Were you hurt in a jackknife truck accident in St. Louis, MO? These terrifying crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries and long-term financial consequences. If a negligent truck driver or trucking company caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain. The experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyers at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help you demand accountability.
For more than a decade, our attorneys have been representing victims of serious crashes across Missouri. We bring 21 years of combined experience to every case and understand how to take on large trucking companies and their insurers. Contact our St. Louis office today at (314) 932-1066 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you fight for the money you need to recover.
How Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Jackknife Truck Accident in St. Louis
Jackknife crashes are complex events that often involve commercial trucking regulations, black box data, multiple parties, and extensive damage. Insurance companies will try to limit their liability, but our legal team is ready to stand up for you.
When you hire Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Conduct a detailed investigation: We gather evidence from the crash scene, vehicle data, inspection reports, and witness statements.
- Determine liability: We identify all at-fault parties, which may include the truck driver, their employer, or even a third-party maintenance contractor.
- Calculate your damages: Our team works with medical experts and economists to assess the full scope of your losses.
- Negotiate aggressively: We won’t let insurers pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.
- Take your case to trial if necessary: We’re fully prepared to litigate if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
You don’t have to take on the trucking company alone. Let our experienced St. Louis jackknife accident lawyers fight for the compensation you need.
What Is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming a sharp angle with the cab, similar to a folding pocket knife. These crashes often cause the truck to skid, block multiple lanes of traffic, or roll over entirely.
Jackknife crashes are especially dangerous on high-speed roadways such as I-55, I-70, and I-64 in the St. Louis area. Passenger vehicles caught in the path of a jackknifing truck often suffer serious damage.
What Causes Jackknife Accidents in St. Louis?
Jackknife accidents are usually the result of some form of driver error, equipment failure, or hazardous conditions.
Common causes include:
- Sudden braking: Locking the brakes can cause the trailer to swing out, especially on slick roads.
- Speeding: Driving too fast makes it difficult to control a loaded truck and increases the risk of skidding.
- Improper loading: Uneven or unsecured cargo can destabilize the trailer and contribute to a loss of control.
- Driver fatigue: Tired drivers may react too slowly to avoid dangerous situations.
- Poor maintenance: Worn tires or faulty brakes increase the chances of mechanical failure.
All of these factors can amount to negligence. That means the driver, trucking company, or other parties may be legally responsible for the resulting harm.
Who Is Liable for a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties can be held liable for a jackknife accident.
These may include:
- Truck drivers: If they were speeding, distracted, or failed to brake properly
- Trucking companies: For negligent hiring, poor training, or pressure to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines
- Cargo loaders: If they improperly loaded the trailer or failed to secure the freight
- Maintenance providers: For failing to inspect or repair critical safety systems
- Truck or parts manufacturers: If a defective component contributed to the crash
Our legal team will examine every angle of your case to determine who should be held accountable.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Jackknife Accident?
Victims of jackknife crashes often suffer serious injuries that require extensive treatment and long recovery periods.
Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers will pursue full compensation for all your damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, physical therapy, and future medical needs
- Lost income: Past wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Pain and suffering: For physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: If your injuries result in long-term impairment
If the crash was fatal, surviving family members may also be entitled to pursue wrongful death damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Missouri?
Missouri law gives you five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, building a strong case takes time. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and gives your attorney more leverage during negotiations.
Don’t delay. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation.
Contact Our St. Louis Jackknife Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in a jackknife accident in St. Louis, MO, don’t try to handle the aftermath alone. Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help. With 21 years of combined experience and a reputation for aggressive representation, we know how to take on the trucking industry and win.
Call our office now to schedule your free consultation with a trusted St. Louis jackknife accident lawyer. We’re ready to fight for you.