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There aren’t many things more frightening on the road than a semitruck that jackknifes. The sheer amount of destruction a truck in this position can cause is enormous. Victims of these types of accidents typically experience substantial injuries that deeply impact their lives. Fortunately, with the aid of an experienced Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer, a truck accident victim can potentially access the funds they need to cover the injuries and losses they have suffered.
At The Stoddard Firm, we don’t overcomplicate matters but simply stick to our tried and true methods of compensation recovery, which include:
The past results we have obtained for clients show that we are always prepared to go the extra mile to recover proper compensation awards for our jackknife truck accident clients.
Jackknife truck accidents are among the most common types of semitruck accidents. They occur when a big rig’s trailer and cab become folded toward one another to resemble a folding pocket knife, all while the truck is in motion. Due to the size of big rigs and their trailers, jackknife accidents have the potential to involve numerous vehicles across multiple lanes.
There are various causes of jackknifing, and all of them can usually be avoided with the proper caution and care. They include:
In some cases, a driver might actually attempt to cause a jackknife to help the truck slow down when its brakes fail.
One of the most important aspects of any claim for compensation in a jackknife truck accident is determining who is to blame. Once the liable party is identified, the victims of the accident can start filing claims. The problem is that sometimes it is difficult to determine who is at fault, especially when multiple vehicles are involved.
For this reason, at The Stoddard Firm we devote significant resources to the investigation of the accidents that harm our clients. Our goal is not simply to find a liable party, but to find all liable parties and hold them accountable.
As you might imagine, the truck driver is typically the first person suspected of negligence in a jackknife truck accident. Some of the actions they engage in may very well lead to jackknifing, such as:
Jackknifing may also occur when a truck driver is too inexperienced to operate a particular big rig.
A trucking company that hires a negligent driver may also be held liable for the driver’s negligent actions, under the theory of vicarious liability. There is no requirement that the employer must have committed any negligence of its own. For example, if a drowsy truck driver jackknives their rig and causes injuries, the truck driver’s employer will likely face some liability simply for being the employer. Keep in mind that independent contractors are not considered employees.
In addition to being responsible for employee negligence, trucking companies are also accountable for their own negligent acts. For example, if the trucking company negligently hires a risky driver or if the company provides faulty equipment, it can be sued for damages if an accident occurs.
Shipping companies are responsible for packaging and securing loads on big rigs. Failure to properly load or tie down cargo can cause a big rig and its trailer to become dangerously unstable and lead to jackknifing.
Big rig repair shops are tasked with properly servicing and repairing these massive vehicles. If, during the course of their investigation, your Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer finds that an improper repair was to blame for the jackknife accident, they will pursue damages from the repair shop.
Makers of trucks and truck parts may be held liable for defective parts that lead to jackknife accidents and other types of truck accidents. In Georgia, as in many other states, parts and product makers are held strictly liable for the damage caused by their products. Faulty brakes, for example, are a well-known cause of jackknife accidents.
Swift action is essential for victims of big-rig jackknife accidents. Important time considerations are at work that can lead to valid claims being invalidated. If you have been involved in a jackknife accident and need compensation, the sooner you act, the better your results are likely to be.
At the very least, you will want to be in compliance with the statute of limitations for cases such as these. Under Ga. Code § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from when the right of action accrues. Special circumstances can shorten the two-year time frame to as little as six months or lengthen the time frame long past the standard two-year period. An accident victim must file the lawsuit and serve the defendant within this statute of limitations to preserve the right of compensation. Missing the deadline can result in losing the ability to recover damages no matter how strong the case may be. We can help determine whether an exception to the two year general limit applies to your case.
Even without a statute of limitations, acting quickly is important because it allows for evidence preservation and documentation of witness observations which can significantly strengthen a claim. Once this time period has passed, most valid claims become invalid, meaning damages are no longer available.
Additionally, acting quickly often leads to a stronger claim for compensation, principally due to evidence issues. For example, various forms of evidence work well in proving liability in jackknife and other types of truck accidents, such as:
However, as time goes on, your Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer may run into problems obtaining these forms of evidence. Traffic cam footage is typically deleted not long after it’s recorded, and witnesses become difficult to locate or have memory problems as time goes on.
We’ve got answers to your jackknife truck accident questions. Read through the content that follows and please reach out to our office anytime to speak with an Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer.
Do I really need an Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer for my jackknife truck accident case?
Yes. If you have been injured in a jackknife accident and need compensation, you should strongly consider seeking the services of an experienced Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer. With a lawyer, you have a better chance of getting a proper compensation award that truly reflects your injuries and losses.
Can I afford an Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer?
Yes. An Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer takes their fee from the compensation you receive at the end of your case. This translates into zero upfront payments from you. If your Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer has been unsuccessful in recovering compensation for you, you owe nothing.
How much in damages can I get for my truck accident claim?
You are entitled to economic and non-economic damages, which include:
The total you receive usually depends on the extent of your injuries and other factors, such as the strength of the evidence and the skill of your Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer.
How long does it take to receive compensation for jackknife truck accident cases?
It depends on the circumstances surrounding your case. Relatively straightforward crashes without any doubt as to liability typically take far less time than cases where liability is not so clear. If your case is straightforward, it could be resolved in a matter of a few months.
I was offered an insurance settlement for my truck accident injuries and losses. Should I accept it?
Ultimately, the decision to accept an insurance company’s offer is up to you as the client. However, before accepting any payment, it is strongly advised that you allow an experienced Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer to review your case and the offer. In most cases, the insurance company’s offer will be lower than what you deserve.
An experienced Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer at our office is ready to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to call at your convenience.
If you’ve been injured in a jackknife truck accident, you may be in pain and unable to live life as you once did. If that’s true for you, The Stoddard Firm is ready to meet and discuss your case and your options. We work hard to ensure that our clients leave no compensation on the table that belongs in their pockets.
For a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta jackknife truck accident lawyer, reach out to The Stoddard Firm. Learn how we can potentially help you get the funds you need to heal and sort out your future. Call (470) 467-2200 for a free consultation today.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who takes on major corporations and global insurers with virtually unlimited resources. Known for high-profile cases featured on Courtroom Viewing Network, this attorney is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, they work tirelessly to secure justice and deliver results.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
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I can’t express enough how good attorneys Keith Evra and Matthew stoddard are as well as the rest of the firm. They took care of me and my family and did everything they could for us and were professional and amazing at what they do. You can count on them to genuinely make you feel like they care about you and will do everything they can for you. If I could give 500 stars I would. If you are debating to choose them for your representation look no further becuase you won’t find a better firm. They are the best.
I was very proud of my lawyer Keith evra n his professional in my time of pain dealing with my son’s death. I would recommend Keith to anyone who needs legal services
By far a great group to handle such a tremendous and difficult time in our lives, not only do they communicate and explain in detail, but they really care to make this process as easy as possible. I would highly recommend this firm for any of your needs because they really do go above and beyond with blood sweat and tears for their clients
One thing I can truly say about the Stoddard Firm is that they take great initiative in helping their clients. My case and situation took a lot out of me. Mentally, emotionally and even physically. But the Stoddard firm did an amazing job with my case. Shauna and Janine did absolutely amazing with helping me with coping skills and they have great communication. They helped me understand that the process of my case would take some time but that they would do everything in their power to help me differentiate the odds that were against me. Yes the process was time given, but patience is key and at the end everything was successful and I am grateful for them.
Matthew Stoddard and his team of lawyers, including Belle- Anne and the staff, were very professional and caring from the beginning to the end. They were very knowledgeable, always available to answer any questions, and made sure I was always updated. I’m very grateful and highly recommend them.
I contacted the Stoddard Firm and told them about the accident and explained our family’s situation in detail. They took on the case and did a FANTASTIC job. They were very mindful that this was a very heartbreaking situation for all of us. They made certain our entire family was well informed of everything going on throughout the entire process. They were always very polite, very responsive and never got frustrated whenever a situation arose where we didn’t understand something. They were always very patient and explained any questions or concerns we had at all times. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has experienced the unfortunate need to hire an attorney for this type of situation.
When you need a law firm to fight for you, I mean fight for you!! The Stoddard Firm is the answer. My case was a uphill battle. The Stoddard Firm went to war with other side and made it happen. I am ensure that anyone that’s in need of a excellent legal team. Dont waste your time with firms that sell dreams, this firm makes it happen. Thank you Stoddard Firm.
They are client focused and make sure that you are in the loop every step of the way. We worked directly with Matt Stoddard, Keith Evra, & Shauna Thomas and they were accommodating, understanding, and wonderful. They treat their clients with respect and care and genuinely have your best interest at heart. We weren’t treated as just clients, we were treated as family. Their knowledge and experience with law shows and they know exactly what they are doing. This is a top of the line law firm and you will be extremely satisfied when you choose them for your case.
The Stoddard firm did a extraordinary job on my case. Their whole team is very professional, and will go over and beyond to achieve the greatest results so that the customer is satisfied. Thank you again for making me a priority.
Our experience with The Stoddard Firm was great. Everyone helped us navigate through a stressful situation. Professional and compassionate – the firm worked with and for us. Would recommend them to anyone.
The Stoddard firm done an excellent with my son case. They had great open communication and treated you like family. The whole staff was just on point and had great customer service. I want to thank everyone at the Stoddard firm
The Stoddard Firm has been an excellent firm to work with. Everyone there was very professional. I truly appreciate everything that they did to walk me through the process. I know they worked very hard to bring my lawsuit to a favorable conclusion. I especially appreciate Matthew, Janine and Shauna and the dedication to my case.
All the folks at the Stoddard firm were responsive, polite, professional and caring. They handled our case with determination. They handled our family with high regard and respect.
I work with a lot of law firms across the country, and I can say The Stoddard Firm truly cares about all their clients and are invested in seeking justice for them. Their staff is always delightful, and super organized! Class act firm from top to bottom!
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
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