The number of large trucks on the road has steadily increased over the past decade, as has the number of collisions involving these vehicles. A jackknife accident occurs when the truck’s cab, or tractor, and the trailer fold at the hinge and resemble the angle of a folding pocket knife. These accidents can cause serious damage, or worse, to other vehicles and their occupants.
If you were injured in a jackknife accident in Phoenix, AZ, you can seek compensation for your injuries from the at-fault driver or trucking company. These cases can be complex, but an experienced Phoenix jackknife accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the claim process.
The attorneys at Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help. Contact our office today at (602) 595-5559 to schedule a free consultation with one of our representatives.
How Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Jackknife Accident in Phoenix
Our effective Phoenix truck accident attorneys have over 55 years of combined experience in personal injury law and a 98% success rate in recovering compensation for our clients – totaling $30 million so far.
You can count on us to put our experience to work for you and fight to recover the compensation you deserve. When you hire one of our skilled Phoenix jackknife accident lawyers, we will manage every aspect of your case, including:
- Investigating the jackknife accident;
- Identifying the at-fault parties;
- Offering sound legal advice every step of the way;
- Gathering evidence to build your case;
- Negotiating a settlement with the insurance company on your behalf; and
- Taking your case to court, if necessary.
To discuss your case in detail and learn more about how we can help you, contact our law office in Phoenix, Arizona, today for a free consultation.
How Common Are Jackknife Accidents?
The data on jackknife accidents is limited, especially at the state or local level. However, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were approximately 4,000 jackknife accidents nationwide in 2020. Of those, 1,000 resulted in injuries, and 169 resulted in death.
What Is My Phoenix Jackknife Accident Case Worth?
If you’ve been injured in a jackknife accident, you might assume that the value of your case is the total of your medical costs and property damages. That isn’t the case. In reality, there are many factors that will influence the value of your claim, including:
- The extent of your injuries;
- The extent of the property damage you’ve incurred;
- Whether you were partly to blame for the accident;
- Whether you suffered other damages, like pain and suffering; and
- The relevant insurance policy limits.
Your attorney will explain how these factors influence the value of your jackknife accident case and fight for you to receive full compensation for your losses.
What Kind of Damages Are Available To Jackknife Accident Victims in Phoenix?
Truck accident victims, including those involved in a jackknife accident, can seek compensation for their losses in the form of damages. Economic damages and non-economic damages are the two primary categories of damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages concern the direct financial consequences of the accident. For example, past and future medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, loss of earning potential, transportation costs, and out-of-pocket expenses are all economic damages.
They are fairly straightforward to calculate and prove. They will relate to specific transactions and can usually be supported with receipts, invoices, or other documents.
Future costs, like ongoing medical care or rehabilitation, can be trickier. Nonetheless, a knowledgeable jackknife accident attorney will assess the extent of all of your economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
In contrast, non-economic damages concern the emotional, psychological, and otherwise subjective consequences of the accident. For example, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of quality of life, loss of consortium, and disfigurement are non-economic damages.
Non-economic damages are less straightforward to calculate than economic damages, given that they are based on the victim’s subjective experiences. Further, you may need special witnesses, called expert witnesses, to prove your non-economic damages.
An experienced Phoenix jackknife accident lawyer will be instrumental in assessing your damages if you’ve suffered non-economic damages.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Jackknife Accident Lawyer?
In most cases, personal injury lawyers accept cases on a contingency fee basis. This applies to jackknife accident cases, too. A contingency fee is only collected if the attorney successfully recovers compensation on behalf of the client. The lawyer collects the fee from the client’s ultimate financial award. A typical contingency fee is between 33% and 40%.
One benefit of contingency fees is that, because there are no upfront costs, anyone can hire legal representation in their jackknife accident case, regardless of their financial resources. Another benefit is that your attorney doesn’t get paid unless you do; they will be incentivized to successfully handle your case and maximize your compensation.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Jackknife Accident in Phoenix, AZ?
Yes, in most cases, you can still recover compensation if you’re being blamed for a jackknife accident. Personal injury defendants often argue that the plaintiff was at least partly to blame for the accident. So long as someone else was partly to blame, too, you can potentially still recover compensation.
Arizona has a pure comparative negligence law, under which each party to an accident is apportioned a percentage of fault. The plaintiff’s damages are reduced in proportion to their percentage of blame.
So, for example, if you were found to be 40% at fault and the other party was 60% at fault, you could still recover up to 60% of your overall damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can work to minimize the percentage assigned to you.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Jackknife Accident in Arizona?
In Arizona, you have two years from the date of a jackknife accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline applies to wrongful death cases as well. Though many personal injury cases settle before a lawsuit is filed, it’s crucial that you are aware of the deadline in your case.
If the insurance company fails to offer a reasonable settlement, bringing your case to court may be the best way to seek justice in your case. As exceptions do exist to the statute of limitations, contact us as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights.
Contact Our Phoenix Jackknife Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were recently injured in a jackknife accident, you may deserve compensation for your losses. Our seasoned Phoenix jackknife accident attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of the claim process and fight for full compensation for your losses.
Contact our office to discuss your case further. Your first consultation is free of charge.