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Truck Accident Lawyer - Cordero Lawyers - Open 24 hrs.

Two Time Combat Veteran of the Army. Over 25 years Experience Professor of Law and Business. Top 100 Trial Lawyers
JUSTICE BEGINS HERE!
Two Time Combat Veteran of the Army. Over 25 years Experience Professor of Law and Business. Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Truck Accident Lawyer, a leading personal injury law firm, provides exceptional representation for victims of truck accidents in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama. and the United States with over 25 years of experience, our award-winning team that includes attorney, Juan Cordero, a two-time combat veteran and Adj. Professor of Law, is dedicated to achieving the best results for your family. Our team has worked on some of the highest verdicts and settlements for truck, accident, liability injury cases nationwide, exacting our wealth of legal knowledge coupled with our team of experts to deliver justice and secure the just compensation you deserve.
Helping Victims of Large Truck Accidents Caused by Jackknifing When semi-trucks and big rigs jackknife, the potential for damage is exceptionally high. If you or someone you love was involved in such an accident, you need an attorney who understands the complex nature of your case. At Juan Cordero Lawyers we have over two decades of experience representing the severely injured, as well as the families of those wrongfully killed in large truck accidents. Our Juan Cordero Lawyers I 75 jackknife truck accident attorneys appreciate the urgency of your situation, which is why we work quickly and skillfully to build your case and advocate for your recovery.
A truck accident caused by jackknifing can change your life, but the team at Juan Cordero Lawyerscan help you get back on your feet. To learn how our Juan Cordero Lawyers Semi Truck Accident . attorneys can help you fight to hold the liable party responsible, reach out to us today and set up a complimentary consultation
trailer swings too much, it can lose control and cause a jackknifing accident. Also, watch for swaying if you need to brake hard or suddenly.
One way to prevent a swaying trailer from jackknifing while braking is by increasing your speed if swaying starts to occur. However, you must be responsive to your situation. If you feel that your trailer is swaying because of speed, the solution in this instance is to slow your speed.
Watch Your LoadTrucks hauling light loads are particularly vulnerable to jackknifing. This is because a light load might cause a trailer to lose the traction it needs for stability. Additionally, trucks are designed for heavy loads, so they may not behave as expected with a lighter one. If a truck’s brakes are too aggressive for a light load, the trailer could jackknife.
Brake SlowlyInstead of braking quickly, truck drivers should brake over as much distance as possible. This helps prevent skidding and ensure that a truck has plenty of time to stop without the heavy application of brakes. Braking over distance is especially important while traveling downhill or in wet or slippery conditions because it helps maintain traction on the road.
Brake in Straight LinesA trailer has the potential to skid past the cab if brakes are applied too aggressively while going around a corner or bend in the road. To slow for a curve, apply your truck’s brakes while traveling straight. Then, let off the brakes and take the curve at a safe speed. Braking correctly will allow you to slow down before a curve and pick up the speed you need as you leave it.
Additionally, be extremely cautious on winding downhill roads. In some instances, a truck might need to slow down significantly or even stop before reaching a downhill curve.
Be Extra Cautious on Wet or Icy RoadsBe cautious about using an engine brake or retarder while driving on a wet, snowy, or iced-over surface. Using an engine brake over a slippery surface could cause a truck’s drive axle to lock up. When a road is slippery, try to brake gently before using the engine brake. This practice helps slow down all wheels instead of only the ones on a drive axle, preventing skids that cause jackknives.
Ensure Proper Truck Maintenance Jackknifing can occur because of poor vehicle maintenance. Making sure that brakes are regularly replaced, tires are not worn, and suspension is functioning will help ensure that a trailer remains safe to use. Additionally, modern trucks have anti-lock braking systems designed to prevent skidding and reduce the risk of jackknifing.
Are You Entitled to Compensation After a Truck Accident?Injured motorists and truck drivers involved in jackknifing accidents may be entitled to compensation. These accidents can almost always be avoided, meaning they often come down to negligence. When this is the case, you have the right to take legal action.
It’s important that you work with a personal injury lawyer who not only has experience handling large truck accident claims but also knows the intricacies involved in jackknife truck accidents. An investigation into the incident and its causes will need to be conducted by an attorney who is familiar with all applicable state and federal trucking regulations. Your lawyer will need to determine why the accident occurred and whether or not it could have been prevented in order to present the court with substantial evidence concerning your case.
How Juan Cordero Lawyers Can Help If you've been injured in a jackknife accident, help is available. Our Florida Georgia South Carolina Alabana or United States jackknife truck accident lawyers have helped countless clients take action against negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and truck manufacturers—and we are ready to do the same for you. Contact us today for a free consultation; we'll review the details of your accident and determine if the crash could have and should have been prevented. 24 hours a day 305.525.8957
Since 1999, Juan Cordero Lawyers has represented victims of some of the nation's largest truck accidents. Our attorneys are aware of what to expect in court cases concerning these types of accidents. From day one, we are ready to stand by your side to investigate the accident you were involved in and tirelessly represent you, in and out of the courtroom. We are here to help you understand what happened and your rights, as well as how you can take back your life after a serious collision. We aim to deliver the best future for our clients by securing the best possible results.
Common Causes of Jackknife AccidentsIn many instances, trucks jackknife as a result of careless, reckless, or negligent conduct. Driving conditions and weather may also play a role, but truck drivers should be properly trained and know how to take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of an accident.
Some of the most common causes of jackknife truck accidents include:
SpeedingFatigued or distracted drivingIntoxication Improper brakingDefective equipment Brake failureIcy roadsUnsecured cargo Improperly secured cargoObstacles, such as stopped vehiclesSome truckers have been known to deliberately jackknife their vehicles as a reaction to brake failure. Whatever the reason may be, there can be little doubt as to the seriousness of the results. Jackknife Truck Accident Statistics
In "An Analysis of Fatal Large Truck Crashes" published by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, it was found that there are several contributing factors for jackknife accidents. For example, data showed that when a truck was speeding at 55 mph or higher, there was a significant increase in the chances of a jackknife accident. Similarly, as the length of the truck increased, so did the chances of a jackknife. However, it was also found that as the weight of the truck and its cargo increased, the odds of a jackknife actually decreased, although it did increase the odds when the truck became lighter.
Consider the following statistics:
Adverse weather conditions made the odds of a jackknife accident 3.22 times higherJackknifes are 86% more likely to happen on a curved roadway vs. a straight onePoor lighting conditions increase the chances of a jackknife by 43%Increasing the posted speed limit by 10 mph increased the odds of a jackknife by 49%Who Is Responsible for a Jackknife Accident? Identifying the responsible party begins with determining the root cause of the crash. Did a distracted truck driver swerve at the last minute to avoid hitting a stopped vehicle? Did the truck’s brakes fail, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle? Was the truck and its trailer routinely inspected, or did issues slip through the cracks due to improper maintenance?
At Juan Cordero Lawyers, we carefully examine all available evidence—including the truck’s “black box” data, the official accident report, your medical records, and the trucking company’s history of hiring practices and truck maintenance—to pinpoint exactly what happened, as well as which factors led to the crash. This allows us to determine who is liable.
The following parties are often partially or wholly liable for jackknife accidents:
The truck driver The trucking companyThe entity responsible for truck maintenanceThe company that owns or leases the truck or trailerThe person or party responsible for loading the truck’s cargo Our Juan Cordero Lawyers jackknife truck accident lawyers leave no stone unturned. As one of the nation’s leading personal injury law firms, we are known for aggressively pursuing maximum compensation for our clients—and getting the results they need. We can help you seek to hold the liable party accountable for your damages and secure the resources you need to move forward.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered After a Jackknife Accident? Because jackknife truck accidents are so devastating, victims tend to sustain catastrophic losses. Common injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and blunt force trauma. Medical treatments can range from surgeries to skin grafting and may cost anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Victims may be unable to return to work for an extended period, or they may become permanently disabled. And, of course, the mental and emotional pain and suffering victims experience can be nothing short of debilitating.
At Juan Cordero Lawyers, we recognize just how severe these accidents are, as well as the impact they have on the lives of victims and their families. Our Semi Truck Accident Lawyers jackknife accident lawyers Juan Cordero Lawyers seek maximum compensation to help cover all your related costs, including future expenses.
Depending on the specifics of your situation, you may be entitled to the following types of damages:
Medical expensesLost income/wagesLoss of earning abilityFuture costs Rehabilitation Pain and suffering Mental anguish Loss of enjoyment We can provide detailed information regarding your unique case during a completely free and confidential consultation. Reach out to us today at (305.525.8957 to learn more. How to Prevent Jackknife AccidentsThere are several things truck drivers can do to help reduce the risk of a jackknife accident. Taking these precautions protects everyone on the road. Failing to drive safely, follow traffic laws, or respond to changing conditions can be deadly.
Always Watch for Trailer Swing or SwayOne of the easiest ways to prevent jackknifing is by carefully watching your trailer as you move. When a trailer swings too much, it can lose control and cause a jackknifing accident. Also, watch for swaying if you need to brake hard or suddenly.
One way to prevent a swaying trailer from jackknifing while braking is by increasing your speed if swaying starts to occur. However, you must be responsive to your situation. If you feel that your trailer is swaying because of speed, the solution in this instance is to slow your speed.
Florida's size, population, and industrial focus make it a national hub for catastrophic accidents and injuries. Petrochemical plants line the Ship Channel; the I‑75 and I‑95 corridors have their fair share of of 80,000‑pound tractor‑trailers and tankers; and the Ports of Florida ranks as America’s busiest waterway.
Each sector brings its own set of fatal hazards:
Plant & Refinery Explosions: Oil facilities store millions of gallons of volatile chemicals. A single valve failure can level buildings and claim numerous lives.Heavy Truck Crashes: Congested freeways and round‑the‑clock freight traffic create deadly underride and override collisions, often involving fatigued or improperly trained drivers.Maritime & Offshore Incidents: Tugboats and dredges crowd the channel, while crew boats shuttle workers to Gulf rigs. Poor maintenance or negligence can turn a routine transfer into a fatal event.Construction Falls & Crane Collapses: Florida skyline is in perpetual growth mode, putting workers and bystanders at risk when contractors cut corners on safety.Wrongful death suits in the All metro area are typically filed in Federal district courts—forums known for sophisticated juries and complex dockets. Defendants often remove cases to federal court if interstate commerce or maritime law is involved. Either venue demands rigorous preparation and a firm with deep resources; industrial defendants will dispatch teams of lawyers, engineers, and public‑relations specialists within hours of an incident. Call Juan Cordero Lawyers at 305.525.8957
Because economy is powered by energy, logistics, and construction, companies fight hard to protect their reputations and bottom lines. A seasoned wrongful death attorney counters that firepower with immediate investigations, expert witnesses, and a trial record that makes insurers think twice about shortchanging grieving families.
Wrongful Death Statistics in FloridaAccording to the CDC, more Americans aged 1-45 die from unintentional injuries each year than any other cause. The same is true of Florida Since 2001, unintentional fatal injuries have been the leading cause of death for Florida under the age of 40, according to Florida Health and Human Services. An average of 60 people per day died due to injuries and violence from 2000-2024.
More than 42,000 Florida die from unintentional injuries every year. The top three causes of unintentional injury in our state are motor vehicle accidents, accident poisonings, and unintentional falls. Combined, these three causes of death account for roughly 13,000 fatalities a year. What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?Under the law, a wrongful death is any situation where a defendant's negligent or intentional actions lead to the death of another person. Laws exist to offer civil recourse for those grieving the loss of a loved one under such circumstances. Each state has distinct statutes governing wrongful death claims, encompassing the time frame within which a survivor may file a claim, the eligible individuals who can file a claim, and the types of damages that may be awarded. While wrongful death can be broad, it does not cover just any kind of incident that causes death; there must be a link to negligence or recklessness.
The following incidents could qualify as wrongful death claims if they result in death:
Car accidents caused by drunk driving, texting, or other issuesWorkplace accidents caused by lack of training or supervisionDrowning accidents due to property damage/premises liabilityDefective products or drugs that caused the user to suffer deathWrongful death claims offer families a way to hold the responsible parties accountable, separate from any criminal proceedings. This is particularly vital when a corporation is at fault, as a wrongful death lawsuit might represent the sole avenue for recourse. Families filing wrongful death suits seek monetary damages for the financial and emotional impact of their loss, including lost income, medical expenses incurred prior to death, and compensation for their pain and suffering. Unlike criminal cases, wrongful death claims require proving the case by a "preponderance of the evidence," meaning the evidence must show it is more likely than not that the defendant's actions led to the wrongful death. This shifts the burden to the defendants, challenging them to prove their actions did not result in the fatal outcome.
Under the law, a wrongful death is any situation where a defendant's negligent or intentional actions lead to the death of another person. Laws exist to offer civil recourse for those grieving the loss of a loved one under such circumstances. Each state has distinct laws encompassing the time frame within which a survivor may file a claim, the eligible individuals who can file a claim, and the types of damages that may be awarded. While wrongful death can be broad, it does not cover just any kind of incident that causes death; there must be a link to negligence or recklessness.
The following incidents could qualify as wrongful death claims if they result in death:
Wrongful death claims offer families a way to hold the responsible parties accountable, separate from any criminal proceedings. This is particularly vital when a corporation is at fault, as a wrongful death lawsuit might represent the sole avenue for recourse. Families filing wrongful death suits seek monetary damages for the financial and emotional distress. Pain and Suffering Permanently DamagedUnlike criminal cases, wrongful death claims require proving the case by a "preponderance of the evidence," meaning the evidence must show it is more likely than not that the defendant's actions led to the wrongful death. This shifts the burden to the defendants, challenging them to prove their actions did not result in the fatal outcome.
Proving Liability in a Wrongful Death Claim
To successfully hold anyone accountable in a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff needs to be an eligible claimant under the law, the defendant must be the proximate or direct cause of the fatal incident, the claim must be filed within two years of the fatal incident, and the plaintiff must be able to prove negligence in four specific elements. This is how we've won wrongful death claims in Texas and nationwide.
Together, these four key elements confirm the defendant is legally and financially liable for the plaintiff's loss:
Duty of Care: It must be established that the defendant had a responsibility to act safely toward the deceased. This duty varies depending on the situation but generally requires acting as a reasonably careful person would.
Breach of Duty: The plaintiff must prove the defendant failed to meet this duty through their actions or lack of action, showing a disregard for the safety of the deceased. This breach must be directly connected to the death.
Causation: It's crucial to link the defendant's breach of duty directly to the deceased's death. This step involves presenting clear evidence that outlines how the defendant's actions or inaction set the stage for the tragic event.
Damages: Plaintiffs need to quantify the financial and emotional losses resulting from the death.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Florida
In Florida wrongful death cases arise from various tragic circumstances, each leaving families grappling with unexpected loss and seeking justice. Some common causes include, but are not limited to, the following:
Car Accidents: Florida Georgia Alabama South and North Carolina roads witness a significant number of fatal accidents involving cars every single year. Often, these accidents result from reckless driving, intoxication, or negligence. If a person was killed in a traffic accident due to another driver running a red light, a wrongful death claim may potentially be filed against the driver who broke traffic laws. In some cases involving work vehicles, the lawsuit could be filed against a company that hired the driver if it can be proven that the company was negligent. Additionally, if the same accident involved a defective airbag that failed to deploy, an auto product liability claim could also be brought against the airbag and vehicle manufacturer.
Truck Accidents: The presence of heavy commercial vehicles, such as 18-wheelers, on Florida Georgia Alabama South and NorthCarolina orroads significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents. These tragedies often result from issues like driver fatigue, overloaded cargo, or lack of proper maintenance. In instances where a truck driver's negligence or a company's failure to ensure safe operating conditions leads to a fatal crash, the victim's family might have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Work Accidents: Especially prevalent in high-risk industries such as construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing, workplace fatalities can occur due to unsafe work environments, inadequate training, or failure to adhere to safety regulations. For example, if a company failed to maintain equipment in a refinery and that failure was responsible for a refinery explosion that killed a worker, a wrongful death claim may be able to be brought against the company.
Industrial Accidents: Fatalities in industrial settings, such as explosions, equipment failures, and harmful exposure to toxic substances, are tragic reminders of the critical importance of safety protocols. Should an industrial accident result from the employer's negligence or safety violations, the deceased's family may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death action.
Offshore Accidents: The dangerous work environment of offshore oil rigs, commercial fishing vessels, and maritime transportation can lead to deadly incidents, including ship collisions and falls overboard. Families of those who have been lost in fatal maritime accidents might seek compensation through wrongful death claims.
Defective Products: Fatal accidents can also occur due to consumer goods, automotive components, or industrial machinery failing because of design or manufacturing defects. In such cases, manufacturers could be held accountable for wrongful death, providing families a path to claim damages for their loss.
What Are Survival Damages in most places in the United States ?
In Florida, "survival damages" represent a category of compensation available through a "survival action." This type of claim is initiated by the estate of a deceased individual to recover damages and losses that the deceased would have been entitled to claim had they survived. Essentially, the survival action concept allows the legal rights and claims of the deceased to persist beyond their death, pursued by their estate or appointed personal representative on their behalf.
Components of survival damages can encompass a range of losses, including:
Medical expenses incurred by the deceased person because of the injury leading to their death.
Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before their death.
Lost wages or earning capacity from the time of injury until the time of death.
How Are Survival Actions & Wrongful Death Claims Different?
It's crucial to differentiate survival damages from the compensation sought in wrongful death claims. While wrongful death actions are filed by the surviving family members to address the financial and emotional impact of their loss, survival actions are focused on redressing the damages the deceased incurred personally prior to death. This distinction underscores the comprehensive approach of Florida Georgia Alabama South and North Carolina and any United States law in addressing the multifaceted impact of a person's untimely death, ensuring both the rights of the deceased and their families are represented and respected in the pursuit of justice.
Wrongful Death: Protecting Minors with Guardian Ad Litem
In Texas, when wrongful death compensation involves minors, legal safeguards are in place to protect their interests. This is where the role of a guardian ad litem (GAL) becomes critical. Courts appoint a GAL to represent children in these cases, recognizing that minors lack the legal capacity and experience to manage their financial affairs, especially in the context of receiving compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit. A guardian ad litem is tasked with ensuring the child's rights and interests are adequately represented throughout the legal process. This includes advocating for a fair and just portion of the compensation that accurately reflects the child's loss and future needs. The GAL serves as an independent voice, evaluating the circumstances and making recommendations to the court on behalf of the minor.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Fatal Accident
In the first hours and days after a sudden loss, grief can feel paralyzing—but the steps you take now can protect your family’s future, and your ability to hold at-fault parties accountable.
Seek Immediate Medical & Coroner Documentation
Secure an official death certificate and any emergency‑room records. These documents establish cause of death and become key evidence in a civil case.
Preserve Physical and Digital Evidence
Photograph the scene, damaged vehicles, safety‑equipment failures, or dangerous property conditions. Save dash‑cam footage, security videos, texts, or emails that may show negligence.
Limit Communications With Insurers or Corporate Investigators
Adjusters will call quickly, looking for statements they can twist. Provide only basic facts—never opinions—and direct further questions to your attorney.
Identify All Potential Defendants
A trucking company, equipment manufacturer, premises owner, or multiple subcontractors may share liability. Your attorney will send preservation letters to stop them from destroying evidence.
Contact a Proven Wrongful Death Lawyer
The two‑year Florida statute of limitations can evaporate while corporations delay, blame the victim, or lowball settlements. A rapid legal response secures black‑box data, maintenance logs, and eyewitness testimony before they disappear.
Taking these steps allows a Juan Cordero Lawyers wrongful death lawyer to build the strongest possible claim while you focus on your loved one’s memory.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Lawyer Juan Cordero Lawyer 305.525.8957
If you have recently lost someone you love in a fatal accident, we encourage you to contact our Juan Cordero Lawyers Florida wrongful death attorneys immediately. No matter whether the incident involved a motor vehicle crash or the use of a defective drug, we have the experience you need to investigate your claim and take the necessary legal steps properly.
We have been successful in recovering billions on behalf of our clients.
We are experienced, aggressive trial lawyers who are committed to your success. We encourage you to read more about our firm or browse our victories. If you want to discuss your claim, call (305)525-8957 We offer a completely free and confidential consultation of your claim. We are here to help guide you through the legal process.
Welcome to my website. As a Truck Accident Lawyer, I provide legal services for individuals and businesses. Contact me for a consultation. A two time Combat Veteran with over 25 years experience a Masters in Business Administration and Adj Professor of Law \ Business Law. We are here to help you in your time of need
Truck Accident - Lawyer
2440 Southeast Federal Highway, Stuart, Florida 34994, United States
305.525.8957 juancordero@juancorderolawyers.com Offices throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama South Carolina North Carolina West Virginia New Jersey Washington DC and throughout the United States through our Law firm Partners.