Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers | February 21, 2025 | Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents cause devastating injuries for accident victims. A jackknife truck accident can be extremely dangerous. If you were injured in a truck accident in Indianapolis, this guide provides the information you need about jackknife truck accident claims.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife truck accident happens when a semi-truck trailer pushes the cab to one side or all the way around so that the cab is facing backward. The trailer swings out the other way, causing the tractor-truck to create a “V” shape that resembles a pocket knife or jackknife.
Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents in Indiana
Numerous factors can cause a truck to jackknife.
Common reasons for jackknife accidents include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Making sharp turns or evasive maneuvers
- Negligent maintenance
- Brake failure and improper braking
- Road debris
- Inexperienced truck drivers
- Improperly secured, loose, or shifting cargo
- Equipment malfunction
- Truck driver negligence, including fatigued driving, distracted driving, and driving under the influence
- Adverse weather conditions
You have the burden of proving fault for the truck accident to recover damages. An Indianapolis truck accident lawyer investigates the accident to gather evidence establishing liability. The trucking company and insurance provider aggressively fight your claim to avoid liability.
Who Is Responsible for Your Damages for a Jackknife Truck Accident?
One or more parties could be legally responsible for the damages caused by a truck accident.
Parties include, but are not limited to:
- Negligent truck drivers
- The trucking company may be responsible for the negligence of their truck drivers under vicarious liability
- The trucking company may also be responsible for its own negligence
- Loaders and shippers for failing to secure cargo correctly, causing it to shift during transport
- Truck maintenance and repair shops for faulty services
- Truck and auto part manufacturers for defective products
- Government entities for defectively designed intersections and dangerous road conditions
One or more parties may share liability for your damages. Pursuing all responsible parties increases the chance you receive maximum compensation for your injury claim.
What Damages Can I Recover for a Jackknife Truck Accident in Indianapolis, IN?
Jackknife truck accidents cause catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths.
Economic damages include:
- Past and future medical bills and expenses
- Out-of-pocket expenses and costs
- Long-term personal and/or nursing care
- Rehabilitative treatment and physical therapy
- Lost wages and benefits
- Diminished earning capacity
The monetary losses for a truck accident can be significant. However, a victim also experiences intense pain and suffering.
Non-economic damages include:
- Impairments and disabilities
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Physical pain
Numerous factors determine how much your case is worth. For instance, the type and severity of your injuries impact the value of damages. Catastrophic injuries and lifelong disabilities usually increase how much your claim is worth. The longer it takes to recover from your injuries and the negative impact the injuries have on your life affect damages.
Some factors can decrease the amount you receive for your damages, including contributing to why the truck was jackknifed.
What Happens to My Claim if I Contributed to the Cause of a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Indiana’s comparative fault law does not bar damages for victims if they contribute to the cause of an accident unless they are more than 50% to blame. For example, if a jury finds you are 55% at fault for a jackknife truck crash, you cannot recover compensation for your damages.
However, if you are less than 51% at fault, you can receive some money for your claim. The amount you receive is based on your level of fault. Suppose the jury decides you are 20% to blame for the truck crash. In that case, the judge would reduce your damages by 20 percent.
Be careful what you say after a truck accident. A common tactic insurance companies use is shifting blame to accident victims to avoid liability. Allowing your attorney to handle communications with the insurance company is in your best interest.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Lawsuits in Indiana?
States set statutes of limitations for lawsuits. When someone fails to meet the filing deadline, they can lose the right to sue the party who caused their injuries.
Indiana has a two-year statute of limitations for most truck accident lawsuits. Exceptions can change the date. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to protect your rights and avoid missing a deadline.
Learn More During a Free Consultation With an Indiana Truck Accident Attorney
A jackknife truck accident can change your life forever. You deserve to receive compensation for all damages. Schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis jackknife truck accident lawyer today.
Contact our Indianapolis Truck Accidents Lawyers from Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana, today.
We proudly serve Marion County and its surrounding areas.
Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers – Indianapolis Office
22 E Washington St #310
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 916-0000
