Because the cabs of semi-trucks connect to their trailers by a rotating hinge, the back half of a tractor-trailer moves separately from the front half when the truck is in motion. If a driver isn’t careful when operating their truck, the vehicle can skid, causing the trailer to move out to the side or in front of the cab. This type of jackknife incident can be dangerous for anyone else on the road and lead to severe injuries.
Jackknife truck accidents in Blue Bell and throughout Pennsylvania can have devastating consequences. Unfortunately, they can also make for deceptively complicated civil cases. If you were recently injured in this type of crash, talk to a seasoned attorney at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers about your legal options. We can fight to hold the trucker and trucking company accountable for the harm you should’ve never suffered.
How Negligence Can Lead to a Jackknife Truck Crash
Like any other driver, long-haul truckers have a “duty” under Pennsylvania law to always act responsibly and lawfully behind the wheel—for instance, by following the speed limit. Speeding is one common cause of jackknife truck accidents in Blue Bell, as truckers traveling too fast have less control of their vehicle and are more likely to skid if they suddenly brake or swerve for an oncoming obstacle.
Even if a truck driver stays within the speed limit, going too fast around a corner or driving too fast for road conditions can still lead to them jackknifing. Likewise, failing to check their blind spots before merging or switching lanes can lead to the trucker swerving and causing a jackknife collision.
As your skilled Blue Bell attorney can further explain, not every jackknife wreck is solely or even mainly the fault of the truck driver involved. For example, suppose a truck driver jackknifes because their brakes failed without warning. In this case, liability for an ensuing crash might lie with the company that owned the truck, a manufacturer that produced faulty brakes, or a mechanic who failed to check the brakes properly and ensure they were in safe working order.
Getting Paid Fairly for All Available Damages
Regardless of who is to blame for a jackknife truck crash in Blue Bell, the experienced lawyers at our firm can help build a successful lawsuit or settlement proposal to account for your past and future losses. This could include compensation for your:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- All medical bills for crash-related injuries
- Lost work wages or working ability
- Personal property damage, including car repair or replacement costs
The value of a specific claim will depend on what injuries you sustained and how severely those injuries will negatively affect your life. During a free, no-obligation consultation, our jackknife truck accident attorneys can further discuss your claim and potential damages.
Talk to a Blue Bell Attorney About a Jackknife Truck Accident Claim
Jackknife truck crashes can be traumatizing and impact your life for years afterward, especially if you suffer serious injuries. Fortunately, you have help available from the winning legal representatives at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. We are well-known for getting the best case results possible for people in your situation. In one local case, we recovered $5 million for the family of a woman who was killed after she was ejected from a vehicle that collided with a truck on Route 80 in Union County.
If you or a loved one were recently hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Blue Bell, contacting legal counsel to discuss your options should be a top priority. Call us today to get started.
