How Common are Tractor Trailer Jackknife Accidents?
A jackknife crash is one of the most dangerous types of truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that approximately one in twenty (five percent) of all commercial truck accidents are jackknifes. For reference, that means there are around 1,500 jackknife truck accidents in Florida each year. Here, our West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer provides a guide to jackknife truck accident claims in Florida.
Most Common Reasons Why Jackknife Truck Accidents Happen
Jackknife truck accidents can happen for a wide range of different reasons. With that being said, the vast majority of these crashes should and could have been prevented with the proper care. Some of the leading causes of jackknife commercial truck accidents in Florida include:
- Poor driver training;
- Speeding;
- Sudden braking;
- Distracted driving;
- Inattentive driving;
- Overloaded trailers;
- Tire problems; and
- Brake problems.
Florida is a No-Fault Truck Accident State (Except for Serious Injuries)
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system from traffic collisions, including tractor trailer crashes. All motorists are required to obtain their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Your initial claim after a truck crash is through your own insurance company—regardless of who was at fault. However, there is an exception for cases involving serious injuries. Many jackknife truck accidents fall into this category. If a jackknife truck crash results in severe injuries, the injured victim can pursue a fault-based personal injury claim against the trucker or truck company.
Jackknife Accident Victims Need Full and Fair Compensation
Following a jackknife truck crash, you have the right to seek compensation for the full value of your damages, including any non-economic losses. How much can you expect to recover? It depends on your case. However, unfortunately, you cannot rely on an insurance company—even your own no-fault PIP provider—to look out for your best interests. Our West Palm Beach truck accident lawyers fight for the maximum compensation for injured victims. Through a jackknife truck accident claim, you may be able to get a financial settlement for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Medical expenses;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability;
- Reduced of quality of life; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Be Proactive: Florida has a 14-day rule for PIP claims. You have 14 days after a truck accident to seek medical care. If you fail to do so, you cannot bring a no-fault claim. For fault-based truck accident injury cases, there is a two-year statute of limitations.
Set Up a Free Case Review With a West Palm Beach Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach semi-truck accident attorney is a passionate advocate for justice. If you were hurt in a crash caused by a large truck jackknifing, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free review of your case. With an office in West Palm Beach, we represent truck accident victims in Palm Beach County and all across South Florida.
Source:
fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/vehicles-table-17-large-trucks-crashes-jackknife-occurrence-and-crash-6
