If you were injured in a jackknife accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to assist you. Partnering with our Albuquerque jackknife accident attorneys increases your chances of obtaining full compensation due to the severe nature of these accidents.
Reach out to our law offices to set up a complimentary consultation. Call (505) 594-3621 and our experienced Albuquerque personal injury attorneys will review your case and discuss your legal rights and options. You can benefit from our contingency fee arrangement, meaning you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation in your case.
How Can Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Help You After a Jackknife Accident in Albuquerque?
As you recuperate from your truck accident, you might be worried about your financial situation, including how you’ll manage medical expenses and vehicle repairs.
Our Albuquerque truck accident attorneys have over 55 years of combined experience. To date, we’ve obtained more than $55 million for our deserving clients. We’ll work to the best of our ability to get you winning results, too.
When you engage our services, our legal team will:
- Undertake a detailed investigation of the accident
- Gather comprehensive evidence, including statements from witnesses
- Collaborate with experts to strengthen your case
- Strive to obtain the highest possible settlement
- Take your case to trial if settlement negotiations fail
It is crucial not to engage directly with the trucking company, its lawyers, or insurance representatives. They will seek to minimize or deny your compensation. We will manage claim communications on your behalf to protect your interests.
Contact our Albuquerque, NM law offices to discuss your situation. We offer a free initial consultation, and you are not obligated to proceed.
What Is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife collision happens when a tractor-trailer fails to travel in a straight line. The trailer shifts to one side, creating an “L” or “V” shape behind the tractor/cab. Proper traction is crucial for keeping a large truck aligned on the road. If traction is lost, the driver loses control.
The skidding typically starts when a driver slams on the brakes, causing them to lock. This prevents the wheels from rolling freely, making the trailer swing to one side.
Jackknife accidents are commonly caused by several factors:
- Being compelled to brake suddenly due to excessive speed
- Failing to apply brakes gradually
- Lacking sufficient distance to stop safely
- Following too closely behind another vehicle
- Executing a sharp turn
- Adverse weather conditions
- Improperly loading the cargo
- Operating an empty trailer, which can lessen traction
- Poor maintenance of the tractor and trailer
Additionally, insufficient driver training or experience might also contribute to these accidents.
Why Are Jackknife Injuries So Dangerous?
Jackknifing is particularly perilous because it indicates the driver has lost control of the vehicle. The trailer may swing left or right while still connected to the “hitch” at the truck’s rear, effectively leading the truck’s movement.
This action resembles the sweeping motion of an alligator’s tail, forcefully impacting everything in its trajectory. This includes other vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians, often occurring too swiftly for others to react and evade.
The substantial weight and size of the truck make jackknifing events extremely destructive, resulting in significant injuries and fatalities. As the trailer swings, it can lift and compress other vehicles between itself and the truck’s cab, sometimes pushing them into oncoming traffic.
What Kinds of Injuries Do Albuquerque Jackknife Accidents Cause?
Jackknife accidents, characterized by their chaotic and unpredictable nature, often result in serious injuries to those involved, such as:
- Crush injuries
- Burns
- Bone fractures
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to organs
- Trauma to the head and neck
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
At Curiel & Runion, our truck accident attorneys are prepared to help you secure the financial assistance necessary for your recovery.
It’s important to note that New Mexico’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years. Failing to file within this period means losing the opportunity to claim compensation.
Get Help From an Albuquerque Truck Accident Lawyer at Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been involved in a jackknife accident in Albuquerque and suffered injuries, consider reaching out to Curiel & Runion. Such accidents are not only frightening but can also lead to serious injuries, and you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath by yourself.
We are committed to treating our clients with the respect and dignity they deserve. We handle each case with the utmost care and compassion, ensuring you feel supported throughout the legal process.
Contact our Albuquerque jackknife accident lawyers today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.