If you’ve been injured in a jackknife accident in the St. Petersburg, Florida area, you’re in need of legal assistance. When you choose to work with our St. Petersburg jackknife accident attorneys at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, you’re getting strong legal representation and giving yourself the best opportunity to receive the maximum compensation.
Contact our law offices now to set up your free consultation. Our experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys will thoroughly assess your case and provide insights into your legal choices. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for accident victims and are confident we can help you with your case as well.
With our contingency fee structure, you’ll only be responsible for fees if we succeed in winning your case and securing a financial settlement. Call us today at (727) 314-5988 to learn more.
How Can Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Help You After a Jackknife Accident in St. Petersburg?
While you’re in the process of recovering from your truck accident, financial worries can be a significant concern. Questions about paying bills, managing medical expenses, and handling vehicle repairs can be overwhelming.
Our St. Petersburg truck accident lawyers are equipped with the skills and experience necessary to build a robust case and seek the compensation you need. You can focus on your recovery without financial concerns.
When you decide to work with one of our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers, we spring into action. Our comprehensive services include:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident
- Gathering evidence from various sources, including witness statements
- Collaborating with expert witnesses
- Negotiating with insurance companies to maximize your settlement
- Providing legal representation in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary
We strongly advise against communicating with anyone from the trucking company, their legal team, or their insurance providers. Leave that to us. They may try to undermine your claim and minimize your compensation—don’t let them take advantage of your situation.
Reach out to our law offices in St. Petersburg, FL, to discuss your case. Your initial consultation is free of charge and carries no obligation.
What Is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when a tractor-trailer loses its straight-line configuration. In this situation, the trailer swings to one side or the other, resulting in an “L” or “V” shape behind the tractor or cab.
It’s essential to understand that a fully loaded trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. To ensure safety, the driver must have complete control over both the truck and the trailer. Maintaining traction is crucial for keeping a large truck properly aligned on the road. When traction is lost, the driver loses control.
Jackknife accidents are often triggered by various factors, including:
- Abruptly slamming on the brakes to slow down or stop, particularly when speeding
- Not applying brakes gradually to slow down the truck’s speed
- Insufficient stopping distance
- Tailgating
- Taking curves too sharply
- Adverse weather conditions such as rain, ice, or snow on the road
- Incorrectly loaded cargo, which can contribute to a rollover
- Operating with an empty trailer, reducing traction
- Neglecting the maintenance of both the tractor and the trailer
Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers may be at fault for jackknife accidents.
Additionally, the trucking company may share liability, as some companies encourage drivers to operate beyond established safety guidelines.
Why Is a Jackknife Accident So Dangerous?
Jackknifing poses an extreme danger because the driver loses complete control. The trailer can swing to the left or right while still attached to the “hitch,” the joint where it connects to the back of the truck. In this scenario, the truck is essentially led by the trailer.
Much like the powerful tail of an alligator, the trailer sweeps everything in its path forward. This sweeping motion can carry along anything in its way, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and even pedestrians. Because it happens rapidly, bystanders may not have sufficient time to evade the oncoming danger.
Due to the enormous weight and size of the truck, jackknifing can result in severe damage and injuries to anyone caught up in the incident. The swinging action of the trailer can pick up vehicles in its path and crush them between the truck’s cab and the trailer, often causing collisions in oncoming lanes of traffic.
What Types of Injuries Result From Jackknife Accidents?
Due to the uncontrolled and chaotic nature of such accidents, individuals involved often suffer severe injuries, including:
- Crush injuries
- Burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bone fractures and breaks
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
The St. Petersburg truck accident attorneys at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can serve as your advocates and assist you in obtaining the financial compensation essential for your recovery.
Florida’s statute of limitations provides a mere two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, with only limited exceptions. Missing this deadline would result in forfeiting your chance to seek compensation. Don’t delay—it’s crucial to initiate the filing process promptly.
Get Help From an Experienced St. Petersburg Jackknife Accident Lawyer
Contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers if you or a family member has suffered injuries in a St. Petersburg jackknife accident. You might have the opportunity to obtain compensation for your medical costs, lost income, property damage, and emotional distress.
Trucking companies often resist paying compensation and strive to reject your claim. Don’t allow them to deprive you of the funds necessary to regain your footing.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, so contact our St. Petersburg jackknife accident lawyers today.
