Galveston Jackknife Accident Lawyer

Jackknife Accident Attorney in Galveston, TX

Galveston has seen recent surges in traffic congestion, primarily driven by Spring Break crowds, ongoing I-45 construction, and several high-profile accidents. Yet, if you’re hit by a truck driver in a jackknife accident because of this congestion, insurance companies rarely offer what’s fair. To protect yourself, consult a Galveston jackknife accident lawyer who can calculate what you deserve for your injuries and property damage.

Hire a Jackknife Accident Lawyer at Stevenson & Murray

At Stevenson & Murray, we understand that a jackknife accident can change your life in an instant. With over 80 years of combined legal experience, our firm focuses on the complexities of trucking litigation. We combine traditional investigations with a compassionate, client-forward approach to help accident victims nationwide secure the compensation they deserve.

When results matter most, our Galveston clients trust us for the tenacity and skill needed to succeed with even the most challenging jackknife cases. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, Stevenson & Murray has built a reputation for delivering multi-million-dollar results through a rare combination of talent and deep industry knowledge. We offer free consultations with no risk to you.

What’s a Jackknife Accident?

While many different kinds of accidents happen in Galveston, jackknife collisions are among the most common and devastating. These happen when a tractor-trailer folds at its connection point, causing the trailer to swing outward toward the cab at a dangerous angle. This motion mimics a closing pocketknife, which is how it gets its nickname.

These accidents are often entirely the result of preventable factors, like:

• Improper braking
• Speeding
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Hazardous roadway conditions

Since a swinging trailer can sweep across multiple lanes, nearby drivers are often left without a way to escape. The massive size and weight of these rigs frequently lead to multiple-vehicle pileups, resulting in catastrophic injuries and serious property damage. If you’ve been hurt in a jackknife accident, you need a Galveston attorney who understands the specific mechanics of these claims. A knowledgeable lawyer can help make sure you get the compensation you need.

Galveston Traffic

Significant traffic has been the norm lately. Recently, police have shut down multiple beach access points due to extreme traffic and large crowds. You may have noticed that the Port of Galveston closed the eastbound lanes on Harborside Drive. Also, milling and asphalt work on the Seawall caused localized lane closures and further delays.

Sudden traffic congestion is a leading cause of jackknife accidents. Heavy braking can cause a trailer to lose traction and swing uncontrollably, especially on curved on- or off-ramps. Exercise heightened caution while navigating Galveston’s current traffic surges to avoid jackknife accidents.

Federal Trucking Regulations

Proving liability often focuses on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Proving a violation typically requires attorney assistance. Trucking companies may destroy critical evidence necessary to prove your case, so hiring an attorney early is important. A lawyer can move quickly to preserve technical evidence, work with an expert to identify safety violations, and build a strong damages case.

Call a Lawyer

You can’t count on the trucker’s insurance company to pay what’s fair after your accident. Instead, call a lawyer about your legal claim. Let us calculate the full extent of your injury claim to make sure you get the most money possible so you can move on with your life.

At Stevenson & Murray, we focus on the unique mechanics and liability issues of jackknife trucking claims. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, but we have a long history of successful settlements and trial verdicts for catastrophic injury victims. While we are Texas lawyers, we have a national reach. We serve clients across the country and around the world.

There’s no upfront cost. We operate on a contingency basis, which means that you focus on healing while we handle your legal battle.

FAQs

What Should I Do After a Jackknife Accident in Galveston, Texas?

After a jackknife accident caused by a semi-truck, you should move somewhere safe and call 911 to report the accident to the City of Galveston Police Department. Get medical care, even if you believe you’re not seriously hurt. Get everyone’s contact information at the scene, including the truck driver and any witnesses. Document the accident scene by taking photos.

Avoid talking about your accident online and avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before consulting a lawyer.

Do Truck Accidents Happen Often?

Unfortunately, truck accidents do happen. In the U.S., 168,320 truck crashes happened in just one recent year, and of those accidents, 4,766 were deadly. For the Lone Star State, FMCSA data shows that in 2024, there were 729 large trucks and buses involved in deadly crashes, as well as 21,004 of those same types of vehicles that were part of non-fatal incidents. If you’re part of a jackknife incident, call a lawyer for reliable advice.

Are There Some Jackknife Accident Hotspots in Galveston?

Yes, Galveston has jackknife accident hotspots. This means there are known areas where jackknife accidents happen repeatedly. Local hotspots include I-45 at the Galveston Causeway, I-45’s Interchange with SH 6 and SH 146, SH 146 at FM 646, and Harborside Drive at 33rd Street. The intersections of Avenue O and 51st Street, 61st Street and Seawall Boulevard, and Avenue P and Avenue O are hotspots.

Where high-speed traffic meets heavy congestion or construction-related lane shifts, jackknife crashes are common.

How Much Can I Get for My Jackknife Accident Claim?

Each accident claim is different, but with a successful claim, you typically can recover a substantial amount for your damages recovery if you have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side.

Your individual recovery is case-specific and is based on the amount of incurred medical bills, your lost wages, and whether you hire an experienced lawyer familiar with jackknife accidents and FMCSA regulations. Hire an attorney who can build a strong case and optimize your recovery.

Call a Dedicated Jackknife Accident Lawyer at Stevenson & Murray Today

To hire a jackknife accident lawyer, call our skilled team. We can investigate the cause of your accident and gather evidence to build a compelling case. Let’s discuss taking legal action to help you move forward after a Galveston jackknife accident.

Contact Stevenson & Murray for a free consultation.