New Mexico Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer

If you were in a New Mexico jackknife truck accident, you were likely injured or even severely injured. However, you should not have to pay for the costs of those injuries and may even be entitled to compensation for additional mental and emotional suffering. 

However, the process for getting compensation is complicated and can be aided by retaining a knowledgeable attorney. Ideally, you would hire an attorney with experience in dealing with truck accidents and, specifically, jackknife truck accidents. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we have the legal skills necessary to help you get compensation for injuries from jackknife accidents.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

It can be a maze to figure out the legal process on your own. You need a competent attorney to collect evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and potentially bring suit on your behalf. Identifying the responsible parties takes experience. Sometimes retaining an attorney can be the only way to get all the compensation you deserve.

What If I Cannot Afford an Attorney?

You should never let concerns about payment deter you from getting the representation you need in a personal injury case. We work on contingency, meaning that unless you get paid, we don’t get paid. We are paid a percentage of any settlement or verdict we acquire for you. Contingency fees permit anyone to get high-quality representation and have access to a skilled, experienced jackknife accident attorney, such as those at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C.

What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

A jackknife truck accident occurs when the trailer swings toward the truck’s cab. The trailer and the cab rotate with respect to each other and move in different directions. The motion is similar to a jackknife folding up, with the cab and the trailer at an angle to one another. 

Jackknife semi truck accident statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicate that jackknifing is a factor in approximately 1 out of 20 large truck accidents. 

A jackknife accident typically occurs suddenly. And as you can imagine, the consequences can be devastating. 

What Are Some Causes of a Jackknife Truck Accident?

Like other types of truck accidents, certain factors can cause a jackknife. These include:

• Having to brake suddenly,
• Taking a sharp turn,
• Unsafe weather conditions,
• Speeding or driving too fast,
• Mechanical issues,
• Distracted driving,
• Driver fatigue, and
• Driving under the influence (DUI).

Our attorneys are skilled at identifying the factors that caused the crash and evaluating the evidence. In addition, we acquire all the needed reports surrounding the accident and ensure that necessary evidence is maintained.

Who Is Responsible for a Jackknife Accident Injury?

While you immediately think of the truck’s driver, other parties may also be responsible for paying for your injuries. These include:

• Trucking company. The trucking company may have failed to properly train the driver, maintain the truck, or comply with regulations related to service and loads.
• Truck owner. The truck may have been owned by someone other than the trucking company. They may also be responsible for the injury if they fail to maintain the vehicle.
• Third-party contractors. If a contractor performs improper maintenance, they may also be responsible for the accident.

These entities will likely have insurance to cover the accident. Understanding who to seek compensation from is complex but necessary for recovery. The attorneys at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. can help you navigate the process.

What Are Common Jackknife Accident Injuries?

Many different injuries, ranging in severity, can result from a jackknife accident. These include:

• Whiplash—a sudden and forceful movement of the neck that results in neck pain, stiffness, and restricted movement;
• Traumatic brain injuries—damage ranging from a concussion to more severe brain trauma;
• Broken bones—fractures to different body parts, such as the arms, legs, and ribs;
• Internal injuries—damage to organs and internal bleeding; and
• Spinal cord injuries—damage to the spine that may lead to partial or total paralysis.

Fatalities may also result from a jackknife accident. If someone you loved died in a jackknife accident, we can help you get recovery through a wrongful death action.

What Types of Damages Can I Receive for Injuries?

There are generally two types of damages that you can receive for a jackknife accident. The first is economic damages. These include things like:

• Hospital bills,
• Doctors bills,
• Physical therapy bills,
• Lost past wages, and
• Lost future wages.

The second type is non-economic damages. These include things like:

• Pain and suffering,
• Loss of consortium, 
• Loss of enjoyment in life, and
• Disfigurement and scarring.

An experienced attorney can help you get the maximum damages available. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and are willing to go to court to ensure a fair result.

How Long Do I Have to Seek Recovery?

In New Mexico, you face different deadlines based on the facts of the accident involved:

• Claims against a government entity. The claim must be brought within two years of the accident, but you must provide the government entity a notice of claim within 90 days.
• Personal injury. You must bring a personal injury action within three years of the accident. 
• Wrongful death. You must bring a wrongful death claim within three years of the date of death.
• Property damage. You must bring a claim for damage to personal property within four years of the accident.

It is vitally important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible to allow them to gather facts about the accident in time to file a claim, if necessary. 

Contact an Experienced New Mexico Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer 

A truck accident, particularly a jackknife, can be a traumatic experience. If you were injured, Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. can provide you with aggressive representation to help you get compensated. Our representation covers all injuries, including the death of a loved one. We have the experience with jackknife accidents needed for you to receive the compensation you deserve. Please get in touch with us today for a free case review.