New Jersey Jackknife Accident Lawyer
An attorney who puts in the hard work that wins cases
Many truck accidents that happen in New Jersey are jackknife accidents. These crashes can cause devastating injuries that change people’s lives. If a negligent driver or trucking company caused the accident that left you hurt, you deserve financial compensation. But the legal process can be complicated.
That’s why you need an experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer who is ready to fight for you. If you were hurt in Millburn or anywhere in Essex or Union counties, attorney David Leigh of The Leigh Law Firm, P.C. can help. He is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of victims by getting the results they need and deserve.
Understanding the causes of jackknife accidents
What is a jackknife accident? It can happen on I-78, Route 24, the New Jersey Turnpike, and other highways in the state. The driver of a tractor-trailer loses control of the truck. The wheels lock up and the trailer and cab fold in, forming a V-shape that looks like a partially open jackknife blade. The tractor-trailer hits everything in its path before coming to a stop.
Jackknife accidents are usually caused by negligence on the part of the trucker. For example:
- The driver was traveling well above the posted speed limit.
- An inexperienced driver braked too hard.
- A driver was following another vehicle too closely.
- A driver was distracted and acted suddenly to try to avoid a collision.
- A trucking company failed to properly maintain the truck.
- The truck’s brakes were defective.
Because a tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, a jackknife accident can cause very serious injuries. These include traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, damage to internal organs, and other injuries to the head, neck, or back.
Recovery from these injuries can take months or even years, with some victims suffering a permanent disability. Medical expenses can quickly become overwhelming. Many victims are unable to work following their accident, resulting in a loss of income and causing financial stress.
Getting full compensation for a jackknife accident is a challenge
Recovering the financial compensation you deserve after being hurt in a jackknife accident can be very difficult. Negligent drivers, trucking companies, or manufacturers may deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept responsibility.
Don’t expect much help from any of the insurance companies, either. They are not on your side – their main interest is paying you as little as possible There are many tactics they use to try to justify limiting your compensation.
One tactic is to question the seriousness of your injuries. Another is to seek access to your medical history to try to argue your injuries were pre-existing. They may even try to argue that the accident was partially your fault.
Or they’ll simply offer you a settlement soon after the jackknife accident. That doesn’t sound like a bad thing. It can be tempting to accept their offer just as the medical bills are starting to add up. But their offer won’t even come close to covering all of the damages you suffered. It’s just a way for them to save money.
We fight back against the insurance companies
That’s why you need an experienced truck accident attorney who will fight for you. Attorney Leigh knows all the tactics that insurance companies use when handling claims. He used to represent them. Now he fights for the injured by building strong cases for compensation that insurance companies have to take seriously.
Our firm investigates your truck accident to get the facts for ourselves. We gather evidence, including information controlled by the trucking companies. This evidence includes maintenance records, employment records, hours of service (HOS) logs, and information from the truck’s event data recorder (EDR).
In addition, we carefully review accident reports and other documentation and interview witnesses. If needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts who can help us understand how the truck jackknifed in this situation.
Attorney Leigh will fight for a resolution of your case that meets your needs. This includes compensation for all current and future medical expenses related to your injuries, lost wages if you couldn’t work, and other damages such as pain and suffering. If a settlement can’t be reached, he will be ready to fight for you in court.
Schedule your free consultation with a jackknife accident lawyer
You can expect answers from an experienced attorney who puts in the hustle and hard work that is needed to win your case. Attorney Leigh will listen to your needs and respond to any questions or concerns you have. There are no case managers here. You can call him directly on his cell phone.
If you were hurt in a jackknife accident in Northern New Jersey, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our office is in Millburn, or attorney Leigh can meet with you at a more convenient location, such as your home or hospital room.