of the most unique structural features of a tractor-trailer can also be one of its most dangerous. The freely rotating coupler that connects semi-truck cabs to their trailers gives the vehicle a sharper turning radius and allows trailers to be swapped between trucks when needed. However, this also means that the trailer of a tractor-trailer technically has its own separate momentum from the cab that is pulling it.
If a semi-truck driver acts irresponsibly behind the wheel and loses traction with the road while traveling at high speed, their trailer may swing out to the side of or even all the way in front of the cab, forming a jackknife shape. Jackknife truck accidents in Pensacola often cause catastrophic harm to multiple other people at once. If you have been hurt in a wreck like this recently, you should consider speaking to a seasoned truck crash attorney at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon about a possible civil claim.
What Damages Are Available After a Jackknife Truck Crash?
Truck drivers who cause jackknife truck wrecks in Pensacola by speeding, not adjusting for bad weather or road conditions, driving while drunk or distracted, or generally being reckless or careless behind the wheel can often be held liable under the legal theory of negligence. Someone found liable for injuring you through negligence can be made to pay financially for every form of harm you will experience because of the crash, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Personal property damage/loss
- Emotional anguish and trauma
- Lost work income or long-term earning ability
In many situations, trucking companies that employ negligent truckers can also be held vicariously liable for crashes of this nature, which can allow for much greater financial recovery than a claim filed solely against an individual trucker would. An experienced attorney can explain how all this might work in practice during a private initial meeting.
Getting Around Legal and Procedural Obstacles
A lawyer can also provide crucial help with avoiding various legal roadblocks that could keep you from getting paid what you deserve following a jackknife truck crash in Pensacola. For example, our team of professionals can make sure your claim is filed within the applicable deadline set by the statute of limitations, which—as per Florida Statutes § 95.11—is generally two years after an injury first occurs.
Perhaps even more importantly, an attorney can help fight allegations that you were partly to blame for your own injuries because you, too, were acting negligently behind the wheel prior to being hit by a jackknifing truck. If found negligent, Fla. Stat. § 768.81 would allow a court to reduce the total amount of money you recover for your damages in proportion to the percentage of comparative fault they assign you for your accident.
Contact a Pensacola Attorney for Help With a Jackknife Truck Accident Claim
An impact from a jackknifing truck has the potential to cause life-altering harm to you and everyone inside your vehicle. While money alone cannot erase the negative effects of an incident like this, demanding fair compensation can protect your best interests now and in the future.
During a confidential consultation, a qualified lawyer from Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon can answer any questions and offer guidance about the next steps after a jackknife truck accident in Pensacola. Call today to schedule your meeting.
