Dallas Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyers & Runaway Trailer Accident Attorneys
Get Help After a Jackknife Collision
After a jackknife truck accident, it is absolutely crucial that you hire a lawyer who knows the truck industry regulations so thoroughly that s/he can explore every possible violation that may have led to your accident. At Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP, we have handled countless accident injury and wrongful death cases involving trucks and other commercial motor vehicles across the state of Texas. You can call us toll-free at (214) 231-0555.
Accidents involving trucks are usually catastrophic and caused by the negligent actions of truck drivers. Many jackknife truck accidents occur on busy interstates and highways where truck drivers are driving too close, driving too fast for road conditions, or speeding to make a delivery to meet a deadline.
Fighting Against Powerful Insurance Companies
Trucking companies and their insurers usually have damage control personnel on standby, ready to take any action to minimize the potential liability exposure of the company for their negligence conduct. This is why your truck accident lawyer should act quickly to collect any and all relevant evidence before the opposing agents get to them. Our Dallas jackknife truck accident lawyers will begin an investigation immediately.
Finding Evidence in Truck Accident Claim Cases
It is very important in jackknife truck accident claims to know how to identify and obtain solid evidence in quick fashion. We will perform the following in our investigation to ensure your claim has a solid foundation of supporting evidence:
- Examination of the black box that has information about the truck driver’s handling of the vehicle in the moments leading up to the accident.
- Review log books and inspection records.
- Get a hold of receipts, bills of loading, orders and other paperwork concerning the load.
- Collect witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and police reports.
- Take measurements of skid marks, vehicle damage and the scene.
- Investigate truck driver activities recorded on GPS systems.
- Acquiring driving histories, drug and alcohol tests.
Common Contributing Factors Behind Truck Accidents
Several factors contribute to the cause of truck accidents. In some cases, the trucker is at fault; in others, the trucking company is responsible for overworking the driver, disregarding rule violations, or failing to adequately perform vehicle maintenance. The following are typical factors that lead to truck accidents:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Truck driver fatigue
- Overloading the vehicle by the driver or the loading company
- Driver error or recklessness
Why Our Firm Is the Right One for You
Truck Accident Lawyers at Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP are experienced in handling cases involving all types of truck accidents and in dealing with the insurance companies in the trucking industry. We place emphasis on early investigation and preservation of vital information that has been recorded before and at the time of the accident. We also examine truck driver qualification and experience, travel logs, corporate policies and procedures, truck inspections and potential defects, and whether the trucking company and driver obeyed all applicable state and federal laws.
We represent individuals injured in a truck accident caused by the negligence of truck drivers and trucking companies. We are here to help you or someone you know, after an injury or death in a jackknife truck accident caused by the negligence of a truck driver or commercial trucking company. We handle cases from highways, interstates, and streets throughout Texas.
Contact a Dallas Attorney at Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP Today
If you or person you know has been injured in a truck accident, it is in your best interest to call us at (214) 231-0555. Our experienced Dallas truck accident lawyers will be at your service to handle your case as soon as possible.
Get Compensation for Detached Trailer Accident Injuries
Commercial tractor trailers, or semi trucks, are a vital part of the Texas economy. But, they’re also a dangerous and often deadly presence on the state’s roadways. While the trucking industry is highly regulated and drivers must be trained and licensed, this isn’t always enough to prevent serious accidents. Because tractor trailers are much larger and heavier than most vehicles, their accidents can cause way more damage than regular automobile accidents.
If you or a family member has been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, you need to contact an experienced Dallas truck accident lawyer. Trucking companies and their insurers use armies of insurance litigators who’ll do everything to reduce their company’s liability. Don’t try to fight them alone.
Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP has represented Texas truck accident victims for over 25 years. Call us today at (214) 231-0555 to schedule a free consultation.
What is a Runaway Trailer Accident?
A runaway trailer accident happens when the speed of the trailer differs from the speed of the tractor pulling it. This can cause the truck to jackknife, or veer out of control. This can cause the trailer and tractor to become detached from each other. You can imagine how dangerous it is to have a 70,000 pound trailer barreling down a highway without a driver.
What Causes Runaway Trailer Accidents?
There are several reasons why the speed of a tractor becomes out of sync with the trailer it is towing. These can include:
- Speeding: A driver needs to take into consideration road conditions, the weight of the cargo they are towing, and the type of cargo they are towing. They must adjust their speed accordingly. Driving too fast for conditions or the type of load a truck is carrying causes many runaway trailer accidents.
- Descending a steep decline: The weight of a loaded trailer outweighs the tractor towing it. This can be a problem when the driver is trying to apply the brakes while driving down a steep hill. Due to its weight, the trailer can have more momentum than the tractor, causing jackknifing or separation.
- Sudden turns: At too high a speed, a sudden turn can cause a trailer to jackknife and become separated.
- Overloaded trailers: Federal statutes allow a tractor trailer to weigh up to 80,000 pounds. But, many trucking companies will overload their trailers to make more money per delivery. This increases the likelihood of jackknifing and separation.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Drivers and trucking companies have a duty to get their vehicles regularly inspected and serviced for safety and performance.
- Manufacturer defect: If part of a tractor trailer, like a tire, clutch, or hitch is defective, it can contribute to serious accidents.
Speak with a Dallas Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a tractor trailer, you may be entitled to compensation for certain damages. To find out what your options are, contact a Texas personal injury attorney.
Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP has represented thousands of Dallas area truck accident victims. We have a thorough understanding of the trucking industry. We will fight to get you the settlement you deserve. Don’t hesitate. Call our office today at (214) 231-0555 for a free consultation.