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Jackknife Accidents
When it comes to the commercial trucking industry, jackknife accidents are a rather common occurrence. These may take place when the cab of the truck rotates away from the trailer, rendering it immobile and resembling a closing pocketknife. This may occur due to elements such as sudden breaking that causes a driver to lose control of the load, driver negligence resulting in the truck swerving, poor road conditions, and unsafe driving speed.
In many cases, victims in truck-related accidents caused by jackknifing suffer from harsh traumas and even fatal injuries. From vehicle damage, to stress, to bodily injuries requiring medical treatment, significant expense can be incurred.
Causes of Jackknifing Accidents
There are many factors that can cause truck-related jackknifing accidents, including:
- Negligence over maintenance: Truck drivers or company management who fail to maintain equipment and perform routine inspections.
- Cargo overload: Unstable loads that result in a rollover accident.
- High speed:Ability to react to road risks lessened due to high speed.
- Aggressive and/or reckless driving.
- DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances).
- Snow, ice, etc.: Poor driving conditions that causes slides and crashes.
- Fatigued driver: Drivers who nod off and cause accidents.
- Night driving and impaired vision: Vision difficulties that make it difficult to discern potential conditions and hazards on the road.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
If you or your loved ones are victims of a jackknifing accident, you will want an experienced attorney at your side. Do not hesitate to get in touch with a professional who will fight for your rights in court and get you the compensation you deserve. Only a good attorney will have what it takes to help you in a situation like this.
Legal Practice Areas
Let's win together
Please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you within 1-2 business days. Or just call us now.
Protecting Victims of Jackknife Truck Crashes in Houston
Jackknife truck accidents are among the most dangerous types of commercial vehicle collisions in Houston. These crashes occur when the trailer of an 18-wheeler swings out from behind the cab at an angle, forming an “L” or “V” shape—often causing catastrophic injury, death, and extensive damage.
If you or a loved one were injured in a jackknife truck accident in Houston, you deserve experienced legal representation. The Gomez Law Firm has a proven track record holding negligent drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers accountable.
“Attorney Jorge L. Gomez fought tirelessly for my family after our accident. We were treated with compassion and walked away with the compensation we needed to heal.” — Former Client
Understanding Jackknife Accidents
When it comes to the commercial trucking industry, jackknife accidents are a rather common occurrence. These may take place when the cab of the truck rotates away from the trailer, rendering it immobile and resembling a closing pocketknife. This may occur due to elements such as sudden braking that causes a driver to lose control of the load, driver negligence resulting in the truck swerving, poor road conditions, and unsafe driving speed.
In many cases, victims in truck-related accidents caused by jackknifing suffer from harsh traumas and even fatal injuries. From vehicle damage, to stress, to bodily injuries requiring medical treatment, significant expense can be incurred.
What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents?
Understanding the cause of a jackknife crash is critical for building a strong legal case. At Gomez Law Firm, we investigate all contributing factors including:
Common Causes of Jackknifing:
- Negligence over maintenance: Truck drivers or company management who fail to maintain equipment and perform routine inspections.
- Cargo overload: Unstable loads that result in a rollover or jackknife accident.
- High speed: Ability to react to road risks lessened due to high speed.
- Aggressive and/or reckless driving
- DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances)
- Poor road conditions: Snow, ice, rain, etc.
- Fatigued driver: Drivers who nod off and cause accidents.
- Night driving and impaired vision: Vision difficulties that make it difficult to discern potential conditions and hazards on the road.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Harris County reported over 19,000 commercial vehicle accidents between 2020–2022—many involving jackknife scenarios.
Your Legal Rights After a Jackknife Accident in Texas
Texas law allows injury victims to recover compensation if another party’s negligence caused the accident. In jackknife collisions, multiple parties may be at fault
Potentially Liable Parties:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Shipping or logistics company
- Maintenance provider
- Truck or parts manufacturer
We build strong cases by collecting:
- Dashcam footage
- Black box data
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Witness statements
- Crash reconstruction expert analysis
Compensation Available to Houston Jackknife Accident Victims
Our attorneys will pursue full compensation, which may include:
- Medical expenses (emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Punitive damages (in extreme negligence cases)
Example Case Result:
$875,000 Settlement – for a Houston driver injured when a fatigued commercial trucker jackknifed on I-10 during morning rush hour.
Act Quickly: Texas Filing Deadlines
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Delay can result in loss of crucial evidence and forfeiture of your right to compensation.
Don’t wait. Early legal action improves your chance of a successful claim.
Why Hire Gomez Law Firm for Your Truck Accident Case?
- Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer
- More than 70 jury trials and thousands of resolved claims
- Personalized legal attention from Jorge L. Gomez
- No fee unless we win your case
We meet clients face-to-face and work closely with forensic experts, investigators, and medical professionals to build the strongest case possible.
Client Testimonials
⭐ 4.9 – Star Google Reviews:
FAQs About Jackknife Truck Accidents in Houston
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Texas follows modified comparative fault. You may still recover damages if you were less than 51% responsible.
Depending on the case, liable parties can include the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, and cargo handlers.
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Related Truck Accident Practice Areas
Explore more about how Gomez Law Firm fights for injury victims:
- Rear-End Truck Accidents
- Commercial Vehicle Rollover Accidents
- Unsafe Lane Change Truck Accidents
- Failure to Yield Truck Accidents
Call us: (713) 868-5528
Visit us: 1613 Witte Road, Houston, TX 77080
Email: info@gomezlawfirm.com
Contact a Houston Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Injured in a jackknife truck accident in Houston? Don’t face the legal system alone. Contact Gomez Law Firm now for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice.
