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Cherry Hill Jackknife Accident Lawyers
Cherry Hill truck accident attorneys providing strong advocacy for victims of truck jackknifes in South Jersey
Cherry Hill truck jackknife accidents are extremely dangerous to the truck driver whose truck spreads across the highway and to any vehicles or people who are near the truck. Adding to the danger of a truck jackknife is the possibility that the cargo from the truck could spill, forcing every driver nearby to try to avoid the cargo. At Ferrara & Gable, our Cherry Hill truck jackknife accident lawyers represent anyone who is injured when a truck accident happens on I-95, I-295, Route 38, Route 41, Route 154, or any other NJ roads. We work with the police, our own investigators, and traffic reconstruction experts when necessary to show why the truck jackknifed and who’s responsible. We demand full compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income, property damage, and all other personal and financial damages.
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How can we help?
- What is a jackknife accident?
- Why do trucks jackknife in Cherry Hill?
- What types of injuries do jackknife accidents cause in Cherry Hill?
- Who is liable for a truck jackknife accident?
- How can truck jackknife accidents be prevented?
- How much is my Cherry Hill truck accident claim worth?
- Do you have a Cherry Hill truck jackknife accident lawyer near me?
What is a jackknife accident?
Truck jackknife accidents generally involve tractor-trailer combinations. The jackknife occurs when the tractor and the trailer don’t travel in unison, such as when a truck turns too sharply, the tractor and trailer travel at different speeds, or the tractor skids, causing the trailer to push the tractor/cab around (like a jackknife) so that the cab and trailer are at sharp angles from each other instead of directly behind each other.
As a result of a jackknife, the truck can’t move until the tractor is disconnected from the trailer or the tractor can be aligned with the trailer. When a truck jackknifes, the truck can veer into other lanes of travel or spread across several lanes of travel. The freight can also spill.
Why do trucks jackknife in Cherry Hill?
Jackknife accidents may occur for many reasons including the following:
- Driver error.
- Speeding can prevent drivers from braking in time or from reacting to changes in the roadway causing the tractor and trailer to swerve or skid.
- Cargo that shifts because it isn’t loaded or secured properly or cargo that is overloaded can affect the movement of the trailer, causing the driver to lose control.
- Underloaded trucks can also be dangerous because the load may shift or be susceptible to high winds.
- Distracted driving, drunk driving, drugged driving, and driving while tired can cause a truck to jackknife if an emergency arises that the driver isn’t ready to handle.
- Inexperienced truck drivers can cause a jackknife. Trucking companies should take steps to ensure their drivers have the proper qualifications and experience to anticipate and respond to jackknife situations.
- Equipment failure. Engine brakes, air brakes, and hydraulic brakes, drum brakes, and disk brakes all need to work – otherwise, a jackknife accident can occur. Truck drivers and trucking companies should regularly inspect their brakes, replace worn brakes, and fix brakes that aren’t working properly.
There are federal regulations that govern when and how trucks should be inspected. Truck equipment failures that may contribute to a jackknife accident include tire blowouts and tires that don’t provide enough traction.
Manufacturers may be liable if defective brakes, tires, or other truck parts cause a truck to jackknife.
- Dangerous road conditions. Slippery or icy roads can cause a truck to skid, making it difficult for the truck to brake. High winds can cause the trailer to fishtail or even tip over.
Generally, truck drivers should drive slower to avoid skidding or locking their brakes. They should also brake gradually instead of forcefully slamming their brakes.
What types of injuries do jackknife accidents cause in Cherry Hill?
At Ferrara & Gable, our Cherry Hill truck accident lawyers work with your doctors and our own independent doctors, if necessary, to show how life-changing your injuries are, the treatments you’ll need, and the cost of your care.
We handle all types of serious injuries that jackknife accidents cause, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic amputation/loss of an arm, leg, or other body part
- Fractures/broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Nerve, muscle, ligament, nerve, and tissue damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
Who is liable for a truck jackknife accident?
Jackknife accidents are preventable. We file personal injury, product liability claims, and wrongful death actions against everyone responsible for your injuries or the death of a loved one, including:
- The truck driver
- The employer of the truck driver
- The trucking companies involved in the truck accident
- The manufacturers of defective truck accidents
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can investigate how the accident happened, who is responsible, and the sooner we can pursue your financial recovery.
How can truck jackknife accidents be prevented?
Truck drivers should know how to handle a jackknife skid. They should know how to prevent jackknife accidents from happening. New truck technology may be able to help the driver avoid or respond to a jackknife.
How much is my Cherry Hill truck accident claim worth?
You have the right to be placed in the same position as you were before the accident. We demand compensation for all your personal and financial damages, including the following:
- Your daily physical pain and emotional suffering for the rest of your life
- All your current and future medical bills
- Your lost income including if you have a permanent disability
- Any property damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (marital enjoyment)
We seek wrongful death damages, including funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, the value of household services, and the loss of emotional support and guidance your loved one would have provided.
Do you have a Cherry Hill truck jackknife accident lawyer near me?
Ferrara & Gable meets clients at our office located at 601 Longwood Avenue in Cherry Hill, NJ. There’s convenient parking. You can reach us by the Rt. 38 bus. Our Cherry Hill personal injury lawyers schedule phone and video consultations if you’re too ill to come to our office.
We’ll answer all your questions and guide you through the claims process.
Our experienced South Jersey truck jackknife accident lawyers are ready to help you today
Jackknife accidents are frightening. They’re scary when they happen because of the size and mass of tractor-trailers. They’re scary after the accident happens because you immediately worry about your health, your bills, your job, and your family. At Ferrara & Gable, our Cherry Hill truck jackknife lawyers have helped many people just like you obtain strong settlements and verdicts. Call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation.