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A “jackknife” accident happens when a tractor-trailer folds sharply in the middle, forming a “V” shape, like a pocket knife closing. When this occurs, the trailer can swing out uncontrollably, causing the truck to skid or slide across the road. These jackknife truck accidents are scary and often cause serious injuries. People can end up with long hospital stays, missed work, and huge medical bills.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a jackknife truck accident, the lawyers at Regan Zambri Long can help. We have decades of experience handling truck accident cases in Washington, DC, and the surrounding area, fighting to get clients the full compensation they deserve.
Our team is nationally recognized for handling complex trucking cases:
Proven Experience: Our attorneys have handled numerous trucking cases, including severe injuries and wrongful death claims.
Credentials: Patrick Regan, Salvatore Zambri, and Victor Long are board-certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. They are also fellows of prestigious organizations like the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.
Track Record: Our firm has secured life-changing results for clients injured in truck accidents, including:
$15.2 Million Settlement: For the death of a 35-year-old carpenter crushed by a dump truck with a defective back-up alarm. Payments are structured over the lifetimes of the widow and children.
$3 Million Settlement: For a woman who suffered a traumatic leg amputation after being struck by a truck while crossing the street.
$1.2 Million Settlement: For the family of a foreign domestic worker who died after being hit by a truck in Washington, DC.
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While there are many safety measures in place to prevent dangerous truck accidents, such as securing cargo and heavy loads, truck accidents still accounted for 4,354 road deaths in 2023. 73% of these truck accident deaths involved tractor-trailer trucks. In 2020, there were 169 fatal crashes involving jackknifing, accounting for 3.5% of all large truck crashes. When semi-trucks are out of control, jackknifing truck accidents are one of the most deadly types of collisions. These collisions can involve a single-vehicle crash or can cause a long buildup of vehicle crashes, resulting in multiple deaths.
Trucks often jackknife when the driver loses control of the vehicle due to the trailer gaining momentum by swinging out to the side, while the front vehicle slows down. Truck jackknife accidents are mostly caused by driver error, but there are other variables as well.
Regardless of the reason, an accident may be unavoidable if a truck starts to jackknife. Surrounding cars and vehicles behind the truck may not be able to avoid the collision since these accidents can take up the width of the highway and happen unexpectedly.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife truck accident, contact the experienced Washington, DC truck accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long PLLC today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Due to the sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler, jackknife truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and even death. But who can be held responsible for the truck accident?
Most times, the truck driver is primarily at fault. However, there may be other parties responsible for the accident, such as:
If you have been in an accident with an 18-wheeler, commercial truck, towing vehicle, or any other type of truck that jackknifes, you are in an extremely dangerous situation. Not only have you collided with a truck that can weigh up to 8,000 lbs, but your car may be in a vulnerable position on the highway, resulting in another accident.
Immediately after a jackknife crash, your safety and your passenger’s safety are a top priority. Here are steps you can take if you’ve just experienced a jackknifing truck crash:
If you have been the victim of a jackknife truck accident, the injuries sustained can be life-changing or deadly. Thousands of drivers and passengers are injured due to these accidents each year, and injuries can include:
Not all injuries from a truck jackknife accident are physical. There can be emotional and psychological trauma after a serious accident, such as PTSD. You might experience disturbed sleeping, severe anxiety, or depression after this stressful event.
The toll of any type of truck accident can cause major life changes. You could be facing mounting medical debt, lost wages, and changes in your daily routine. That’s why you need an experienced truck accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve so you and your family can get back to normal. Our law firm handles trucking cases in Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland, and throughout the DC Metro area.
If you have been injured in an accident due to a truck jackknifing, contact our personal injury attorneys at Regan Zambri Long PLLC as soon as you can. Our firm has decades of experience working with truck accident victims and will work to get you full compensation for your injuries. Call (202) 960-4746 or send us a message to schedule your no-cost consultation.
Article authored by Patrick Regan, Partner at Regan Zambri Long PLLC
Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.