Aside from their size, the main thing that makes tractor-trailers different from box trucks and other commercial vehicles is the rotating hinge that connects the cab and trailer together. This hinge makes it easier for the truck to make sharp turns and for trucking companies to detach a trailer before and after a trip. It also means the cab and trailer of a semi-truck each have their own separate momentum while the truck is in motion.
If the trailer of a semi-truck ends up traveling at a different speed or in a different direction from the cab, it can result in a jackknife crash. Jackknife truck accidents in Norristown tend to cause immense damage to multiple vehicles at once, but with a skilled truck crash lawyer’s help, you may be able to get fair financial compensation for harm you’ve suffered.
How and Where Do Jackknife Wrecks Happen?
The most common reason for a tractor-trailer to jackknife is because the driver of the tractor-trailer lost control of their vehicle and ended up in an uncontrolled skid while traveling at high speed. Speeding makes it much more likely for this sort of crash to happen, as does failing to slow down for poor weather conditions, braking improperly, and driving while drunk, high, or distracted. Jackknife truck crashes in Norristown also tend to happen more often on highways and interstates.
Regardless of what specifically led to a truck jackknifing and colliding with your car, the important thing is proving the truck driver or someone else involved was legally negligent. As our attorneys can further explain, this means a specific reckless or careless act by the trucker was the direct and main cause of the injuries that you are looking to get reimbursed for.
Getting Paid Fairly After a Jackknife Truck Crash
You’re allowed to demand compensation for economic and non-economic losses you’ve suffered through a jackknife semi-truck collision in Norristown. This covers losses with objective financial values and losses you have to estimate the value of based on your own unique experiences. For instance, in addition to medical bills and car repair costs not already covered by insurance, you might be able to demand money for the physical pain and psychological suffering you’ll experience because of your accident and the injuries it resulted in.
You need to act sooner rather than later to demand this compensation since Pennsylvania law generally gives people two years at most to file a lawsuit over an injury. Support from a seasoned legal professional can be key to building the strongest possible claim within this deadline and avoiding other common legal roadblocks along the way.
Talk to a Norristown Attorney About a Jackknife Truck Accident Claim
A jackknifing truck is one of the most frightening things anyone can see in their rearview mirror or through their windshield. If you’ve been hurt in this sort of wreck, you can and should make the best use possible of your legal right to civil recovery.
You have help available from Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers after a jackknife truck accident in Norristown. Learn more by calling today. You won’t owe us anything until we win the compensation you deserve.
