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Washington, DC Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Jackknife Accident?

There’s no warning when a jackknife truck accident will occur. It’s a terrifying experience and can cause serious injuries. What’s even more disturbing is many times jackknife accidents are preventable. If you sustained a serious injury in a truck accident with a jackknifing truck, the Regan Zambri Long jackknife truck accident lawyers can help.

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Jackknife Accident Attorney Here to Help

Our attorneys understand the cost injury victims face after crashing into a jackknifed tractor-trailer. We have secured millions for truck accident clients throughout the Washington, DC metro area. Whether you are struggling to get compensation through insurance companies or are uncertain what steps to take, the experienced jackknife truck accident lawyers at Regan Zambri Long PLLC can help. Our skilled attorneys have decades of experience handling trucking injury cases in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.

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A serious truck accident can be devastating to you and your family. Whether you are struggling to get compensation through insurance companies or are uncertain what steps to take, the experienced jackknife truck accident lawyers at Regan Zambri Long PLLC can help. Our skilled attorneys have decades of experience handling trucking injury cases in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.

What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

Commercial Truck at sunset, cargo truck accident lawyer

To understand how a commercial truck “jackknifes” we have to first look at the parts of the vehicle. The tractor (commonly called the “cab”) is where the driver sits and steers the vehicle. The trailer is directly behind the tractor and is where the freight being transported is loaded. The combination of the two is commonly called a tractor-trailer in our area and is also referred to as a semi-truck or an 18-wheeler. While carrying cargo, these vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is 20-30 times the weight of a regular car.

 

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), one out of every 20 truck accidents results in a jackknife incident. This equates to approximately 2,500 jackknifing accidents each year.

 

Because of their weight and size, tractor-trailers take much longer to stop than cars traveling at the same speed. In ideal conditions, an average sedan traveling at 65 mph can stop in about 300 feet, which is almost half the length of a football field; a loaded tractor-trailer can take 525 feet to come to a complete stop. If bad weather or poor road conditions are factored in, it could take the tractor-trailer even longer to fully stop.

 

With stopping times in mind, let’s look at how a tractor-trailer truck jackknifes. When a truck driver tries to brake suddenly or loses traction on the road, it can cause the cab and the trailer of the truck to skid. When this happens, the trailer may swing out to a 90-degree angle so the truck is in an L shape. This shape resembles a folding pocket knife or jackknife, which is where the name comes from. Many times, when jackknife truck accidents occur, the tractor-trailer plows through multiple cars as it slides across several lanes. Additionally, cargo may spill out of the trailer, causing further damage and hazards on the road. If the truck driver cannot regain control, the entire truck could roll over.

What Compensation is Available to a Jackknife Truck Accident Victim?

Each truck accident case is unique so what compensation you may receive depends on several factors such as:

  • The severity of your injuries – Unfortunately, most truck accidents result in catastrophic injuries that can take a long time to recover from.
  • The parties involved in the trucking accident – Truck accidents are unique because multiple parties may be held responsible for the jackknife accident. This includes the trucking company, the truck’s manufacturer, and the shipping company.
  • The complexity of the case – Because there are usually multiple at-fault parties and the victim received severe injuries, the case can be quite complex to navigate. Your jackknife truck accident lawyer will need to gather evidence to show who is responsible and this could take some time.

With any personal injury claim, there are two types of compensation you may receive — economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages refer to the compensation you can receive for any monetary losses caused by the jackknife accident. This includes:

  • Current and future medical expenses such as doctor’s visits, lab results, medical equipment, and physical therapy.
  • Lost wages, including any future wages. Lost wages do include any vacation or personal time you had to use for recovering after the accident.
  • Cost to repair or replace any property that was damaged in the accident

Non-economic damages are more subjective. It refers to recovering compensation for any non-monetary losses you experience, including:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In some instances, you may also receive punitive damages, which are meant to punish the behavior of those responsible for the jackknife accident.

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Who Can Be Held Responsible for Jackknife Accidents?

Several parties may be responsible for your jackknife accident, including:

 

  • The truck driver – Like any motor vehicle driver, the actions of the truck driver prior to the accident play a major part in the jackknife truck crash.
  • The trucking company – The truck company is responsible for not only making sure the vehicle is safe to be on the road, but properly training its drivers. Failing to do so could lead to a crash.
  • The truck manufacturer – Sometimes there can be an issue with the tractor-trailer, such as a defective part. If the manufacturer of the vehicle or part knew about the issue but failed to fix it, they could be held responsible if the defective part caused the crash.
  • The shipping company – If the truck was overloaded or was not loaded properly, all it takes is one sharp curve for the truck to tip and jackknife. If this is the reason for the jackknife accident, the shipping carrier could be held responsible.
  • Local or state government – If the condition of the road is poor and this leads to an accident, the government may be held accountable for the accident.

To learn who is responsible for your accident, a complete investigation will be needed to collect the evidence before it disappears. A jackknife truck accident attorney at Regan Zambri Long has the resources available to get the evidence needed to prove who is at the fault for the truck wreck.

What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents to Happen?

There are many reasons a truck can jackknife while traveling, but the most common cause is improper braking or brake malfunctions. Brake problems are the single greatest cause of large truck accidents across the board. If the truck driver brakes too hard, the wheels can lock up causing a jackknife. If the truck’s brakes are already faulty, then it won’t matter if the driver uses the brakes perfectly – they will not work correctly.

 

Truck companies are required to regularly service their vehicles before sending them on the road. A Regan Zambri Long jackknife truck accident lawyer will investigate maintenance logs and the maintenance crew to discover if poor maintenance led to your truck accident.

 

Other causes of jackknife accidents are:

 

  • Speeding – Since large commercial tractor-trailers take so long to slow down, speeding increases the chance of a catastrophic accident.
  • Unfamiliar roadways – Unexpected turns can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle.
  • Drug/Alcohol impairment – Truck drivers who operate the vehicle while drunk or high may lose focus, not notice other drivers, misjudge distances, or fail to react to hazards in time.
  • Drowsy driving – Driving while fatigued is very similar to drunk driving. The driver’s reaction time is delayed, which could result in a slower time to react to an emergency.
  • Distracted driving – If the truck driver does not focus on the road and pay attention to the traffic patterns up ahead, it increases the chances they may have to brake suddenly, causing the truck to jackknife.
  • Poor road conditions – When roads are icy, wet, slippery, or uneven the tractor-trailer may lose traction, causing the truck to jackknife. The time it will take for the truck to come to a complete stop will also increase, making the chances of a jackknife accident more likely.
  • Driver inexperience – Trucking companies have the responsibility to properly train new hires before sending them on solo trips. If a driver doesn’t have experience maneuvering the semi-truck, especially when loaded with heavy cargo, they may be incapable of correcting the tractor-trailer in time.
  • Reckless driving – If a truck driver engages in reckless behavior such as tailgating, lane weaving, or speeding he or she puts every other driver at risk of a truck collision.
  • Improper cargo loading – If the trailer is overloaded with cargo or if the cargo was not secured properly, it could shift and cause the truck to roll over. It will also cause the truck to have less traction on the road and cause a jackknife crash.

What Are the Costs of Jackknife Truck Accident Injuries?

jackknife truck accident

The costs associated with jackknife accident injuries largely depend on how severe the victim’s injuries are. Victims of jackknife truck accidents can sustain the following injuries:

 

  • Traumatic brain injuries – Also known as a TBI, brain injuries can take months, even years to recover from. Even a mild concussion can result in a long treatment process involving rehabilitation and medication.
  • Spinal cord injuries – Unfortunately, the spinal cord cannot repair itself after being injured. According to the Christopher Reeve Foundation, living with a spinal cord injury can cost a victim upwards of $5 million over their lifetime.
  • Neck injuries – Even whiplash can take months to heal and could result in chronic pain for the rest of your life.
  • Broken bones/fractures – If the fracture is severe enough, the injury victim may face surgery and months of rehabilitation.
  • Amputations – A loss of a limb can be both traumatic and expensive. Not only does the victim need to adjust to a new life, but may need medical equipment along with home renovations.
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage – The danger of internal bleeding is you may not be aware of the issue until it becomes a life-threatening issue.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder – PTSD can last for months, even years. You may be facing medication and psychotherapy to manage the symptoms.
  • Death – Losing a loved one because of the negligence of another is never easy. Those left behind are faced with picking up the pieces. This includes any bills left behind that are a result of the accident.

All of these injuries can be life-threatening or leave jackknife truck accident victims permanently debilitated. Victims of traumatic brain injuries or those who suffer from paralysis due to a spinal cord injury will have drastically different life after the accident. Ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, and ongoing medications and treatment can send even the wealthiest of families into financial distress.

 

In addition to ongoing medical care, paralysis victims must buy special equipment and may have to restructure their entire home to accommodate wheelchairs, etc.

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How Can Our Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer Help You

The Regan Zambri Long jackknife truck accident lawyers will work to ensure you have enough financial compensation to cover all current and future medical expenses. If you or your loved one suffered a life-changing injury from a jackknife truck accident, we will make sure the accident doesn’t send you and your family into financial debt.

 

Truck accidents need an experienced team of personal injury lawyers to handle the case. The insurance companies involved will try to prevent jackknife accident victims from receiving the full amount of compensation needed to pay for their losses. But with a skilled truck accident attorney from Regan Zambri Long, you have a better chance of getting the compensation that you deserve.

 

If you were injured in a jackknife accident anywhere in the DC area, our truck accident attorney is here to help. Contact a jackknife truck accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long today to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jackknife Truck Accidents

Which Kinds of Trucks Cause Jackknife Accidents?

Several different kinds of commercial tractor-trailer trucks have the capability of causing jackknife accidents. Each of these trucks travel every day on the roadways of Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and across the rest of the United States. While they are very important to our economy, they also create unique dangers to other drivers on the road. The safest thing you can do when sharing the road with one of these trucks is to place as much distance as possible from these trucks.

 

  • 18-wheeler: Eighteen-wheeler trucks are tractor-trailers that have 18 wheels total. On average, 18-wheelers are about 72 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 13.5 feet tall. While carrying cargo, these trucks can weigh 80,000 pounds. They may carry construction equipment, machinery, and hazardous material.
  • Flatbed trailers: Flatbed trucks are some of the most commonly used tractor-trailers. They are called flatbeds because the trailer is a flat deck that is open on all sides. While this makes it easier to haul oversized goods, flatbeds make the cargo less secure. They can be as much as 53 ft long and 8.5 ft high. They carry construction materials, machinery, oversized or unusually shaped cargo, and lumber.
  • Lowboy trucks: Lowboy trailers have a drop flatbed that is lower to the ground than other tractor-trailers. Like flatbed trucks, these commercial vehicles also carry oversized cargo. Large construction equipment like excavators, backhoe loaders, and bulldozers are transported by these trucks. They can be up to 29 ft long and 14 ft high when carrying cargo.
  • Tanker trailers: Tanker trailers have a unique cylindrical shape and are mostly used to transport liquids such as petroleum, fuel, and other hazardous chemicals. Tankers have a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds and can be as long as 53 ft.

Other types of tractor-trailers that can cause jackknife accidents are:

 

  • Dump trailers
  • Car carrier trailers
  • Livestock trailers
  • Drop deck trailers
  • Tipper trailers
  • Refrigeration “reefer” trailers

Not all motor vehicle accidents can be prevented, but there are several safety measures you can take while sharing the road with large tractor-trailers that will help you avoid a collision:

 

  • Stay away from the “No-Zone.” The No-Zone are three different points of a commercial truck: the two sides of the truck and the back of the truck. If you are driving on either side of a large semi-truck, speed up or slow down to get away from the truck as quickly and as safely as possible. If you cannot see the truck driver in the truck’s side-view mirror, then the driver cannot see you. If you drive too closely behind a tractor-trailer, you are invisible to the driver. Stay away from those zones and create as much distance between you and the commercial vehicle as possible.
  • Always pass a semi-truck on the driver’s side. Pass quickly and create distance as soon as possible. Stay in your lane and don’t cut in, especially when cutting in would not leave enough space between your car and the truck.
  • Do not try to squeeze between a tractor-trailer and the direction it is trying to turn. Pay attention to the road and don’t let yourself get distracted, whether it is with your phone or other passengers in your car.
  • Remain calm and practice patience. Everyone has the same goal – to get from one place to another in the safest way possible. Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt and don’t let yourself get overly emotional when driving.
  • Buckle up. Seat belts are often the difference between life and death in the event of a jackknife truck accident.

The time restrictions on filing a truck accident claim differ from state to state. In Washington, DC, and Maryland, the statute of limitations is three years. However, in Virginia, truck accident victims only have two years to file a claim.

 

While these statutes may seem like a long time, evidence can easily disappear within days of the accident. And once the window is closed, you may not recover damages for your injuries. The safest thing to do is to contact a Regan Zambri Long truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to start your claim immediately. That way, you will have a financial safety net when medical bills start piling up.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the government organization that regulates and oversees the trucking industry. Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow local, state, and federal laws, which can make truck accident claims complicated. The Regan Zambri Long truck accident attorneys are experts in FMCSA laws and will use their knowledge to build a rock-solid case that will secure the maximum amount of compensation.

 

The FMCSA regulations include:

 

  • Hours of Service
  • Electronic Logging Devices
  • Medical exams
  • Background checks
  • Cargo securement
  • Employee training
  • Vehicle maintenance

If any of these regulations are violated, the guilty party could face warnings, fines, and other penalties.

Jackknife truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles and victims, which makes the claims process extremely complex. Working with a seasoned truck accident lawyer will help ensure that you recover the maximum amount of compensation possible. Our truck accident attorneys will determine liability, collect evidence from the scene of the accident, interview witnesses, obtain the police report, and deal with the insurance companies.


We have years of experience so we know which damages to pursue and how much you should receive. Damages you can recover from a jackknife truck accident include current and future medical treatment, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering.


We offer free initial consultations to discuss all your legal options and we don’t take a fee unless we win. Call today to speak with an expert truck accident attorney to get the claims process started.

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