Were you injured in a jackknife truck accident in Seattle, Washington? Contact a Seattle jackknife accident lawyer at (253) 948-0250. Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to protect your rights and seek full compensation. With more than 30 years of experience and over $1 billion recovered for clients, our firm has the skill and determination needed to take on powerful trucking companies and insurance carriers. We represent accident victims across Washington with a relentless focus on results.
Jackknife accidents are among the most violent and complicated types of truck crashes. When a trailer swings out at a sharp angle to the cab, it can strike nearby vehicles in adjacent lanes, cause multi-car pileups, or even result in cargo spills that block highways. Victims often suffer devastating injuries, including brain trauma, spinal cord damage, and permanent disability. If you or a loved one was harmed in one of these catastrophic events, you need an experienced attorney who can identify every liable party and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Why Choose Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer To Represent You After a Jackknife Accident in Seattle, WA?
Truck accidents demand fast, aggressive legal action. Insurance companies often send investigators to the scene within hours. If you delay, critical evidence like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records can disappear. Our firm is equipped to act immediately to preserve your claim.
Here’s why clients throughout Washington trust us after serious truck crashes:
- Over $1 billion recovered for injured victims
- 30+ years of trial-tested legal experience
- AV Preeminent peer-review rating by Martindale-Hubbell
- Named a Plaintiffs’ Attorney Trailblazer by the National Law Journal
- Recognized among the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Washington (2015–2023)
- Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® (2022–2023)
- Twice named Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Washington State Association for Justice
We are known for our ability to handle high-stakes litigation. Darrell Cochran has taken on some of the toughest personal injury cases in the state, securing major verdicts in truck accident, product liability, and catastrophic injury matters. If your life was changed by a crash, our Seattle personal injury lawyers are ready to pursue justice.
Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation with a Seattle truck accident lawyer.
How Jackknife Accidents Happen in Seattle
Jackknife accidents usually occur when a driver brakes too quickly or loses traction. The trailer pivots outward and swings toward the cab, folding the vehicle like a pocketknife. This often blocks multiple lanes of traffic or causes secondary collisions.
Some common causes include:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Slippery roads due to rain or ice
- Worn-out or poorly maintained brakes
- Sudden lane changes or turns
- Driver fatigue or distraction
- Overloaded or unbalanced cargo
- Mechanical failures or defective parts
These accidents are preventable. Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to strict federal safety rules under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). If those regulations are ignored or violated, we’ll hold them accountable.
Injuries Common in Jackknife Collisions
Victims of jackknife crashes often suffer catastrophic harm due to the size and momentum of commercial trucks.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple broken bones
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Crushed limbs and amputations
- Severe burns or disfigurement
- PTSD or psychological trauma
We work closely with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to assess the full scope of your losses.
Determining Liability in a Seattle Jackknife Accident Case
Multiple parties may be responsible for a jackknife crash:
- The truck driver, for negligent driving or failure to respond to hazards
- The trucking company, for negligent hiring, training, or supervision
- A maintenance company, for failing to inspect or repair critical systems
- A shipping company, for overloading or unevenly loading cargo
- A parts manufacturer, for providing defective brakes, tires, or steering systems
We conduct in-depth investigations to identify all contributing factors. Our Seattle truck accident attorneys gather black box data, video footage, GPS records, inspection logs, and more to build a strong claim for damages.
Compensation Available After a Jackknife Accident
You may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of responsibility.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Truck Accident in Washington?
The statute of limitations for personal injury in Washington is three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to compensation entirely. Speaking with a Seattle personal injury attorney is critical to preserving evidence and protecting your case.
Contact Our Seattle Jackknife Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
You don’t have to face the trucking industry alone. At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we have the experience, resources, and trial record to take on even the most complex jackknife accident cases. We offer personalized representation with no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover money for you. Call now to schedule a consultation with a Seattle jackknife accident attorney and start your path to justice.