18-Wheeler Truck Jackknife Accidents in Indianapolis 

Were you injured in a truck accident in Indianapolis, IN? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses, but you can’t expect the trucking company or insurance company to willingly hand you the money you deserve. An experienced Indianapolis 18-wheeler truck jackknife accident lawyer can demand the compensation you deserve. 

Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers has recovered millions of dollars in financial compensation for our deserving clients. We have over 40 years of combined experience, including yielding successful results after 18-wheeler truck jackknife accidents in Indianapolis, Indiana. Contact us today for a free case review at (317) 916-0000 with an Indianapolis 18-wheeler truck jackknife accident attorney. 

How Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers Can Help After an 18-Wheeler Truck Jackknife Accident in Indianapolis

18-Wheeler Truck Jackknife Accidents in Indianapolis 

Truck accidents are unlike any other type of motor vehicle crash. Multiple parties may be involved, so they often blame others to avoid liability. They may also involve complex state and federal regulations that impose liability in unique ways. Extensive damages can also occur, providing even more reason for responsible parties and insurance companies to deny liability. 

When you are confronting these powerful forces, you need an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney on your side who can fight to protect your rights. We are a seasoned trial firm in Indianapolis, IN, that opened 25 years ago. 

When you hire our law firm, you can trust our Indianapolis truck accident lawyer to:

  • Explain your legal rights and options for financial recovery
  • Conduct an in-depth investigation into all the factors that contributed to the truck crash
  • Preserve valuable evidence for your claim
  • Handle communications and claims with insurance companies
  • Negotiate for maximum compensation

Call us today for a free initial consultation with an Indianapolis 18-wheeler truck jackknife accident attorney. 

How Common Are Truck Accidents in Indianapolis?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 4,528 commercial truck accidents were reported in Indiana in 2024, including 113 fatal crashes.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Jackknife Accidents

Various factors can contribute to crashes because many parties are involved in the trucking industry. 

Common causes of truck accidents in Indiana and throughout the nation include:

  • Speeding – Trucking companies often push drivers to speed, including by offering financial incentives for faster deliveries.
  • Fatigued driving – Trucking companies may also encourage drivers to exceed federal hours of service rules that were implemented to protect other motorists from harm.
  • Distracted driving – Truck drivers may be distracted by cellphones, radios, dispatch instructions, GPS navigation, or other stimuli. 
  • Impaired driving – Truck drivers may operate their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, putting other motorists at risk.
  • Driver inexperience – Truck driving is a hard job, leading to high turnover and trucking companies hiring unqualified drivers who do not know how to safely operate these vehicles. 
  • Unsecured loads – Cargo can shift during transport, increasing the likelihood of a jackknife accident. 
  • Negligent maintenance – Trucks that are not properly maintained can have mechanical failures that contribute to crashes.
  • Defective auto parts – Defective auto parts, including hitch hookups, can contribute to jackknife accidents. 

When these causes contribute to jackknife accidents, serious injuries and deaths can result. 

What Is a Jackknife Accident?

A jackknife accident occurs when a can and trailer fold into themselves, resembling a folding pocket knife. It is typically caused by sudden braking when the cab slows down, but the trailer still travels with high momentum. The trailer can swing out of control, often colliding with vehicles in adjacent lanes. Jackknife accidents are among the most dangerous types of truck crashes.

Financial Damages Available After a Truck Accident

Jackknife truck accidents can cause considerable damage. 

Truck accident victims can pursue compensation for their injuries and losses, including:

  • Medical expenses related to the incident
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages and income 
  • Lost earning capacity 
  • Property damage 
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost quality of life
  • Permanent impairments and disabilities 

When you hire our law firm, you can reasonably expect us to pursue all compensation to which you are entitled. 

What Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?

Because jackknife accidents tend to cause severe injuries, damages tend to be extensive. 

The exact value of your case will depend on specific circumstances, such as:

  • The nature and severity of your injuries
  • Whether the accident caused permanent disabilities
  • The accident’s effect on your earning capacity
  • The extent of your pain and suffering
  • How the accident affected your life
  • How your injuries have affected your life 

Our experienced legal team can aggressively pursue maximum compensation for your claim.

Who Is Responsible for Jackknife Truck Accidents?

Various parties can contribute to jackknife truck crashes, including:

  • Negligent truck drivers who cause accidents due to driver error, such as by speeding or suddenly braking
  • Trucking companies responsible for the actions of their employees or who contributed to accidents by failing to maintain their fleet or violating federal or state regulations
  • Cargo loading companies that fail to properly secure loads that shift during transit
  • Auto parts manufacturers that manufacture defective products

An experienced attorney can review your case and determine who is responsible for the accident. 

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?

At-fault parties and insurance companies may try to blame the victim for the accident. Indiana uses a modified comparative fault system, so accident victims can pursue compensation for their injuries if they are not more than 50% at fault. However, their damages are reduced by their degree of fault. Therefore, if you are found to be 10% at fault for an accident, your damages are reduced in proportion by 10%. Our truck accident lawyers will work zealously to prevent you from being blamed for an accident that was not your fault or more fault being assigned to you than is fair.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Indiana?

In Indiana, personal injury victims have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, it’s paramount you contact an experienced attorney after a jackknife accident as soon as possible so they can preserve valuable evidence before it’s lost or destroyed. 

Contact Our Indianapolis 18-Wheeler Truck Jackknife Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers helps victims of 18-wheeler jackknife accidents in Indianapolis, IN. When you hire us to represent you, we will aggressively pursue maximum compensation for the damages you’ve sustained. Call our law firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an Indianapolis 18-wheeler truck jackknife accident lawyer.