Lancaster Jackknife Accident Lawyers
Accomplished representation for truck accident victims in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Many different types of large commercial trucks drive through Lancaster every day on US Routes 30 and 22; PA routes 72, 272, and 283, and many other local roads. When a tractor-trailer jackknifes, they put every person on that road at risk. At KBG Injury Law, we hold truck drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers liable when they are responsible for truck jackknife accidents. Most jackknife accidents are preventable. Our Lancaster truck accident lawyers demand compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damage. Call us today to assert your right to compensation.
Truck Accident Settlement
$1.625 Million
Settlement for a tractor trailer crash involving a trailer that was loaded improperly allowing load to shift.
How can we help you today?
- What is a jackknife accident?
- Why do jackknife accidents happen in Lancaster?
- Who is responsible for a jackknife accident in Lancaster?
- How can truck drivers prevent truck jackknife accidents?
- What types of injuries do truck jackknife accidents cause in Lancaster?
- Do you have a Lancaster jackknife truck accident lawyer near me?
What is a jackknife accident?
A jackknife accident generally occurs when the trailer pushes into the tractor/cab causing the cab to swing around until it strikes the trailer, a guard railing, or comes to a halt. The result is that the cab and trailer end up at an acute angle to each other. The driver cannot simply steer the cab out of the jackknife. The police and truck mechanics often need hours to clear the tractor-trailer from the roadway.
Generally, a tractor and trailer combination jackknifes when the cab and trailer fail to travel at the same speed or in the same direction. Anti-lock brakes and electromagnetic brakes may help prevent jackknife accidents.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2020, there were 4,842 fatal truck jackknife accidents and 107,000 jackknife accidents that caused injuries. Vehicles near a truck when it jackknifes are likely to be crushed or get into accidents with other vehicles.
Why do jackknife accidents happen in Lancaster?
At KBG Injury Law, our lawyers work with the local police, our own investigators, truck industry professionals, and truck product safety experts to show how truck jackknifes occur. Some of the many causes of truck jackknife accidents include:
- Speeding, which makes it harder to stop/brake properly
- Loading a truck improperly – generally, trucks that are fully loaded are less likely to skid than trucks with lighter loads
- Curved roads, which cause the tractor and trailer to move in different directions (tight turns are especially dangerous)
- Driver fatigue – a common problem among truck drivers
- Improper braking, such as braking too hard or failing to extend the time and distance to brake
- Failing to handle a truck properly when it skids
- Slippery roads, which make it more difficult to brake properly
- Driver inexperience – drivers should have training to understand how to avoid truck jackknife accidents and respond quickly when a truck starts to jackknife
- Defective truck hitches, brakes, and tires
- Failure to properly maintain the truck – worn tires, poorly maintained brakes, and faulty suspensions can cause a jackknife accident
- Distracted driving
- Driver intoxication
Who is responsible for a jackknife accident in Lancaster?
Our Lancaster truck jackknife accident lawyers hold everyone responsible for your jackknife accident accountable. The defendants may include:
- A truck driver.
- The truck driver’s employer because trucking companies are generally liable for the negligence of their employees. Trucking companies may also be directly liable for failing to train their drivers, pushing their drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, and for other reasons.
- The truck owner if the owner and driver are not the same – which is often the case with commercial trucks.
- Any trucking companies that are involved in the shipment, such as a truck broker who arranges the shipment and truck loading companies.
- The manufacturers of defective truck parts may be strictly liable for defective design, defective construction, faulty instructions, and the failure to provide proper warnings about their truck parts and truck.
- Repair and maintenance companies for failing to keep trucks in working condition and failing to make timely repairs.
Many truck jackknife accidents result in multiple victims in multiple vehicles.
How can truck drivers prevent truck jackknife accidents?
Trucking companies and truck drivers should take every precaution they can to prevent truck jackknife accidents. These precautions include:
- Complying with all federal and Pennsylvania truck safety laws and traffic laws
- Regularly inspecting their brakes, tires, and hitches
- Taking regular rests
- Staying away from alcohol or drugs
- Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles
- Reducing speed for traffic and weather conditions
- Braking slowly
- Avoiding unnecessary lane changes
- Avoiding distractions
What types of injuries do truck jackknife accidents cause in Lancaster?
At KBG Injury Law, our personal injury lawyers handle all types of serious, chronic, permanent, and catastrophic injuries. We work with your doctors to fully understand the severity of your injuries, the medical care you will need, and every way your injuries are affecting you.
Some of the many types of injuries our Lancaster truck jackknife accident lawyers handle include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage, including paralysis
- Traumatic amputation/loss of limb
- Broken bones/fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Shoulder, neck, and back pain
- Nerve and muscle damage
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of sight
- Crush injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Death
Our Lancaster truck accident lawyers demand compensation for all of your current and future:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of bodily function
- Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- Loss of consortium (enjoyment of marital relations)
We seek punitive damages if the conduct of a defendant is unconscionable such as when a truck driver causes a jackknife accident due to driver intoxication.
We also file wrongful death actions on behalf of spouses, children, parents, and any other eligible family members. Wrongful death damages include the funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support your loved one would have provided, and the loss of personal support (love, comfort, and guidance) your loved one would have provided each family member.
Do you have a Lancaster jackknife truck accident lawyer near me?
Yes. KBG Injury Law meets clients at 1776 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. Our truck accident lawyers also discuss cases by phone and through online video forums such as Zoom and Facetime. We also meet clients who are too physically injured to travel - at their homes or a healthcare facility.
We’re prepared to answer all your questions and guide you calmly and clearly through the claims process.
Speak with our experienced Lancaster truck accident lawyers now
At KBG Injury Law, our lawyers have been fighting for personal injury victims for nearly 40 years. We are respected by former clients, insurance carriers, and the legal community for our personal dedication to our clients, our thorough preparation, and our strong record of verdicts and settlements. Our Lancaster jackknife lawyers are ready to assert your rights today. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. KBG Injury Law also maintains offices in York, Harrisburg, Hanover, and Gettysburg.