New Jersey Jackknife Truck Crash Lawyer

Why You Need a Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer

More than half a million truck accidents happen every year—almost one every minute! Any sort of truck accident—a head-on collision, side swipe, or rear-end accident—can change the course of your life. While many of those truck crashes result in injury or death, with large or even incalculable damages, only those represented by a qualified truck accident lawyer may resolve for their full value.

When a passenger vehicle collides with a truck, catastrophe can follow. In jackknife truck accidents, it is possible to get pinned in between the cab and the bed of the truck, stuck under the truck, or hit from the front, side, or rear by the vehicle. Regardless of the circumstance, it’s important to have a Somerset County truck accident lawyer at your side.

What are Jackknife Accidents?

Jackknife truck accidents are a specific type of truck accident characterized by the folding of the truck in such a way that the cab and trailer form an angle resembling a folding pocket knife, or jackknife. Jackknife accidents are distinctive from other types of truck accidents (rear-end collisions, sideswipes, cargo/mechanical issues, etc.) in the following ways:

Mechanism of Occurrence. Jackknife accidents often occur when the drive wheels of the truck lock up while the trailer continues to move forward, causing the trailer to swing to the side. This typically happens as the result of sudden braking or slippery road conditions. 

Common Causes. Common causes of jackknife accidents include sudden braking, especially on slippery roads or at high speeds; losing traction may cause the truck to jackknife. Mechanical failures such as brake issues, or improper loading of the trailer will also be investigated when a jackknife accident occurs.

Impact and Severity. Jackknife accidents can be particularly dangerous, as they can lead to multi-vehicle collisions that not only block multiple traffic but also endanger the lives of other motorists and cause massive property damage. The swinging trailer can hit nearby vehicles, causing severe damage and potential fatalities. If the truck is carrying hazardous and/or flammable cargo, that poses an additional layer of risk.

Prevention Measures: The responsibility of preventing jackknife accidents usually falls to the trucking company and/or driver. This includes maintaining proper braking systems, using anti-lock brakes, ensuring correct loading of cargo, and training drivers on how to handle emergencies and drive in adverse weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jackknife Accident Cases

How are jackknife semi-truck accidents brought before court?

An experienced jackknife truck accident attorney understands that this type of truck crash case is rarely straightforward. Trucking law can vary by type of vehicle, and each type of truck has a slightly different set of regulations to follow. Moreover, trucking companies often carry separate insurance policies for the tractor and trailer; depending on the circumstances of the event, this may require pursuing one or both of these insurance claims.

You can be assured that the trucking industry will use these complications to its advantage. Because jackknife accidents often involve massive damages—and potentially large financial awards to the injured—trucking companies and their insurers will work hard to delay or deny a full, fair case resolution.

If you have been injured in a New Jersey jackknife trucking accident, you need a New Jersey law firm that specializes in trucking litigation. The Arlen Law Firm team has experts in New Jersey state laws, as well as the regulations put forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association. Our settlement and verdict record speaks for itself.

Call Arlen Law Firm today for a free case evaluation: 908-212-7660

Why should I hire a New Jersey jackknife truck accident lawyer?

Jackknife truck accident cases can be complicated to resolve, as they can involve high costs, several insurance policies, and multiple responsible parties. An experienced trucking law firm will be able to determine liability and relevant insurance coverages, as well as liability in the jackknife trucking accident.

What causes jackknife trucking accidents?

Common causes of jackknife accidents can include:

• Braking issues, especially on slippery roads
• Speeding, which may cause loss of traction
• Mechanical/maintenance failures (e.g., brake issues)
• Improper cargo loading
• Truck driver error

Additionally, any of the common causes of trucking accidents may also apply. This includes parts defects, distracted driving, driving while fatigued due to “hours of service” violations, and more. 

How many jackknife accidents occur every year?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, some 4,800 jackknife accidents happened in 2020. More than half of those crashes resulted in injury; more than 38% resulted in a fatality.

Source: Vehicles Table 17. Large Trucks in Crashes by Jackknife Occurrence and Crash Severity, 2020

What is the statute of limitations for a New Jersey jackknife truck accident?

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for jackknife accidents involving cars or trucks is two (2) years from the date of the accident (N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2). At the end of this term, injured parties may not be able to file a lawsuit for compensation.

Have you been injured in a New Jersey jackknife truck accident? Call Arlen Law Firm today for a free case evaluation: 908-212-7660.

How much insurance does a truck company carry?

Every trucking company is required to carry liability insurance with an insurance minimum of $750,000, with additional requirements for certain types of hazardous cargo. Some truck insurance policies may be upwards of $5,000,000.

How do I find the best New Jersey jackknife accident lawyer?

Jackknife truck accidents present issues that your average personal injury attorney may not be equipped to handle: wrongful death and catastrophic injuries; insurance claims disputes; and multi-party lawsuits. Finding a New Jersey personal injury lawyer with a successful track record in trucking is the first step to securing fair compensation for your injuries.

How to find the best New Jersey jackknife truck accident lawyer? We suggest following these tips:

• Look for someone with experience handling jackknife truck accident cases, as well as a successful record of both settlements and trial verdicts. 
• When you speak to them during your initial consultation, notice how they make you feel. Do you feel calm and comfortable, or awkward and intimidated?
• Find a jackknife truck accident lawyer who works on contingency, meaning they only get paid after they recover money for you. (Arlen Law Firm operates on a contingency basis.)

For more than two decades, Arlen Law Firm has been New Jersey’s choice for jackknife truck accidents. For a free, confidential consultation, or to learn how we can help resolve your truck accident claim, call us at 908-212-7660.

What should I do when a jackknife accident occurs?

More than 50% of all jackknife accidents result in injury, so it’s important to know what to do after a jackknife truck accident.

• Move out of danger if you are in the middle of a busy road
• Tend to the most critical injuries first
• Call emergency services as soon as possible

After everyone’s immediate medical needs are under control, you can exchange your insurance company information and get the names and contact information of drivers, passengers, and witnesses. 

IMPORTANT: Even if you do not feel injured immediately, always get a medical evaluation immediately after your accident. Some injuries do not present immediately after impact, so establishing this baseline will be critical to proving your case.

Finally, you should speak to an experienced truck accident attorney to evaluate and represent your case. Studies show that attorney-represented claims settle quicker and for more money than claims without representation. Call Arlen Law Firm to learn how we can help: 908-212-7660.