Jackknife Accident Attorney in Los Angeles, CA
Involved in a jackknife truck accident in Los Angeles? Our experienced attorneys understand the devastating impact these crashes can have. We fight to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable, helping you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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Jackknife Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA
Injured in a Jackknife Truck Accident in Los Angeles or California?
Few things are as terrifying as seeing a tractor-trailer spin out of control. Commercial trucks are massive, powerful machines that travel at high speeds and carry a lot of weight, making stopping difficult for them. When a truck tries to stop too quickly, or turn too hard, a jackknife crash can occur, and the consequences are often catastrophic for other drivers in the area.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, you may deserve compensation. Trucking companies have their own attorneys to fight against you, but don’t be intimidated. You do have options, and your voice is important. Call NOVIK LAW GROUP, A Professional Corporation, at (818) 305-6041 to put an experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorney to work for you.
NOVIK LAW GROUP
A Professional Corporation
16830 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 508,
Encino, CA 91436
Phone: (818) 305-6041
NOVIK LAW GROUP
A Professional Corporation
11620 Wilshire Blvd Suite 520
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (818) 305-6041
NOVIK LAW GROUP
A Professional Corporation
14500 Roscoe Blvd Suite 460
Panorama City, CA 91402
Phone: (818) 305-6041
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What Is a Jackknife Accident?
The term “jackknife” refers to a pocket knife with a folding blade. When it comes to commercial trucks, a jackknife accident is one in which the cab slows or comes to a stop, but the trailer continues to move, which causes the trailer to swing out to the side and the whole vehicle folds – essentially like a pocket knife closing in on itself.
Causes of Jackknife Accidents
The mechanics of a jackknife accident have to do with how semi-trucks stop, and the fact that they have multiple sets of brakes. In practice, a jackknife is almost always due to a trucker’s mistake or failure to exercise proper caution in a certain situation. Some common causes of jackknife accidents include:
- Poor weather. Slippery road conditions, from rain or ice, can cause a jackknife.
- Improper maintenance. If the brakes on a truck are not properly adjusted and maintained, a jackknife is more likely.
- High speeds. The faster a truck goes, the more likely a jackknife becomes.
- Driver fatigue. Tired truck drivers have slowed reaction times, and are more prone to driving errors.
- Driver inexperience. Controlling a massive truck with a heavy payload is difficult, and inexperienced drivers are more likely to make mistakes.
Who Else May Be Responsible?
Sometimes, the truck driver might not be the only one responsible. There are two important legal terms to discuss: negligence and liability.
Negligence means someone acted in a way that a reasonable person would not have in the situation. For example, if a truck driver goes well beyond the speed at which he can maintain control of his truck, that can be seen as negligence. A reasonable person is expected to stay within a speed limit. Liability means someone’s negligence directly contributed to or caused an accident. If a jackknife occurs because the truck driver was going too fast, he can be held liable for that accident.
In some situations, this can become more complicated. For example, perhaps the driver was going too fast due to instructions from his employer, and his brakes were improperly maintained, which made the jackknife accident more likely.
Since the causes of a Los Angeles jackknife accident are not always simple and clear, it is important to have an experienced personal injury attorney look at the situation and figure out how things went wrong. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a jackknife accident, call NOVIK LAW GROUP at (818) 305-6041 to discuss your options. Truck accident aren’t like car accidents, and our skilled L.A. car crash lawyers know how to tackle these cases successfully.
Los Angeles Auto Accident FAQs
After a jackknife accident, seek medical attention immediately and call 911. If you’re able, document the scene with photos and gather witness contact information. Then, contact a Los Angeles jackknife accident attorney to protect your rights and begin your claim.
In Los Angeles, liability may fall on the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, or even manufacturers if faulty equipment contributed to the crash. A skilled attorney will investigate all parties to determine fault.
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s best to contact a Los Angeles jackknife accident lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and build your case.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, and long-term rehabilitation. A Los Angeles truck accident attorney can evaluate your case and pursue the full damages you deserve.
Jackknife accidents in LA are often caused by a combination of factors, including:
Speeding or sudden braking on freeways like the I-5 or 101
Wet or slick roads from coastal moisture or sudden rainfall
Driver fatigue from long hauls or overnight driving
Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo
Defective brakes or poor vehicle maintenance
Determining the cause is critical to building a strong case. A local truck accident attorney will investigate black box data, maintenance records, driver logs, and traffic footage to identify all contributing factors.
Truck accident cases are far more complex than standard car accident claims. In Los Angeles, multiple parties—such as the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and insurers—may be involved. A jackknife accident lawyer knows how to:
Secure and preserve crucial evidence (e.g., dashcam footage, maintenance logs)
Navigate state and federal trucking regulations
Calculate full damages including medical expenses, long-term care, lost income, and emotional trauma
Deal with aggressive insurance companies trying to minimize your claim
Having a local attorney with experience in LA traffic laws and court procedures dramatically increases your chance of a fair settlement.
After a serious crash, avoid these common mistakes:
Don’t admit fault to police or other drivers—even casually.
Don’t speak to the trucking company’s insurer without legal representation.
Don’t delay medical care, even if your injuries seem minor.
Don’t post details or photos of the accident on social media.
Instead, consult with a local truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.
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DUI Accidents
- DUI auto accidents can be extremely serious and should be prosecuted accordingly. Accidents involving alcohol are quite common in Los Angeles, which ranks 5th highest among large cities in California for alcohol-involved accidents, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Motorcycle Accidents
- Los Angeles is about average for motorcycle accidents in California, among high-population cities. When these collisions do occur, they are extremely dangerous for the motorcyclist – often fatal.
Bicycle Accidents
- Roadways are often the best way to travel by bike, especially in Los Angeles, but it can be dangerous considering possible unsafe road conditions and the rise of distracted drivers. With bicycles offering little protection compared to a vehicle, injuries can be very serious when a bicyclist is hit by a vehicle.
Pedestrian Accidents
- Los Angeles ranks high with regard to pedestrian accidents, coming in 3rd among high-population cities in California. Any pedestrians hit by a car can be seriously hurt, even when the vehicle is going slowly.
Experienced Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
When a semi-truck suddenly folds—the cab braking while the trailer swings out—it creates a dangerous jackknife accident. These crashes often occur on busy LA freeways and can lead to devastating multi-vehicle collisions. As a trusted Los Angeles law firm, our team at Novik Law Group understands the severity and complexity of these cases.
Why Hire an Experienced Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer?
Specialized Knowledge of Risk Factors: We investigate common causes such as poor weather, driver fatigue, speeding, and poorly maintained truck brakes—factors frequently contributing to jackknife scenarios.
Comprehensive Liability Assessment: Trucking firms, drivers, maintenance teams, or equipment manufacturers may bear fault. We examine maintenance records, driver logs, and federal trucking regulations to pinpoint accountability .
Aggressive Compensation Strategies: Victims may qualify for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and—if warranted—punitive damages. We pursue maximum recoveries.
