Speak With a Los Angeles Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Jackknife truck accidents are among the most terrifying and destructive crashes on Los Angeles freeways. When a tractor-trailer folds in on itself—forming a sharp angle between the cab and trailer—it can sweep across multiple lanes of traffic in seconds. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, multi-vehicle pileups, and extensive property damage. Determining liability in a jackknife accident requires immediate investigation and experienced legal representation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck jackknife crash, working with a skilled Los Angeles jackknife truck accident lawyer is critical to protecting your rights and securing maximum compensation.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to victims of commercial truck accidents throughout Los Angeles. Our legal team understands the complexities of trucking regulations and is prepared to aggressively pursue justice on your behalf.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a semi-truck swings outward from the cab, creating a 90-degree angle or more. This typically happens when the truck loses traction or brakes improperly.
Once the trailer swings out of control, it can:
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Block multiple lanes of traffic
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Strike surrounding vehicles
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Cause chain-reaction collisions
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Lead to rollovers
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Trap motorists with little room to escape
Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, jackknife crashes often result in devastating outcomes.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Los Angeles
Jackknife accidents are almost always preventable and typically stem from negligence.
Sudden or Improper Braking
Abrupt braking can cause the trailer to skid and swing outward, especially on slick roads.
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces control and increases the likelihood of losing traction.
Driver Fatigue
Long hours behind the wheel impair reaction time and judgment.
Improper Cargo Loading
Uneven or unsecured loads can shift and destabilize the trailer.
Poor Maintenance
Worn brakes, bald tires, or mechanical failures increase accident risk.
Adverse Weather
Rain-slicked roads in Los Angeles may cause trailers to slide unexpectedly.
Where Jackknife Accidents Frequently Occur
Los Angeles freeways are particularly vulnerable to jackknife crashes due to heavy truck traffic.
Common locations include:
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I-5
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I-10
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I-405
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US-101
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Freeway interchanges and on-ramps
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Construction zones
High speeds combined with sudden traffic slowdowns increase the likelihood of severe multi-vehicle collisions.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Jackknife Truck Accidents
Due to the force and scale of these crashes, injuries are often catastrophic.
Common injuries include:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
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Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
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Severe neck and back injuries
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Multiple fractures
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Internal organ damage
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Crush injuries
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Burns from vehicle fires
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Wrongful death injuries
Victims may require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
Determining Liability in a Jackknife Truck Accident
Truck accident cases are far more complex than standard car crashes. Multiple parties may be responsible.
Liable parties may include:
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The truck driver
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The trucking company
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Cargo loading companies
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Maintenance contractors
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Truck manufacturers (in defect cases)
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault may be divided among parties. Identifying all responsible entities increases potential recovery.
Federal and State Trucking Regulations
Commercial trucking companies must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, including:
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Hours-of-Service (HOS) limits
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Driver qualification requirements
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Vehicle maintenance standards
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Cargo securement rules
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Drug and alcohol testing protocols
Violations of these regulations can serve as powerful evidence of negligence.
Critical Evidence in Jackknife Accident Cases
Time is crucial in preserving evidence after a truck crash.
Important evidence may include:
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Electronic logging device (ELD) data
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Truck “black box” information
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Maintenance and inspection records
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Driver logbooks
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Dashcam or traffic camera footage
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Police reports
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Accident reconstruction analysis
Trucking companies often send rapid response teams to crash scenes. Early legal representation ensures critical evidence is protected.
Compensation Available to Jackknife Accident Victims
Due to the severity of injuries, compensation may be substantial.
Economic Damages
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Emergency medical care
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Hospitalization and surgeries
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Long-term medical treatment
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Rehabilitation and therapy
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Lost wages
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Loss of future earning capacity
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Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Permanent disability
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Disfigurement
Punitive Damages
If the trucking company engaged in reckless conduct—such as knowingly violating safety regulations—punitive damages may apply.
Why Trucking Companies Fight Aggressively
Commercial truck accident claims often involve high insurance policy limits. As a result, insurers frequently:
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Dispute liability
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Blame other drivers
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Challenge injury severity
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Delay negotiations
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Offer low initial settlements
An experienced Los Angeles jackknife truck accident lawyer ensures that corporate defendants are held accountable.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Jackknife Truck Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand the high stakes involved in trucking litigation. Our legal team takes an aggressive and evidence-driven approach to these complex cases.
We focus on:
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Sending immediate preservation letters
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Securing black box and ELD data
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Investigating regulatory violations
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Working with accident reconstruction experts
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Identifying all liable parties
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Calculating lifetime damages
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Negotiating assertively with insurers
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Taking cases to trial when necessary
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims
Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the accident date. Claims involving government entities may require notice within six months.
Prompt legal action helps preserve crucial electronic and physical evidence.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Jackknife Truck Accident in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife truck accident, do not face powerful trucking companies and insurers alone.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Los Angeles jackknife truck accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Sources
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Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – Large Truck Crash Causes
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov -
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Large Truck Accident Statistics
https://www.nhtsa.gov -
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Truck Crash Research
https://www.iihs.org
