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Long-haul trucks are susceptible to a unique type of accident called a “jackknife” because of how these vehicles connect to the trailers they pull behind them. If a truck driver loses control of their vehicle, the trailer they are hauling may kick out from behind and end up ahead of the cab. The resulting damage could block multiple traffic lanes and entrap multiple other vehicles.
Jackknife truck accidents in Philadelphia can be traumatic and cause exceptionally severe injuries and losses. If a truck driver’s reckless or careless conduct led to you being hurt in a jackknife crash, speaking with a seasoned truck crash attorney can be the difference between getting fair compensation and getting nothing at all. Do not hesitate to reach out to Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys to go over your legal options.
Negligence in Jackknife Truck Wrecks
In mechanical terms, a tractor-trailer jackknifes when the trailer’s mass and/or momentum causes it to travel in a different direction from the cab. Philadelphia jackknife crashes often begin with the truck’s trailer swinging back and forth behind the cab, greatly reducing the driver’s control over their rig. Eventually, the trailer skids sideways next to or in front of the cab, folding the truck into a pocket-knife shape.
Various forms of misconduct and careless driving can increase the risk of a jackknife wreck occurring. Truck drivers can cause crashes through irresponsible actions like speeding, not adjusting their speed for inclement weather and/or poor road conditions, or not braking properly. A trucker might also be liable for an accident if they were driving while fatigued or intoxicated.
A Jackknife wreck can also stem from a third party’s negligence or carelessness. For example, a mechanic failing to notice and replace faulty brakes, a supplier overloading a truck, or a supplier failing to secure cargo properly are all circumstances that can result in a truck jackknifing. A skilled legal professional can help identify the cause of a particular wreck and pursue legal action against the negligent parties involved.
Compensation After a Jackknife Collision
Comprehensive civil recovery after a jackknife truck crash can help victims alleviate their financial burdens and hold negligent parties accountable. This compensation can repay a plaintiff for both the economic and non-economic repercussions of the wreck, including:
- Past and future medical bills
- Car replacement/repair costs and associated expenses
- Lost working ability and/or income
- Lost quality of life
- Physical and psychological suffering
However, even if a jackknife truck accident leaves someone with permanent and disabling injuries, the time to pursue legal action in Philadelphia is limited. Potential plaintiffs generally only have two years maximum under 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5524 to begin a lawsuit after sustaining injuries in a truck accident. Support from capable legal counsel can be vital to constructing a strong and compelling case within this strict legal time limit.
Discuss Your Legal Options with a Philadelphia Attorney After a Jackknife Truck Accident
Even at low speeds, a jackknifing truck can cause life-altering injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in a matter of moments. You deserve fair and prompt compensation for your losses, but these cases can be tricky to handle alone.
Representation from an experienced truck accident lawyer is critical to getting the compensation you deserve after a jackknife truck accident in Philadelphia. Let us work for you while you focus on your recovery. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
