Jackknife Truck Accidents

If you or a loved one was injured in a jackknife truck crash, you may be looking for a lawyer who can help you deal with insurance companies and can help you recover fair compensation.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we bring almost 40 years of experience to your case. We understand how devastating truck accidents can be and the unique legal and insurance challenges they involve. We take pride in building strong, lasting relationships with our clients and respond to every phone call and email within 24 business hours. Often, we are able to reply to your emails and calls the same day.

If you’re injured, we’re happy to provide a free consultation to help you understand whether you have a claim. Schedule your free consultation with us today.

What Is a Jackknife Accident?

A jackknife accident occurs when a tractor-trailer folds in on itself, forming a sharp angle between the cab and the trailer. It gets its name because the vehicle ends up resembling the angle of a folding pocketknife.

This usually happens when the trailer swings out of alignment due to:

• Sudden braking.
• Slippery road conditions.
• Equipment failure.
• Speeding or reckless driving.
• Improperly loaded cargo.

Jackknife accidents are especially dangerous because they can lead to multi-vehicle pileups, crush smaller cars, or block entire highways. Victims often suffer devastating injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, broken bones, amputations, or internal injuries.

Are Jackknife Truck Accidents Different from Car Crashes?

Unlike standard car accidents, jackknife crashes often involve:

• Multiple vehicles and higher speeds.
• Complex liability questions, including the trucking company, maintenance crews, or cargo loaders.
• Federal trucking regulations that may apply to driver hours, maintenance logs, and vehicle safety.
• Catastrophic injuries that may require long-term care, rehabilitation, and lost income.

Because of these complexities, it’s critical to work with a law firm that understands how to navigate the legal and insurance aspects of commercial truck crashes.

The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel has been representing injury victims throughout Westchester, New York, Bronx, Queens, Kings, Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan counties for nearly four decades. Over that time, we’ve built a strong track record of holding negligent drivers and companies accountable.

Our approach is different from large, impersonal law firms. We take the time to understand your case, answer your questions, and offer practical advice based on real-world experience. Many of our clients remain in touch long after their case concludes and many even become friends.

What Are the Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents?

Some of the most frequent causes of jackknife accidents include:

• Driver fatigue. Long hours behind the wheel (often in violation of federal rules) can lead to delayed reactions and poor judgment.
• Improper braking. Slamming on the brakes or using the wrong technique on wet or icy roads can trigger a skid.
• Overloaded or unbalanced trailers. When cargo isn’t secured properly, it can shift suddenly and destabilize the trailer.
• Speeding or aggressive driving. Large trucks need more time to stop. Speeding makes jackknifing more likely.
• Mechanical failures. Brake failures or worn tires are often signs of poor maintenance or skipped inspections.

We thoroughly investigate every case, gather evidence, consult experts, and identify every potential defendant. Our goal is to secure the fullest financial recovery for you, so you pay for less of your losses out of pocket.

What Are Common Injuries Resulting from Jackknife Accidents?

Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, the injuries sustained in jackknife accidents are often severe. These may include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
• Skull fractures or facial trauma.
• Internal bleeding and organ damage.
• Amputations.
• Fractures, including compound fractures.
• Severe burns or lacerations.
• Wrongful death.

The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel understands the long-term impact these injuries have on your health, livelihood, and even on your relationships. We work to recover fair compensation so you can pay for the care and support you need.

How Much Compensation Could I Secure in a Jackknife Case?

Every case is different, and how much you can secure will depend on many factors, including:

• Your injuries and prognosis.
• How much income you stand to lose because of your injuries.
• The property damage you have suffered.
• The defendant(s), their liability, their assets, and their insurance.
• Your own insurance and whether you have Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage.
• What caused the accident.
• The strength of your claim and the skill of your attorney.

You may be worried about how you will pay for medical care, car repairs, and more, especially if your injuries prevent you from working. If you are wondering how much your case may be worth or if your insurer has already made an offer, contact us for a free consultation to review the specifics of your case.

We Represent Truck Accident Victims

The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel proudly serves injury victims in:

• Westchester County.
• New York County
• Bronx County.
• Queens County.
• Kings County.
• Orange County.
• Rockland County.
• Putnam County.
• Dutchess County.
• Ulster County.
• Sullivan County.

Not sure whether we take on your specific case or represent clients in your specific area? It costs nothing to contact us to learn more.

Why Choose The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel?

Clients often tell us they appreciate how responsive and personable we are. They value the one-on-one attention and our honest assessments, and they report that our nearly four decades of experience make them feel they are in good hands. Here are some of the ways we provide exceptional client care:

• We respond within 24 business hours and often on the same day when you reach out, so you never have to wait for answers.
• We don’t overpromise or inflate case values, so you can plan with an honest assessment of your claim in mind.
• We keep you informed every step of the way.
• We care about your long-term wellbeing, not just your case.
• We work aggressively for full compensation, but we work for your best interests and your needs. This is not just about a number for us.

Schedule a free consultation with us. If we believe we can help, we’ll explain your options clearly, and without cost or pressure.