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A “Jackknife” accident is where a truck or vehicle towing something becomes folded in a “v” or “l” shape as a result of uncontrolled skidding. These accidents can be caused by brake issues, challenging road conditions, equipment failure, or may be an intentional act by a driver to force a vehicle to stop. These accidents can often cause multiple vehicle crashes and catastrophic injuries.
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in a jackknife accident. Our New Jersey truck accidents attorney can evaluate your case and help you pursue your claim.
Jackknife Accidents and Common Injuries
Although jackknife accidents most commonly occur on highways, they can happen anywhere. These accidents can occur for varying reasons and in different manners. For example, there may be an issue with a trailer locking up and colliding with its front cab, forcing the cab to skid into an angle where it cannot move. When this happens, a truck will likely be in a sideways or angled position across multiple lanes, causing other vehicles behind it to collide with it and each other.
Slippery roads, loss of traction, debris on the road, or sudden events in front of a truck or vehicle can also cause skidding and a resulting jackknife formation. A jackknife accident can cause serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. Persons involved in these accidents are often more seriously injured than in other car accidents. Common injuries include:
- Loss of Limbs
- Brain Injuries
- Permanent Disability
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Trauma-related illnesses
These injuries can change a person’s life forever and can be scary for everyone involved.
What Can I Recover for a Jackknife Accident?
The amount you may be entitled to depends on your injuries’ severity, medical bills, property damage, and other costs. In addition, because jackknife accidents can cause significant damages, a person will likely suffer a consequential future loss of income, loss of consortium, and much more. These losses must be taken into account as part of any settlement.
The good news is that because New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, you will have medical coverage for your injuries through your insurance company, up to your limits. This is also true even if you are injured as a passenger in another person’s vehicle. However, working with insurance companies can be difficult because they are motivated to pay you as little as possible.
This is where the help of our office can be invaluable. We can evaluate what your claim is worth, work with you to gather evidence to bolster your claim, and negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
If an insurance company does not offer you fair compensation for your injuries, you may need to file a lawsuit and request a jury to make a decision regarding your claim. Our office can also assist you with this process.
Speak With an Attorney
The counsel of a personal injury attorney in helping you deal with your injuries in a jackknife accident can make a world of difference and lead to a better outcome. If you have questions about your case, we are here to help. With some exceptions, you have two years to sue in New Jersey on a claim. Contact our office today for a free consultation.