Picture this: you’re cruising down the New Jersey Turnpike when suddenly, a massive 18-wheeler jackknifes right in front of you. The trailer swings out, blocking multiple lanes, and you’re left with nowhere to go. This terrifying scenario is all too common on our busy highways, and the consequences can be catastrophic. Occupants of passenger cars are especially vulnerable in a jackknife crash, as the impact with the large truck can result in severe injuries.
What do you do if you are injured in an NJ Turnpike truck accident? Who should pay for your injuries? In this guide, we answer these and other common questions that truck crash victims often ask. For legal help in your specific case, please reach out to us at Grossman Law. We provide a free consultation with our top-rated truck accident attorneys.
How Does a Truck Jackknife Accident Happen?
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a semi-truck skids and swings out at a 90-degree angle from the cab, forming a shape resembling a folding knife. This can happen for various reasons, such as sudden braking, slippery road conditions, or improper loading of cargo. When a truck jackknifes, it becomes nearly impossible for the driver to control, creating a massive obstacle on the road and putting other drivers at serious risk of a devastating collision.
The Devastating Impact of Jackknife Accidents
The sheer size and weight of a tractor-trailer make jackknife accidents particularly dangerous. A fully loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when it jackknifes, the force can easily crush smaller vehicles and cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Some of the most common injuries resulting from jackknife truck accidents are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): The violent impact of a collision can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, leading to severe and potentially life-altering injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord often results in partial or complete paralysis. These are some of the most life-altering injuries as they require extensive medical treatment and lifelong care.
- Broken bones and fractures: The immense force of a jackknife accident can easily shatter bones, leading to painful and debilitating injuries.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage: The blunt force trauma of a collision often causes internal injuries, but sometimes, they may not be immediately apparent. If left untreated, internal injuries can be life-threatening.
In addition to the physical toll, jackknife truck accidents can also have a profound emotional and financial impact on victims and their families. Medical bills can quickly pile up, victims lose much-needed income, and their debilitating injuries hinder them from enjoying life. This is why it’s important to pursue maximum compensation for truck accident injuries. If successful, the compensation can significantly ease the financial burden and allow injured individuals and their families to focus on healing.
Who Pays for Injuries in a Truck Jackknife Crash in New Jersey?
New Jersey is a “no fault” state, which means that regardless of who was at fault in your truck accident, your own insurer would pay for your injuries first. Specifically, your injuries should be paid by your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy, which is a mandatory policy for all New Jersey drivers.
However, PIP will only pay up to policy limits, and very often that is not enough to cover the mountain of bills and other losses that usually result from a truck wreck. To obtain additional compensation, you may need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.
A truck injury claim needs strong proof that someone else caused the accident and should pay for your injuries. For this, you’ll want the assistance of an attorney who specializes in truck accident cases. Large-truck accidents are more complex than ‘regular’ car crashes, as trucking regulations and trucking companies may be involved. Having a truck accident lawyer represent you can help you establish liability and negotiate for your maximum compensation possible.
Determining Liability in Jackknife Truck Accidents
When a jackknife truck accident occurs, victims who seek maximum compensation must establish that someone else was liable for the crash. Several parties may be held responsible, including:
- The truck driver: If the driver was operating the vehicle in a negligent manner – such as by speeding, driving while distracted, or disregarding road rules – they may be held liable for the accident.
- The trucking company: Trucking companies have a responsibility to properly maintain their vehicles, ensure their drivers are adequately trained and rested, and comply with federal regulations. If they fail to meet these obligations, they may be held accountable for any resulting accidents.
- The cargo loading company: Improper loading or securement of cargo can cause a truck to become unstable and more prone to jackknifing. In such cases, the cargo loading company may share liability.
- The truck manufacturer: If a defective part or design flaw in the truck contributed to the jackknife accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible under product liability laws.
Navigating the complexities of a jackknife truck accident case can be overwhelming, which is why it’s crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. We at Grossman Law Firm have extensive experience handling these types of cases and will fight tirelessly to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Damages for Jackknife Accident Victims
Victims of jackknife accidents may incur debilitating injuries and endure distress for a long time. The impact of such accidents affects not just a person’s finances but also their day-to-day lifestyle, their ability to earn, and their emotional wellness. That’s why New Jersey law entitles accident victims to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic losses are those with a quantifiable dollar amount, such as present and future medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. Non-economic losses are less tangible but are acknowledged by law, including emotional distress, disfigurement, or pain and suffering.
The value of your jackknife accident claim depends on the specific circumstances of each person’s case. It can be influenced by factors such as these:
- Total amount of medical costs
- How compelling the evidence is in support of the claim
- Liability of all involved parties
- The nature, duration, and severity of injuries
- Age and occupation of the injured person.
Our experienced attorneys at Grossman Law Firm can examine the full extent of your losses and strategically negotiate for full compensation on your behalf. When it comes to NJ Turnpike truck accident injuries, we know how to assert various damages including:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional or mental distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in cases of the at-fault party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct).
Your consultation is free at the Grossman Law Firm, so you risk nothing when you come to us for a case assessment. Our top-rated attorneys are eager to provide the legal guidance you need after a New Jersey truck accident.
Preventing Jackknife Truck Accidents
While jackknife truck accidents can have devastating consequences, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent them:
- Proper driver training: Trucking companies should ensure their drivers are thoroughly trained in defensive driving techniques, load securement, and how to handle their vehicles in various weather conditions.
- Regular vehicle maintenance: Trucks should undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that brakes, tires, and other critical components are in proper working order.
- Adherence to regulations: Both trucking companies and drivers must comply with federal regulations regarding hours of service, weight limits, and other safety standards.
- Improved road infrastructure: Well-maintained roads with proper signage and lighting can help reduce the risk of accidents, particularly in areas with high truck traffic.
- Public awareness: Educating the general public about the dangers of jackknife truck accidents and the importance of sharing the road safely with large commercial vehicles can help prevent truck incidents from occurring.
FAQs About Jackknife Truck Accidents on the NJ Turnpike
What should I do if I witness a jackknife truck accident on the NJ Turnpike?
If you witness a jackknife truck accident on the New Jersey Turnpike, the first and most important step is to ensure your own safety and the safety of others. Move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe location away from the accident scene, and call 911 immediately to report the incident and request emergency assistance. Provide the dispatcher with accurate details about the location, the number of vehicles involved, and any injuries you may have observed. Remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives, but do not approach the accident site unless it is safe to do so.
How long do I have to file a claim after a jackknife truck accident on the NJ Turnpike?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations (time limit) for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the crash. However, there are exceptions and nuances to this rule. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.
Why should I hire an attorney for a jackknife truck accident case on the New Jersey Turnpike?
Jackknife truck accident cases on the NJ Turnpike can be incredibly complex, involving multiple parties, intricate legal procedures, and significant financial stakes. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal system, gather and preserve crucial evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your best interests in court if necessary. Additionally, our attorneys have access to expert witnesses and resources that can strengthen your case and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Protect Your Rights After a NJ Turnpike Truck Accident. Call the Grossman Law Firm.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife truck accident on the NJ Turnpike, don’t face the aftermath alone. Reach out to the Grossman Law Firm. For over 20 years now, we have represented New Jerseyans who were hurt in truck accidents, and we have a track record of successfully obtaining sizable settlements for our clients. We’ve recovered deca-millions in verdicts and settlements, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
Time is of the essence in these cases, so don’t wait to seek legal help. Call Grossman Law Firm today at (732) 625-9494 for a free consultation. You won’t pay ud a fee unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us now.
