Jackknife truck crashes can cause devastating injuries and major financial strain for victims in Richmond Heights, Missouri. These collisions occur when a truck’s cab and trailer fold toward each other, often blocking multiple lanes and striking nearby vehicles. The aftermath can involve lengthy recovery, significant medical expenses, and confusion regarding who is legally responsible.
If you were injured in this type of collision, a Richmond Heights jackknife accident lawyer at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can evaluate what happened, explain your legal options, and help you move forward. Contact us at (314) 932-1066 to arrange a free consultation. We operate on a contingency fee model, meaning attorney fees apply only if we successfully recover compensation for you.
How Can Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Help After a Jackknife Accident in Richmond Heights, MO?
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how to gather crucial evidence such as black-box data, braking reports, and inspection logs before it becomes unavailable. We communicate with insurers, coordinate expert analysis, and build a clear narrative showing how the crash occurred.
When you choose our firm to represent you in your case, our Richmond Heights truck accident lawyers will start by:
- Reviewing police reports and witness accounts
- Securing electronic logging device data and onboard computer information
- Examining road conditions and skid patterns
- Investigating driver credentials, history, and hours-of-service compliance
- Analyzing cargo weight distribution and loading procedures
- Documenting medical evaluations and treatment plans
- Preparing your claim for litigation if settlement negotiations stall
When we take your case, you can expect our Richmond Heights personal injury lawyers to ensure steady communication, detailed guidance, and an approach tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.
What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents?
Jackknife incidents happen when the trailer swings out of alignment with the cab, often due to sudden braking or loss of traction. Many of these events stem from avoidable negligence.
Common causes include:
- Excessive speed or unsafe braking
- Mechanical failures or poor maintenance
- Cargo loaded improperly or without securement
- Driver fatigue or inadequate training
- Slippery roads or low-traction surfaces
- Distracted or inattentive driving
Understanding the specific cause helps our lawyers identify all responsible parties and uncover systemic safety failures. Our investigation may reveal broader patterns of negligence and unsafe practices within a company’s hiring, training, and supervision policies.
What Injuries Commonly Occur in Jackknife Accidents?
These crashes involve extreme forces and can lead to catastrophic injuries. Victims may require emergency treatment and long-term medical care. This may be followed by rehabilitation, ongoing evaluations, and strong support to manage lasting physical and emotional effects.
Injuries often include:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord trauma
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Deep lacerations or burns
- Psychological distress
These physical and emotional injuries can affect your ability to work, care for your family, or return to your normal daily routines. Our team evaluates the long-term impact to ensure your claim reflects the full scope of your losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
In Missouri, most personal injury claims must be filed within five years of the accident. Although this may appear to be a generous timeframe, truck accident cases rely heavily on records and electronic data that may be lost or overwritten long before the five-year deadline. Starting early allows your attorney to secure vital evidence, preserve witness information, and position your case for a stronger recovery.
This time limit also ensures that defendants are not threatened with litigation indefinitely. Once the statutory period ends, they can move forward without concerns about potential claims arising from long-past events.
Contact a Richmond Heights Jackknife Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
A jackknife crash can leave you facing painful injuries, financial pressure, and unanswered questions about your next steps. You deserve a legal team that understands trucking cases and will advocate for you from the outset. Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has the experience and determination to stand up to trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
Contact our Richmond Heights jackknife accident attorneys today for a free consultation.