Fairfield Jackknife Accident Lawyer

Fairfield Jackknife Accident Attorney

Semi truck accidents can occur at any time when you share the road with these large vehicles. Unfortunately, these accidents can come with devastating injuries and damages, especially if you were involved in a difficult situation like a jackknife accident. If you have sustained injuries from a jackknife accident, an experienced Fairfield jackknife accident lawyer from Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law can help you fight for compensation and secure justice.

How Sorrentino Legal Can Help You

At Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law, our founding attorney, Brad Sorrentino, prides himself on bringing extensive experience, knowledge, and empathy to each case he takes on. He has assisted countless truck accident victims across Connecticut and can use his insight to fight for your rights and maximize your compensation. Our team can carefully review all damages, including medical bills, lost wages, future treatment costs, property damage, and more.

What Is a Jackknife Accident in Connecticut?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 107,000 18-wheeler injury crashes and 4,842 fatal crashes attributable to jackknife accidents in 2020. These crashes can occur when the driver loses control of their rig and the trailer skids to the side.

Jackknifing occurs when a semi truck’s trailer accidentally swings outward, forming a sharp “V-shape” where the truck attaches to its trailer. The shape is similar to that of a folding knife, hence the name. Turning too quickly or sharply can easily cause a semi truck to jackknife. When jackknifing happens, it can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to multiple-vehicle collisions, especially if drivers behind the truck were not prepared to stop.

Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Fairfield

Unlike other car accidents in Fairfield, jackknife accidents often involve devastating injuries, severe damage, and multiple liable parties. This is because when a large truck crashes, it can create immense damage due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicle.

Jackknifing can occur for a variety of reasons. When you work with a lawyer from Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law, we can help you identify the cause of your accident and all liable parties, ensuring you pursue compensation from the right people. The following are some of the most common causes of jackknife accidents in Connecticut:

• Speeding
• Faulty brakes
• Faulty tires
• Driver impairment
• Distracted driving, such as texting and driving, eating, or talking to passengers
• Driver health-related issues or illness
• Severe weather
• Other motorists’ negligence or recklessness

Comparative Negligence Laws in Connecticut Jackknife Cases

Determining liability in a jackknife accident in Connecticut can be complicated, as truck accidents tend to involve multiple individuals and companies who can be held liable. Additionally, it’s important to note that Connecticut is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that victims of accidents can still be found partially at-fault for the accident they are seeking damages for.

If you are found to be partially responsible for a jackknife accident, the state may reduce your settlement by the percentage of fault you’re assigned. For example, if a truck driver was driving impaired and jackknifed their vehicle, but you were speeding and couldn’t stop in time to reasonably avoid them, you may be found 10% at-fault. This would mean your settlement would be reduced by 10%.

Determining liability while considering comparative negligence laws can be complicated, especially when you’re trying to focus on recovering from your injuries. When you hire an experienced Fairfield personal injury lawyer from Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law, they can help you identify all liable parties and handle the complicated legalities that come with filing a jackknife accident claim.

Why Should I Hire a Jackknife Accident Lawyer in Fairfield?

When you’re injured in a jackknife accident involving a semi truck, it’s imperative that you hire a jackknife accident lawyer who has experience handling cases similar to yours. At Sorrentino Legal, our lead attorney has helped countless Connecticut truck accident victims secure both justice and compensation after being injured by negligent truck drivers. Our team has a deep understanding of personal injury law and is prepared to apply it to your case.

FAQs

Is Connecticut a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Connecticut is no longer a no-fault state for automobile insurance, although it was before 1994. Because it is not a no-fault state, an injured driver can collect payment from an at-fault driver’s insurance, even if they are found to be partially responsible for the accident. If you have been injured in a car or truck accident in Connecticut, the law allows you to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. You should consult a lawyer to better understand your legal options.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Jackknife Accident Lawyer in Fairfield?

A jackknife accident lawyer is a specific type of personal injury lawyer who has experience navigating complex truck accident cases. While most truck accident attorneys use contingency fees to charge their clients, it’s important that you discuss all pricing concerns and potential fees during your initial consultation with your lawyer. This way, you can get a better idea of what to expect for your total payment.

How Long After a Truck Accident Can You File a Claim in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years after the date of injury. Anyone who is hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, or other type of personal injury must file a claim within that deadline. Otherwise, they miss out on their legal right to pursue compensation. If you were injured within the past two years, it is critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Is Jackknifing Always the Driver’s Fault?

Although the majority of truck accidents are the fault of the truck driver, not all of them are. Sometimes, truck drivers are put in dangerous positions without knowing due to faulty loading or poor training. Other times, the company or vehicle owner may have failed to maintain the vehicle properly, leading to unexpected maintenance failures as well. Trucks also jackknife often when drivers attempt to avoid an accident that occurred in front of them.

Contact Sorrentino Legal Today

When you need a Fairfield jackknife accident lawyer to handle your case, Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law has the knowledge and experience to assist. An experienced Fairfield jackknife accident lawyer from our firm can help you navigate jackknife accident laws and maximize the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us to request your consultation today.