What to Do After a Jackknife Accident

If you’re the victim of a jackknife accident caused by a trucker, your first priority is your well-being and that of any passengers in your vehicle. You should call 9-1-1 right away (or ask someone else to do so if you cannot) to report the crash and any injuries. While waiting for law enforcement or EMTs to arrive, move to a safe area and take the following steps, if you can, to protect and strengthen your insurance claim for damages:

  • Take photographs of vehicles involved in the crash, focusing on license plate numbers and property damage, as well as the accident scene and your injuries.
  • Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s), but do not discuss the accident or argue.
  • Get contact information from any witnesses to the crash.
  • Note the presence of security or red-light cameras that might have footage of the accident.
  • When police arrive, answer their questions with basic information only. Do not admit any fault for the accident to anyone.
  • If you’re not transported to an emergency room, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel you’re seriously injured. Your symptoms could be masked by the adrenaline resulting from the experience of the accident. An immediate medical exam both increases the chance of a full recovery and documents the injuries you’ve suffered in the wreck.
  • Notify your own insurer of the accident.
  • Consult a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
  • Refer any calls from the at-fault party’s insurer to your attorney.

In most jackknife accidents, the truck driver is liable for the victim’s damages: medical bills, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. You could also have claims against the trucking company, truck owner, a mechanic or repair service, a parts manufacturer, and/or cargo handling personnel if their negligence was partially responsible for your accident. When multiple defendants are involved, and medical expenses are high—as they’re likely to be in any truck accident—the services of a Florence, SC, truck accident attorney are highly recommended to help you file your insurance claims and take your case to court if a fair settlement is not offered.

Have You Been Injured In A South Carolina Area Truck Accident?

If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in South Carolina, you should speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Charleston, South Carolina office directly at 843.488.2359 to schedule your consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Conway, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. PleasantNorth Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.

Dirk J. Derrick
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South Carolina Lawyer Dirk Derrick helps victims recover from car accidents, personal injury & wrongful death.