Boston Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accidents
Tractor-trailers are the most common method of transporting goods across the United States, and every day thousands of these large, commercial trucks pass through the Boston area. One of the most dangerous types of accidents that a tractor-trailer can be involved in is a jackknife accident, and victims of this type of crash often incur devastating injuries, or worse. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a tractor-trailer jackknife accident in the Boston area, The Law Office of Joseph Linnehan, Jr. is here to help. To schedule a free case consultation, call or contact our office today.
What is a Jackknife Accident?
Tractor-trailers are made of two separate components: the cab in the front where the driver sits and the trailer in the rear where the cargo is loaded. When a jackknife accident occurs, the truck loses control, and the two parts of the vehicle fold in on themselves. Forming a “V” shape, the tractor-trailer has no control over where the truck goes or what it collides with.
There are many reasons why jackknife accidents happen, with the most common being inclement weather and roadways. Slippery or icy roads can cause a truck to jackknife, especially if it is driving too fast for conditions. Attempting to avoid debris on the road or stopping too quickly can also cause a tractor-trailer to jackknife, striking other vehicles on the roadway.
Injuries Caused by a Jackknife Accident
Because a driver has no control over their large truck when a jackknife accident occurs, the injuries caused by this type of accident are often severe for those injured in the crash. Many vehicles are struck by the truck at full speed or broadsided by the trailer skidding down the road at an angle. The overwhelming majority of victims in tractor-trailer jackknife accidents are drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles on the road. Some of the most common injuries reported in a jackknife accident include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Skull fracture,
- Facial trauma,
- Neck injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Back and spine injuries,
- Broken bones,
- Severe lacerations and contusions,
- Crushing injuries,
- Amputation injuries,
- Nerve damage,
- Soft tissue injuries,
- Internal bleeding and internal injuries,
- Paralysis,
- Coma, and
- Death
If you or someone that you know has been injured in a jackknife accident in the Boston area, it is critical that you seek the legal assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer like those at The Law Office of Joseph Linnehan, Jr.
Compensating Victims for Jackknife Accidents
Calculating compensation for victims after a jackknife accident can be complicated and complex. Economic damages cover the out of pocket costs, such as present and future medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and the loss of future income and benefits, while noneconomic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
Talk to The Law Office of Joseph Linnehan, Jr. Today
The Law Office of Joseph Linnehan, Jr. has the experience you need after a tractor-trailer jackknife accident. To learn more about what your claim might be worth, call or contact our office now.
