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Louisville, KY Jackknife Accident Lawyer

Jackknife accidents are among the most devastating traffic accidents that can be encountered on the road. They are horrific in nature, often resulting in serious injuries and fatalities to the passengers of other involved motor vehicles. Survivors, if there are any, and the loved ones of deceased victims are forced to deal with not only great emotional pain, but also financial stress due to medical and funeral expenses along with other economic losses. In most cases, the truck driver and/or his or her company is liable for the accident. Despite this, trucking companies rarely take responsibility and instead opt to dispute any claims brought by victims just to preserve their bottom line. Unfortunately, many get away with it thanks to the powerful insurance companies that support them.

If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a jackknife accident, please get in touch with a Louisville, KY jackknife accident lawyer at Thomas Law Offices as soon as possible. It is perfectly understandable if you are reluctant to add legal issues to the many problems you are already dealing with; however, it is not only in your interests, but also the interests of the public to bring the offending trucking company to justice. Also, our legal team will work hard on your case in your stead so you can focus on healing. Call us today at (877) 955-7001.

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What is a Jackknife Accident?

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck driver loses control, causing the attached trailer to swing out from the tractor at an angle. While in swinging motion, the trailer can collide with vehicles and other objects before coming to a complete stop. Immense personal and property damages often result from jackknifing incidents. In some cases, the trailer swings at such a sharp angle that it encloses and crushes a vehicle between it and the tractor, fatally injuring the people inside. When high speeds are involved, it is not uncommon for a truck to roll over after jackknifing, which can result in even worse devastation.

What Causes Jackknifing?

Sudden braking is usually the cause of jackknifing accidents. Unlike other motor vehicles, trucks have three braking options – the steering axle brakes, the drive axle brakes, and the trailer axle brakes. Abrupt application of the steering axle brakes forces the truck to move straight ahead, regardless of the angles of the tires, but steering becomes more difficult. Abrupt application of the drive axle brakes, on the other hand, causes only the front wheels to lock, which can result in a truck and its trailer going into a skid motion and consequently jackknifing.

Other ways jackknifing can occur include downshifting, acceleration on low friction surfaces, or failing to navigate a curve properly. Brake failure also commonly results in jackknifing.

Helping Jackknifing Accident Victims Get Back on Their Feet

If you have been the victim of a jackknifing truck accident, you should receive compensation for the damages you have suffered. The experienced Kentucky legal team at the Thomas Law Offices can help you establish liability in court and negotiate a settlement with terms that are fair to you. If you have any specific inquiries regarding your case and our services, contact us today.

Free Case Evaluation

At Thomas Law Offices, our personal injury attorneys recognize that our potential clients are likely going through some of the most difficult times of their lives. We don't want you to have to worry about paying out of pocket for legal advice when you're just starting to learn your legal rights and options. That's why we provide free case evaluations. We'll offer our expert advice about your potential case and walk you through how we can help you.

Call us or fill out the form below to tell us about your potential case and a personal injury lawyer will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Meet Our Founder

Tad Thomas - Trial Lawyer

Tad Thomas

Managing Partner

Tad Thomas has dedicated his practice to representing plaintiffs in various types of civil litigation, including personal injury, business litigation, class actions, and multi-district litigation.

After graduating with his law degree in 2000 from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, Mr. Thomas immediately opened his own private practice and began representing injury victims.

In 2011, Thomas Law Offices was established in Louisville, Kentucky. Over the past decade, Mr. Thomas has expanded his firm and now has offices in three additional locations: Cincinnati, Ohio, Columbia, Missouri, and Chicago, Illinois. He is also a frequent lecturer on topics like trial skills and ethics and technology.

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Tad Thomas on The National Crime Victim Bar Association
National Civil Justice Institute - Trustee
Tad Thomas on Lawyer Minds
Tad Thomas on American Association for Justice
Southern Trial Lawyers Association
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Ohio Association for Justice
Kentucky Justice Association
Fellows of the Litigation Counsel of America
Martindale Hubbell Preeminent
2021 Public Justice Member
AAJ Masters of Trial Law: Champion