Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer Miami
What are jackknife accidents and why is it important to have a jackknife accident attorney if you’re involved in this type of accident? A tractor-trailer jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a large semi-truck is no longer in control of the towing vehicle. In this type of accident, the trailer typically moves from one side of the towing vehicle in an uncontrolled motion.
This uncontrolled movement can cause a vehicle collision with the towing vehicle or with a secondary vehicle, which is then classified as a jackknife accident. Because of the excess size and weight of large trucks, the outcome of a jackknife accident can be a devastating injury or even wrongful death. Due to the seriousness of these accidents, it is important to have an experienced jackknife accident attorney represent you if you’ve been involved in these types of accidents!
In many cases, the accidents are caused by trucking companies and drivers who haven’t adhered to the regulations in place to prevent these issues. If you are involved in an accident with a large truck, it’s important to get in touch with a tractor-trailer accident lawyer in Miami right away. Regardless of the cause, if the accident was not your fault, you likely deserve compensation and a jackknife accident lawyer can help you get the money you deserve.
Types of Truck Accident Cases Our Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney Can Handle
While there are multiple safety measures in place to help prevent accidents, they still occur and make the need for a tractor trailer accident lawyer in Miami necessary. Some of the types of cases that we can handle related to truck accidents are found here:
Alcohol-Related Accidents
The Federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations related to the use of alcohol before or while operating a truck are strict. According to the regulations, truck drivers are not permitted to use alcohol within four hours of driving a commercial vehicle. It’s also required that the driver be tested for the use of alcohol if they are involved in an accident and the other vehicle has been damaged to the point where it has to be towed. It is imperative that you contact a jackknife accident lawyer if alcohol is involved in your accident!
Drowsy Driving Accidents
Federal regulations have dictated that a driver is only allowed to drive for 11 hours before they must have 10 hours off duty (these hours must be consecutive).
It’s also required that truck drivers take a 30-minute break for each eight-hour period they drive. Not abiding by these regulations can result in fines for a good reason. If drivers skip these regulations, they can cause drowsy driving accidents. Unfortunately, many trucking companies pressure drivers to work beyond the time allotted, which can cause fatigued driving and overworked drivers; fatigued drivers could lead to a jackknife trucking accident. If this happens, it is important to contact a jackknife accident lawyer immediately!
Intersection Accidents
Miami truck accidents are extremely common, which is why hiring an experienced jackknife truck accident attorney is so important. It’s important to remember that large commercial trucks can’t make the same turns and maneuvers that regular passenger vehicles can. If the truck driver is trying to move through a yellow light, they are going to have a hard time stopping or slowing down. Due to this, the possibility of it T-boning another vehicle is likely. That’s because trucks can’t move or stop like smaller vehicles.
Rear-End Accidents
The average commercial truck weighs from 6,000 to 80,000 pounds. It takes a lot of force to stop this large of a truck, even at low speeds. Because of the weight of these trucks, stopping quickly is impossible. Because of this, rear-end accidents with tractor-trailers aren’t uncommon.
Common Injuries Seen in Miami Truck Accidents
The size and weight of commercial trucks make them extremely dangerous. Many large truck accidents involve serious and even fatal injuries. Some of the types of injuries seen in these accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Serious bone fractures
- Blunt force trauma
- Crush injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Spinal cord injuries
Determining Liability in a Miami Truck Accident
When it comes to determining liability in a Miami truck accident, there are several parties that may be considered liable. This includes:
- The driver
- Truck owner
- Shipping company
- The company responsible for loading the truck
- Highway designers
Determining liability in these situations can be tricky. Because of this, having an attorney working for you and gathering evidence is a must.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help with Your Miami Truck Accident Claim
As you can see from the information here, truck accidents can cause serious and often life-changing injuries. Having an experienced attorney represent your case will ensure that you get the compensation you are entitled to. At the Durham Law Group, we offer free initial consultations to potential clients and are ready to help you with your claim. You don’t have to suffer alone. We will fight for your rights and help you with your case, contact us at 305-913-8913 today!