Were you injured in a jackknife truck accident in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania? Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at (717) 231-1640 for a free consultation. Our Harrisburg jackknife accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation after a serious truck crash.
Jackknife accidents often happen when a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle from the cab. These crashes can block several lanes, strike nearby vehicles, and cause chain-reaction collisions. Injuries from these crashes can be serious, so you need a legal team that is ready to fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Why Choose Marzzacco Niven & Associates for Help After a Jackknife Accident in Harrisburg, PA?
A jackknife crash can leave you facing pain, medical bills, lost income, and questions about who is responsible. A Harrisburg truck accident lawyer at Marzzacco Niven & Associates can help you deal with these challenges while protecting your claim.
Our firm has over 120 years of combined experience handling personal injury, workers’ compensation, and employment law matters. We have also recovered tens of millions of dollars for accident victims across Pennsylvania. That experience matters in truck accident cases, where the trucking company, driver, or insurer may all have different interests.
When you hire our law firm in Harrisburg, PA, you get a team that understands how serious truck crashes affect injured people and their families. We can review the facts, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation available under Pennsylvania law.
Call our Harrisburg personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation about your case.
What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents in Harrisburg?
A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s trailer moves out of line with the cab. The truck may fold into a sharp angle, leaving the driver unable to control the vehicle. These crashes can happen quickly and may involve several vehicles.
Common causes of jackknife accidents include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Sudden braking
- Wet, icy, or slippery roads
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Brake failure
- Driver fatigue
- Poor truck maintenance
- Sharp turns or unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Inexperienced truck drivers
Harrisburg sees heavy commercial traffic because of its highways, warehouses, and role as a transportation hub. When truck drivers or trucking companies cut corners on safety, other drivers may suffer serious harm. Our Harrisburg truck accident attorneys can investigate the cause of your crash, which is required to identify all of the potentially liable parties.
What Injuries Can Happen in a Jackknife Accident?
Jackknife accidents often involve violent impacts that can cause severe injuries. Victims may be hit by the truck, pushed into other vehicles, or struck by debris. Some crashes lead to rollovers or pileups.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Severe cuts and scarring
- Burns
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
Some injuries may take time to show symptoms. You should seek medical care after a truck accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. Medical records can also help connect your injuries to the crash.
How Does Pennsylvania’s Car Insurance System Affect Jackknife Accident Claims?
Pennsylvania’s insurance rules can make truck accident claims confusing. Drivers may have full tort or limited tort coverage, and that choice can affect whether an injured person can recover compensation for pain and suffering. Pennsylvania law explains that limited tort coverage may restrict certain non-economic damages, while full tort coverage preserves broader rights.
Your own auto insurance may also play a role after a crash. Depending on your policy, you may need to use certain benefits through your own insurer before seeking money from another party.
These issues can be difficult to sort out, especially when a commercial truck is involved. Consulting an attorney can help you understand your policy, your legal rights, and the compensation that may be available to you.
What If I’m Blamed for a Jackknife Accident in Pennsylvania?
In these situations, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation if your share of fault was not greater than the fault of the other party or parties. However, your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, an insurance company might claim you were following too closely, speeding, or failed to avoid the truck. These arguments can reduce the value of your claim if they are not challenged. Our attorneys can review the facts and respond to unfair blame-shifting.
How Long Do I Have to File a Jackknife Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In most Pennsylvania personal injury cases, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Pennsylvania law also typically applies a two-year deadline to many wrongful death claims.
You should not wait to take action. Trucking records, video footage, and witness memories may disappear over time. Speaking with a lawyer early can help preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Contact Our Harrisburg Jackknife Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A jackknife accident can create problems that reach far beyond the crash scene. You may be trying to manage medical treatment, repair or replace your vehicle, deal with missed work, and figure out which insurance company should pay.
Marzzacco Niven & Associates can help you take a clearer look at what happened and what options may be available. Our team can review the crash, explain the insurance and legal issues involved, and help you decide how to move forward. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Harrisburg jackknife accident attorney.