Jackknife accidents involving 18-wheelers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, often result in severe injuries, significant property damage, and fatalities. These occur when a truck’s trailer swings out like a folding knife. If you’ve been hurt in a jackknife accident, contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at (225) 263-4787.
Our experienced team can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free consultation with a Baton Rouge jackknife accident lawyer.
How Mansfield Melancon Can Help After a Jackknife Accident in Baton Rouge
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve built a reputation as trusted Baton Rouge truck accident attorneys standing up for accident victims across Louisiana.
When you trust us with your case, we will:
- Conduct detailed investigations to find all responsible parties
- Work with accident experts to show exactly what caused the jackknife
- Document all your injuries and losses to maximize your compensation
- Handle all talks with insurance companies and defense lawyers
- Prepare every case as if it will go to trial, even while seeking fair settlements
Contact our Baton Rouge, Louisiana, office today for a free consultation to discuss your jackknife accident case.
What Is My Jackknife Accident Case Worth?
The value of your jackknife truck accident case depends on several important factors that work together to determine potential compensation. Cases involving serious injuries typically result in higher settlements due to larger medical expenses and longer recovery periods, while permanent disabilities requiring lifelong care significantly increase claim values.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, jackknife accidents are often preventable and usually result from driver error, and having strong evidence of such negligence strengthens your claim considerably.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
Louisiana law allows jackknife accident victims to seek different types of compensation. Economic damages cover your money losses, including:
- Medical bills (now and in the future)
- Rehab and therapy costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Damage to your vehicle
- Home changes needed because of injuries
These damages can be calculated using bills, receipts, and expert predictions.
Non-economic damages address the personal, non-monetary impacts of your injuries:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Scarring or physical impairment
- Effects on relationships
Since jackknife accidents often cause severe injuries, these non-economic damages can be substantial.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle jackknife accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We cover all costs related to investigating and building your case
- We only get paid if we win compensation for you
- Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, usually around 33 to 40%, based on case complexity
This arrangement gives everyone access to quality legal help regardless of their financial situation.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Truck Accident in Louisiana?
You may still recover money even if you’re partly at fault. Under Louisiana’s “pure comparative fault” system in Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, you can still get damages even if you share responsibility, but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
Unlike some states, Louisiana allows recovery even if you’re found to be mostly at fault. However, trucking companies often try to blame other drivers to reduce what they have to pay.
We’ll Fight To Recover Compensation for All of Your Jackknife Accident Injuries
Jackknife truck accidents often cause serious injuries, including:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and crushed limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Severe cuts and scarring
- Burns
- Lost limbs
- Wrongful death
We work with medical experts to accurately predict your future care needs and make sure your compensation covers all long-term effects.
What Causes Most Jackknife Accidents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
Understanding what causes jackknife accidents helps establish who’s responsible for your case:
- Driving too fast, especially on curves or highway ramps
- Bad braking techniques on slippery roads
- Driver fatigue and breaking hours-of-service rules
- Distracted driving
- Wet or icy roads with poor traction
- Poor loading or weight distribution in the trailer
- Brake failures or poor maintenance
- Lack of proper driver training
- Tight delivery schedules that encourage unsafe driving
- Mechanical failures in the truck’s connecting system
These factors are hazardous on Baton Rouge’s busy highways like I-10, I-12, and I-110, where heavy traffic increases the risk of jackknife accidents.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, including truck accident claims. Different deadlines may apply in certain situations. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case might be.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
Taking these steps after a jackknife accident can strengthen your case:
- Call 911 and ensure safety first
- Get medical help even if injuries seem minor
- Take photos of the accident scene
- Collect information from the truck driver and witnesses
- Get a police report
- Don’t give statements to insurance companies
- Keep all records of expenses
- Contact a lawyer as soon as possible
These steps build a solid foundation for your claim and help prove who was at fault.
Contact Our Baton Rouge Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and determination to help you seek justice. Our Baton Rouge jackknife truck lawyers have secured tens of millions for injured clients throughout Louisiana, and we’re ready to put our 50 years of combined experience to work for you.
Contact our Baton Rouge, Louisiana, office today for a free consultation about your jackknife accident case.
