A jackknife crash changes everything in an instant. One moment, traffic is moving; the next, a trailer swings wide, and cars have nowhere to go. If you or someone close to you was caught in this kind of wreck, you are probably juggling medical care, time away from work, and pressure from insurance adjusters.
The truck wreck attorneys at Williams Hart & Boundas have experience handling jackknife truck accidents in Houston and can step in at an early stage. They may work to secure evidence, coordinate with experts, and handle insurance companies, allowing you to focus on recovery. No lawyer can promise a result, but skilled guidance and quick action can make the process less confusing and give you more control over the path forward.
Causes, Evidence, and Liability
Jackknife crashes often involve sudden braking, speeding, overloaded trailers, or mechanical failures. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration governs hours of service, equipment maintenance, and cargo securement, and Texas courts recognize those standards in negligence claims. Fault may fall on more than one party, including:
- The driver
- A loading contractor
- The trucking company
- A parts manufacturer
Because evidence can disappear quickly, early investigation is important. A Houston lawyer may send notices to preserve records and electronic data following a jackknife semi-truck collision. Useful evidence can include:
- Bills of lading and load documents
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Police crash reports and witness accounts
- Video from dash cameras or traffic cameras
- Driver logs and electronic control module data
With this information, attorneys can examine potential negligence claims, negligent entrustment, and employer liability. In some cases, product defects also come into play. A careful review helps connect the chain of events on the road to the injuries that followed.
Texas Law, Deadlines, and Damages
Texas follows modified comparative negligence. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, a claimant found more than 50 percent at fault cannot recover, and any award is reduced by their share of responsibility. Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, though cases involving government entities often require notice within six months. Missing these deadlines can limit recovery options.
Damages in Houston jackknife truck crash cases can include medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, and property loss. In fatal cases, families may pursue wrongful death or survival claims. Attorneys often rely on medical experts, vocational specialists, and life care planners to show the scope of future needs. For jackknife truck accidents in Harris County, venue, roadway design issues, and multiple insurers may all shape how a case is pursued and resolved.
Talk To a Houston Lawyer About Next Steps After Jackknife Big Rig Crashes
If a jackknife collision has turned your life upside down, you do not have to navigate the aftermath on your own. Talking with a lawyer who handles jackknife truck accidents in Houston can give you a clearer picture of what to expect, from evidence preservation to dealing with insurers.
A lawyer from Williams Hart & Boundas can meet with you, review your situation, and explain the options that may be available. A consultation costs nothing, and it may give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence. Meet with us today.