Have you been hurt in a jackknife accident in Atlanta, Georgia? Big truck accidents can leave victims with devastating injuries, and you may be entitled to significant compensation for your damages. However, getting that compensation might not be easy. You may need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer to stand up to the insurance company and help you get justice.
The team at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC has over 85 years of combined experience fighting on behalf of injury victims, and we have recovered more than $600 million in compensation for them. Contact us today at (404) 869-8600 to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta jackknife accident lawyer and let us get to work on your claim.
How Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC Can Help After a Jackknife Accident in Atlanta, GA
The time after a jackknife accident in Atlanta is difficult. Medical bills are starting to pile up, and you may be dealing with severe pain from your injuries. Plus, it can seem intimidating to take on a big trucking company to get the compensation you are owed.
At Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers can help take away some of the stress of your situation by:
- Answering all your questions and giving you sound legal advice about your options
- Investigating your accident to figure out what happened
- Identifying all potential defendants who might share liability
- Working with experts in the trucking industry who can help bolster your claim
- Handling all communications with the insurance company and opposing counsel
- Negotiating a full and fair settlement for all your damages
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit and taking your case to a jury if needed
You do not have to go through the difficult time after an accident alone. Let our caring and compassionate team learn more about your situation and help you get the compensation you are owed. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and get started.
How Common Are Jackknife Accidents?
Atlanta traffic is often considered to be some of the worst traffic in the country, and big trucks on major roadways through the city only make things more dangerous. Unfortunately, Georgia sees more than its fair share of truck accidents.
While it can be challenging to determine just how many of these accidents were jackknife accidents, Georgia averages about 20,000 truck accidents each year. Nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities in Georgia involve an accident with a big truck.
What Are Jackknife Accidents?
Jackknife accidents are a specific type of 18-wheeler truck accident. These accidents occur when the truck and trailer become misaligned, and the trailer swings around to form a sharp angle with the truck cab. The name comes from the way the truck and trailer resemble a small pocketknife, known as a jackknife.
What Causes Jackknife Accidents?
Jackknife accidents can be caused by many different things. In some cases, the driver’s negligence is responsible for the accident, although not all jackknife accidents are the driver’s fault.
Some common causes of these accidents are:
- Wet or slippery roads
- Speeding
- Brake failure or malfunction
- Driver inexperience, especially on downhill grades
- Sudden hard braking
- Not enough room to maneuver
Regardless of the cause, jackknife accidents are often preventable—and identifying the underlying factors is key to determining who should be held accountable.
What Kinds of Injuries Are Common in Jackknife Accidents?
Jackknife accidents often do serious damage. Semi trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, and jackknife accidents can cause a vehicle to be crushed between the truck and trailer. Additionally, a sliding or swinging trailer can hit multiple vehicles during these accidents.
Some common injuries in jackknife accidents are:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Loss of limb
- Severe burns
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Internal bleeding
- Leg injuries
- Nerve damage or paralysis
Because of the sheer size and force involved, jackknife accidents frequently result in life-altering injuries that require extensive medical care and long-term recovery.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Jackknife Accident Victims?
Injured victims may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages in jackknife accident cases. Together, these two types of damages allow them to recover compensation for their monetary losses as well as their physical and emotional pain and suffering. This may include medical bills, lost wages, mental anguish, and many other types of losses.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Jackknife Accident Lawyer?
At Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t pay any upfront fees for legal representation. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf, and our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict. This allows you to pursue justice without financial stress.
How Long Do I Have to File a Jackknife Accident Lawsuit?
Georgia law allows accident victims two years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit for damages. Failure to file your lawsuit before the deadline can cause you to lose your right to obtain a financial recovery.
Since there are some special situations that can affect the standard two-year rule, you should always talk to an experienced lawyer as soon after your accident as possible.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Atlanta Jackknife Accident Lawyers
If you have been hurt in a jackknife accident in Atlanta, Georgia, contact the experienced team at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC today. We understand what you are facing and know how difficult this situation can be.
Let us help you hold the responsible party accountable and get the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation now with an Atlanta jackknife accident attorney.
Visit Our Truck Crash Law Firm Located in Atlanta, GA
Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC – Atlanta
3060 Peachtree Rd NW UNIT 1000, Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 869-8600
