Commercial trucks are essential to commerce in Baltimore, MD, and throughout the United States. Unfortunately, these large trucks cause devastating accidents on Maryland roads. Occupants of passenger vehicles make up over 71% of the deaths and injuries in large truck accidents.
Our Baltimore personal injury lawyers at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers have been fighting for injured victims in Maryland since 1977. We have represented thousands of clients and recovered millions of dollars in jury verdicts and personal injury settlements. Our lawyers have over 80 years of combined experience handling accident cases.
We are available 24/7 to speak with you about your claim. Contact our law firm or call 410-837-2144 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Baltimore jackknife accident lawyers.
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How Our Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help If You’ve Been Injured in a Jackknife Accident in Maryland
Truck accident claims are complex personal injury cases. They often involve large corporations, multiple defendants, and catastrophic injuries.
You need an experienced Baltimore truck accident lawyer to handle your case. An experienced attorney has the resources, skills, and knowledge to take on large trucking companies and their insurance providers.
For more than 45 years, WGK Personal Injury Lawyers has worked to protect our clients’ rights to fair compensation. We have dedicated our law practice to representing accident victims. Your best interests are our top priority.
Today, our Baltimore truck accident attorneys have a reputation for being successful trial lawyers and skilled negotiators. We’re on The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 list and The Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers Top 25 list. We are also among the best car accident lawyers in Baltimore, according to Expertise.com.
When you hire our top-rated truck accident lawyers in Baltimore, you can expect us to:
- Monitor the investigations by state and federal law enforcement and government agencies
- Launch an independent investigation into the cause of the truck crash
- Gather and preserve evidence proving fault and liability, including evidence from the accident scene, the truck’s black box, and the vehicles
- Identify all of your damages to calculate the accurate value of your truck accident claim
- Work with leading experts in the trucking industry to gather additional evidence to strengthen your case
- Handle all matters with the insurance company
- Negotiate fair personal injury settlements
- Defend you against allegations of shared fault
- Proceed to trial and argue your case to a jury, if necessary
You deserve to be compensated for the harm and pain caused by a jackknife accident. At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team will pursue every claim to maximize your recovery.
Call now for a free case evaluation with an experienced jackknife accident lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland.
What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents in Maryland?
A jackknife accident gets its name from the angle of the truck cab and trailer during the incident. The trailer and cab “bend” to form a 90-degree angle. It resembles a pocketknife’s shape when folded to close it.
Jackknife accidents occur for many reasons. Some can be attributed to negligence. However, road conditions, weather, and other factors could contribute to the cause of a crash.
Common factors that can lead to a jackknife accident include:
- Improperly secured truckloads
- Traveling at high rates of speed
- Steep angles and sharp curves
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Negligent hiring practices, such as hiring inexperienced truck drivers
- Distracted driving
- Other drivers cutting off a truck
- Defective truck parts and equipment malfunctions
- Lack of truck maintenance
- Overloading trailers
A jackknife accident can involve multiple vehicles. A truck trailer can “sweep” vehicles in its path as it moves, crushing them in the process. Jackknife accidents have a high risk of causing life-threatening and catastrophic injuries. It is crucial that victims seek emergency medical treatment after a truck crash to reduce the risk of death and permanent impairments.
Injuries Caused by Jackknife Accidents in Baltimore, MD
Our Baltimore jackknife accident attorneys handle cases involving all types of truck accident injuries, including:
- Crushing injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limbs and amputations
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Severe burns and scarring
- Neck and back injuries
If you sustained injuries in a jackknife accident, you could be entitled to compensation for damages. Our legal team will help you document your injuries and losses to maximize the amount you receive for your claim.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Maryland Jackknife Truck Accident?
Your damages in a jackknife accident case include your financial losses (economic damages) and your pain & suffering (non-economic damages). You may also receive punitive damages depending on the facts of the case.
Examples of damages you could receive in a jackknife accident claim include:
- Medical expenses and bills
- Impairments, disabilities, scarring, and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages and benefits
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Rehabilitative therapies, including occupational and physical therapy
- Physical pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Personal and/or nursing care
- A decrease in earning capacity
The value of your jackknife accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries. Generally, the value of damages increases as the severity of injuries increases.
However, contributory fault could prevent you from receiving damages. Maryland is one of a handful of jurisdictions that prevent victims from receiving compensation for damages if they contribute to the cause of a truck accident.
Therefore, never accept fault for a collision. Talking with an insurance adjuster or investigator before you speak with a lawyer could hurt your case because something you say could be twisted to imply fault.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Baltimore Jackknife Accident Lawyers
Don’t let an insurance or trucking company pressure you to accept a settlement without legal advice. You may be entitled to more compensation than they offer to settle your claim. Call WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to request a free case review with an experienced Baltimore jackknife accident attorney.
