Protecting Your Rights After a Jackknife Accident

Webster Vicknair MacLeod is committed to helping those injured in a jackknife accident preserve their legal rights and obtain the compensation they need to recover fully. Our team of experienced truck accident injury attorneys in Houston provides guidance and support to those who need it most. With 120 years of combined experience in truck accidents, our firm can help secure a successful outcome.

semi truck accident

What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

A jackknife truck accident involves a combined vehicle, such as a semi-truck with a separate tractor and trailer, and during such an incident, the trailer swings toward the tractor, forming angles between the two parts that resemble the movement of a folding pocket knife, hence the name jackknife.

The trailer's inability to stop with the tractor pulling it worsens the situation, making it hazardous for the truck driver and other road users nearby. As the truck loses control, it can sweep across multiple lanes, leading to multi-vehicle collisions and extensive damage. Often, other vehicles can't move out of the way, which is why numerous cars are involved.

Causes of a Jackknife Truck Accident

  • Sudden or excessive braking: The leading cause of jackknife accidents is applying the brakes too hard on slippery surfaces.
  • Poor road conditions: Icy, wet, or uneven roads can reduce traction, increasing the risk of the trailer swinging out.
  • Inexperienced or fatigued drivers: Drivers lacking experience or suffering from fatigue may make abrupt maneuvers, trying to adapt to unexpected traffic situations.
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctions such as defective brakes or worn tires can hinder the truck’s performance and lead to loss of control.
  • Overloading or improper cargo distribution: When a truck is either overloaded or the cargo moves, it weakens the trailer’s stability, making it more susceptible to jackknifing.

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Our Case Results

Sutherland Springs Church Shooting

$230,000,000

Federal Mass Tort Verdict

Holcombe Et Al. v. United States of America was a case related to the 2017 Sutherland Springs church shooting.

Lac-Mégantic Railway Disaster

$200,000,000

Train Derailment Settlement

Lac-Mégantic railway disaster was a 2013 train derailment and explosion case in Quebec, Canada.

On July 6, 2013, a 74-car freight train barreled unattended down a hill in the town of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. The train, which was carrying Bakken formation crude oil, derailed and resulted in the fire and explosion of numerous tank cars. The aftermath led to the confirmed death of 42 people, with five more missing and presumed dead. Victims of this disaster are finally being compensated due in large part to the efforts of Attorney Jason Webster.

The railway line on which the disaster occurred is owned by Montreal Maine and Atlantic Canada LTD. (MMA). Early in January of this year, MMA was ordered to pay nearly $200 million in settlement funds to the victims of the Lac-Mégantic train crash.

Robbins Chevrolet Co. in Harris County

$15,300,000

Fatal Crash Verdict

Robbins Chevrolet Co. in Harris County was a case involving a fatal crash caused by a Robbins Chevrolet employee.

BNSF Railway Company

$3,250,000

Brain Injury Verdict

Tamela Lane v. BNSF Railway Company was a case involving a brain-injured passenger in a vehicle hit by a BNSF train in Bellville, Texas.

January 2015- Cause No. 72383; Tamela Lane, as Temporary Guardian of Ty-Amber Lane, An Incapacitated Person v. BNSF Railway Company, et al; In the 239th Judicial District Court of Brazoria County, Texas

Webster Vicknair MacLeodfights to a $3.25 million verdict for brain injured passenger of a vehicle who was hit by a BNSF train in Bellville, Texas. Jason Webster and Russell Serafin represented a 19-year-old girl who suffered a traumatic brain injury when the car she was a passenger in was struck by a BNSF train that killed the driver. After a Brazoria County jury was seated, the trial lasted 3 weeks and Jury found 50/50 on liability (between railroad and driver of the vehicle) and awarded funeral expenses to the driver of the vehicle and $3.25 million for the passenger of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle ran a stop sign and stopped on the tracks before being struck. There was evidence that the driver was also on the cell phone at the time. The railroad argued that it was 100% the driver's fault.

18-Wheeler Accident

$800,000

Child Placement Agency Settlement

$775,000

A case against a child placement agency settled for $775,000 for negligent undertaking.

Slip & Fall Settlement

$410,000

Car Wreck

$225,000

A client had been hit by a commercial truck after another private truck driver had hit him.

A client had been hit by a commercial truck after another private truck driver had hit him. It both drivers ended up paying out the total gross settlement.

Policy Limit Settlement

$130,000

Of Counsel member, Joel Pardo successfully negotiated a settlement of $130,000 in a policy limits case.

Of Counsel member, Joel Pardo successfully negotiated a settlement of $130,000 in a policy limits case. We are honored to have represented our clients and fought to secure the compensation they were entitled to.

Slip and Fall Settlement

$100,000

A case on behalf of a plaintiff who slipped and fell on rainwater that had accumulated inside the covered parking garage of an upscale shopping mall in Houston.

A case on behalf of a plaintiff who slipped and fell on rainwater that had accumulated inside the covered parking garage of an upscale shopping mall in Houston. The garage maintenance company who failed to put any caution or wet floor signs out settled with her for $ 100,000.00. It happened at the end of a business day and it had been raining that whole day but no signs were ever placed.

Dog Bite

$77,500

Car Accident

$50,441

Omar Chawdhary receives $50,441.57 arbitration award for a young woman that was hit by a car while crossing the street with her mother in Glendale, Arizona.

Omar Chawdhary receives $50,441.57 arbitration award for a young woman that was hit by a car while crossing the street with her mother in Glendale, Arizona. Using the crosswalk, she and her mother were granted the right-of-way and entered the intersection. Without warning, a negligent motorist driving a jeep swung left through the intersection and struck the young woman in the chest.

The force of the impact was great enough to throw the young woman backward off the hood of the car. She suffered a broken wrist and substantial bruising and scarring. In order to recover from her wounds, she needed to be in a cast for 6 weeks and entered rehabilitation therapy sessions for her wrist, which lasted for more than two months. The medical bills were less than $25,000.

Mr. Chawdhary represented the young woman who was struck by the negligent jeep driver, during the arbitration session and also helped her build her argument. We are proud to be able to say that the arbitrator decided that our client should be awarded $50,441.57 in damages, which is more than twice her total medical bills.

Brian Quinn, Deceased; v. Federal Express Corporation

Settled for Confidential Amount

Webster Vicknair MacLeodsettles for a confidential amount for the death of a pilot in a plane crash in Kansas.

Webster Vicknair MacLeodrepresented a widower for the death of her husband after a tragic plane crash. On November 6, 2012, Pilot Brian Quinn took off from the Wichita airport, piloting a 1991 Cessna Caravan turbojet which was equipped with a Pratt & Whitney Canada engine, loaded with Federal Express cargo, heading for Garden City, Kansas.

Shortly after leaving the Wichita airport, the engine failed and quit working altogether, due to the failure and separation of a compressor turbine blade. When the turbine blade failed, it flew out of position, severing an oil line and/or the oil cooler, which caused oil to immediately spray all over the windshield, thereby depriving the pilot of vision out of the window.

Despite having no vision out the windshield of the plane and despite that the engine had completely failed, and could not make it back to the Wichita airport for a landing, Quinn made a perfect blind emergency landing in a nearby wheat field. After Quinn landed the plane but before it came to a full stop, the plane collided into a row of trees which Quinn could not see due to the oil on the windshield, and Quinn was killed.

There were several parties in this lawsuit and all but Federal Express either settled or were let out of the case. On the eve of trial, Federal Express settled with Webster Vicknair MacLeodand Mr. Quinn’s family for a confidential settlement amount. Cause number DC-13-13215; Gay Ann Quinn, on behalf of herself and as Administrator/Special Administrator of the estate of Brian Quinn, Deceased; v. Federal Express Corporation, Et. Al.; In the 134th Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas

Damages Associated With a Jackknife Accident

A jackknife accident can have significant consequences, as noted below:

  • Property damage: This can result in multiple types of damage. Firstly, the truck itself may have considerable structural harm to the cab and the trailer, which can lead to expensive repairs or even total loss. Due to the truck’s weight and size, passenger vehicles sustain the most damage.
  • Whiplash: Cervical sprain or strain results from the back-and-forth movement of the upper body and head. Injuries may take 48 hours to be visible.
  • Broken bones: Fractures may be simple or comminuted and take varying times to heal. Some involve surgery.
  • Traumatic brain injuries: Significant injury to the brain can lead to life-long disability.
  • Spinal cord damage: Paralysis can occur and be partial or total.
  • Lacerations and bruising: Flying debris can cause cuts and bruises.
  • Internal injuries: Such injuries can be severe since they do not always show up right away, but other symptoms, such as falling blood pressure due to bleeding, can occur.
  • Psychological trauma: Emotional and psychological consequences can happen. These include anxiety, sleeplessness, fear, depression, and even PTSD.
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I had a dog bite case. Mr. Christian Tovar represented me. He was an very accountable attorney, who provided me with the best customer service. He always kept me informed the case status, and answered any of the questions that I had. I am very satisfied with the the final settlement. I highly rec...

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Google doesn’t have enough stars for Webster Vicknair MacLeod. They did an Awesome job fighting for me, communicating with me, listening to me, and working on my behalf. They always made me a priority. So many thanks to Joel and Webster Vicknair MacLeod. You are appreciated

Brittney T.

Very great experience would recommend them to anyone!

Rocio E.

I highly recommend them to anyone who’s been in an accident. Christian Tovar handled my case. He was very helpful, great at communicating, and always kept me updated with my case. Got me a good settlement overall very pleased.

Johnnie B.

Thank you Webster Vicknair MacLeod for making my experience with your law firm such a great experience. I lost my voice due to cancer and it's so hard to communicate. I have not had one problem with this at your law firm and yall are so good at communicating with me and keeping me informed of my ...

Carol G.

I joined the class action lawsuit against the developer who clear-cut land behind the Kingwood community of Elm Grove, causing 2 terrible flood events for half the owners of this neighborhood. My property was among the victims. I never thought we would win. Through the excellent efforts of attorn...

Heather S.

Webster Vicknair MacLeod was victorious in settling a large case with several hundred plaintiffs. I can’t imagine what an undertaking this had to have been. I’m truly grateful for the results. Although nothing can take away from the experience that my family went through, thanks to th...

Lin Z.

I had a dog bit case. Mr. Christian Tovar represented me. He was a very accountable attorney, who provided me with the best customer service. He always kept me informed of the case status and answered any of the questions that I had. I am very satisfied with the final settlement. I highly recomme...

Larissa P.

I would highly recommend Webster Vicknair MacLeod to anyone. They exceed our expatiations and we can't thank Omar, Jason, and staff enough.

James

I recently talked to one of your representatives at your firm about my case. He was very respectful, courteous, and cordial about everything, as well as very informative. I really appreciate being treated like I matter by your Law Firm.  I will never go anywhere else again for legal represen...

Damages Associated With a Jackknife Accident

A jackknife accident can have significant consequences, as noted below:

  • Property damage: This can result in multiple types of damage. Firstly, the truck itself may have considerable structural harm to the cab and the trailer, which can lead to expensive repairs or even total loss. Due to the truck’s weight and size, passenger vehicles sustain the most damage.
  • Whiplash: Cervical sprain or strain results from the back-and-forth movement of the upper body and head. Injuries may take 48 hours to be visible.
  • Broken bones: Fractures may be simple or comminuted and take varying times to heal. Some involve surgery.
  • Traumatic brain injuries: Significant injury to the brain can lead to life-long disability.
  • Spinal cord damage: Paralysis can occur and be partial or total.
  • Lacerations and bruising: Flying debris can cause cuts and bruises.
  • Internal injuries: Such injuries can be severe since they do not always show up right away, but other symptoms, such as falling blood pressure due to bleeding, can occur.
  • Psychological trauma: Emotional and psychological consequences can happen. These include anxiety, sleeplessness, fear, depression, and even PTSD.
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Compensation in a Jackknife Truck Accident

Your truck accident injury lawyer in Houston can help you obtain the following types of compensation:

  • Immediate medical costs, such as emergency services, hospital stays, and initial medical assessment expenses
  • Funding for physical therapy, surgeries, and prolonged medical treatments necessary for a full recovery
  • Compensation for income lost during recovery periods when the injured party cannot work
  • Loss of future earning potential for those who cannot return to their former employment or require career changes due to injury; and if the income from the new position is less than the previous one, you can recover the difference until retirement
  • Damages to cover repair or replacement costs for vehicles and personal belongings damaged during the accident
  • Compensation for mental health impacts such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD stemming from the accident
  • Pain and suffering, which addresses the physical and emotional pain endured by the victim as a result of the incident
  • Diminished quality of life, including any long-term lifestyle changes or limitations the victim experiences due to their injuries
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Call Webster Vicknair MacLeod for Help After a Jackknife Accident

We are here to help you after a jackknife crash. You can reach us at (713) 396-5197 or online. We can schedule a free case review, allowing you to get to know us, ask questions, and learn about future options. Remember, there are no upfront fees at Webster Vicknair MacLeod. Instead, we work on a contingency basis. You do not pay anything until you win.

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