Bedford Truck Accident Attorney - Jackknife Accidents

How Our Jackknife Accident Lawyers Help in Bedford

We secure the evidence that shows why the trailer lost control, then hold the right parties to account. Our Bedford office serves clients across Northeast Tarrant County.

When you hire us, we:

Send preservation demands for the truck’s electronic data, logs, and video
Obtain the crash report and witness information
Review brake maintenance and cargo loading records
Document your injuries and lost income
Take the case to court if the insurers will not offer fair compensation

Why Semi Trucks Jackknife

A truck jackknifes when the trailer keeps moving after the tractor slows or skids, folding the rig into an “L” or “V” shape. Highway traffic that slows suddenly is a frequent setting, because a driver going too fast must brake hard.

Typical triggers:

Speed too high for traffic, rain, or a curve
Tailgating, then slamming on the brakes
Brakes that are worn, unbalanced, or out of adjustment
A light or empty trailer with poor traction
Abrupt steering to avoid a hazard
Fatigue or distraction that delays reaction

Who Can Be Held Responsible

The driver and the carrier are the primary parties. A carrier is generally liable for its driver’s negligence and must keep its trucks maintained under 49 CFR Part 396.

Depending on the facts, we may also look at:

The shipper or loader that balanced the cargo
A brake or tire repair shop
A manufacturer of a defective part
Another driver who cut off the truck

Our article on proving driver and carrier negligence in jackknife claims covers this further.

Compensation and Deadlines

A jackknife claim can include medical bills, future care, lost wages, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage. If a family member was killed, a wrongful death claim may be available.

The Texas deadline to file a lawsuit is generally two years from the crash under CPRC §16.003. Truck data can be overwritten far sooner, so early action helps.

About Brad Parker

Bedford Jackknife Accident FAQs

What should I do right after a jackknife crash in Bedford?

Get to safety and call 911 so police and paramedics respond and a crash report is made. If you can, photograph the trailer's position, skid marks, and the company name and DOT number on the truck. Get medical care the same day, and avoid recorded statements to the trucking insurer.

What evidence proves a trucker caused a jackknife?

The truck's engine control module can show speed and braking in the seconds before the crash. ELD logs show hours driven, and maintenance files show brake condition. Bills of lading reveal how the trailer was loaded. Together these often explain why the trailer swung out.

What if I hit the jackknifed trailer myself?

You may still have a claim. A trailer blocking the road without warning is often the truck driver's fault, not yours. Texas comparative fault may reduce your award if you were also speeding or distracted, but you can recover as long as your share is 50% or less.

How much does a Bedford truck accident lawyer cost?

Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers takes Bedford jackknife cases on a contingency fee. There is nothing to pay upfront and no attorney's fees unless we recover money for you. Our fee will never exceed your recovery, and we put the exact terms in writing before work begins.