Long Beach Jackknife Accident Lawyer
Jackknife truck accidents can lead to multi-vehicle pileups, catastrophic injuries, and long-term trauma for everyone involved. With 55+ years of combined commitment to our clients and a no-recovery, no-fee policy, our team is prepared to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
Call your Long Beach jackknife accident lawyer from Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP today to work with your Long Beach truck accident attorney who knows how to get results.
Who May Be Liable in a Jackknife Accident in Long Beach
When a semi-truck jackknifes, the crash is rarely caused by one factor alone. In many cases, multiple parties share responsibility for the conditions that led to the loss of control.
Jackknife accidents may involve negligence by the truck driver, the trucking company, or those responsible for maintaining the vehicle or its equipment. The party that serviced the trailer or the manufacturer of a defective brake system may also be held accountable. California Civil Code § 1714 allows injured individuals to seek damages when someone’s lack of ordinary care causes harm.
California Trucking Regulations That May Apply
California trucking regulations require strict compliance with state and federal safety rules. These include limits on driver hours to prevent fatigue, rules for brake system inspections, and guidelines for properly securing cargo. If a trucking company ignores these rules, it may create the conditions for a jackknife crash.
When Other Drivers Contribute to the Crash
Sometimes, a jackknife crash begins when another driver cuts off a semi-truck or merges too closely in front of it. These sudden maneuvers force truck drivers to brake or swerve, which can cause the trailer to swing out of control. If you are wondering who can be liable in a truck accident involving multiple vehicles, the answer may include both the truck and a third-party driver.
How Jackknife Accidents Typically Occur
Jackknife accidents are often caused by abrupt braking, speeding around curves, poorly secured cargo, or wet road conditions. If a truck driver loses traction or overcorrects, the trailer may pivot and swerve into nearby lanes. California Vehicle Code § 21702 limits the number of hours commercial drivers can operate to reduce fatigue-related risks, but not every driver or company follows these rules.
When fatigue is involved, reaction times drop, and braking errors become more likely. A single jackknifed truck on I-710 or I-405 can block several lanes and trap other vehicles in its path. Chain-reaction crashes often follow as drivers try to swerve, stop, or avoid the wreckage.
Pileups and secondary collisions create chaos on the roadway and leave multiple victims in need of answers. If you were injured in this type of event, a Long Beach car accident lawyer from our team can help you understand your options and investigate every detail of the crash.
Common Injuries Resulting From Jackknife Crashes
When trucks jackknife at high speeds, the force of the impact can lead to life-changing injuries that require long-term care. These crashes often involve more than one point of impact, leaving passengers with severe trauma and lasting complications.
Your Long Beach personal injury lawyer will work with medical experts and crash investigators to understand how the crash happened and what it will take for you to recover.
Talk to a Jackknife Accident Lawyer Serving Long Beach
Jackknife accidents are rarely simple, and your recovery should never depend on guesswork. Your jackknife accident attorney in Long Beach with Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP will investigate the crash, secure expert analysis, and demand maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule your free consultation and get legal help from a team you can trust.