Scranton, Stroudsburg, Wilkes-Barre, and Milford, Pennsylvania Semi-Truck & Trucking Accident Lawyer: Special Considerations

Special Considerations

Rollover Accidents
Jackknife Accidents
Turning Accidents

If you have been involved in a collision involving a semi-truck, it is essential to retain an experienced trucking accident lawyer because certain dangers and legal considerations are unique to large commercial trucks. Truck accident cases are very different from standard single or multiple motor vehicle accident cases in a number of ways. Because of this, the victim of a trucking accident should have an attorney who is well versed in the laws pertaining to the trucking industry and broad experience in handling truck accident claims. At the Foley Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience representing victims and their families in a wide range of trucking accident cases, including those involving factors other than strict driver negligence. We have handled many semi-truck accident claims involving unique, complicated circumstances, including rollover and jackknife.

At Foley Law Firm, a Stroudsburg, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, or Milford trucking accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and obtain just compensation. Contact a Pennsylvania semi-truck accident lawyer to schedule a complimentary consultation today.

Rollover Trucking Accidents

While any vehicle can roll over under the right circumstances, those with a higher center of gravity — such as trucks, vans, and SUVs — are much more susceptible. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vehicle rollovers accounted for just 3 percent of the 11 million traffic accidents reported in 2002. However, rollover accidents accounted for 33 percent of traffic fatalities that year. Typical injuries resulting from rollovers include head injuries, paralysis, spinal cord injury, brain injury, and wrongful death.

Trucking rollover accidents typically occur at exit and entrance ramps when a driver misjudges the sharpness of a ramp curve and enters it an excessive speed. Other possible contributing factors to a rollover semi-truck accident include:

Driver Factors

Not aware of tractor / trailer limitations
Steered truck onto soft shoulder
Drifted off the road and abruptly overcompensated
Was impaired (fatigue, alcohol, drugs)
Was reckless

Vehicle Factors

Unusually top-heavy load
Improper cargo distribution
Load shift
Collapsed suspension
Under-inflated tires
Poor brake performance

Highway Factors

Speed advisory
Superelevation (banking)
Transition curvature
Shoulder condition
Weather

If you or a loved one is the victim of a rollover semi-truck accident, contact the Foley Law Firm. Serving rollover accident victims in Milford, Scranton, Stroudsburg, Wilkes-Barre, and northeastern Pennsylvania, a trucking and semi-truck accident lawyer at our firm is experienced and knowledgeable. Our attorneys can help you receive the compensation to which you are entitled.

Jackknifing Semi-Truck Accidents

Jackknifing is a common trucking accident term that refers to the dangerous situation when a semi-tractor trailer skids, causing the trailer to swing out to one side. The truck cab and the trailer end up at an angle that resembles the angle that the blade of a jackknife forms with its protective handle. If a truck jackknifes with any speed, there is a high likelihood of a rollover accident. Generally, jackknifing occurs when the truck's drive wheels lock up during wet or slippery conditions. While slippery road conditions can contribute to the potential for jackknifing, often jackknife trucking accidents are the result of negligence by the truck driver.

What Causes a Truck to Jackknife?

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck's drive wheels lock as the truck approaches a slick spot. The trailer continues to roll forward, causing the driver to lose control and the trailer to swing out to one side. During an emergency situation, a truck driver has three braking options.

The driver can lock the steering axle brakes, causing the rig to move straight ahead regardless of wheel angle.
The driver can lock the drive axles. Locking the drive axles commonly results in jackknife accidents.
The driver can lock the trailer axles, causing the driver to lose directional control.

At the Foley Law Firm, our trucking accident attorneys understand that potential outcomes depend upon the driver's actions. Locking the steering axles clearly produces the most desirable outcome. Although the driver will not be able to steer the tractor, the truck and trailer will travel a straight, predictable path. If a trucking accident is caused by the driver locking the drive axles, he or she may be guilty of negligence. Contact a Pennsylvania semi-truck accident lawyer at Foley Law Firm if you have been injured in a jackknife accident.

Turning Accidents

Trucks have certain speed, turning, visibility, and braking characteristics that, when a truck driver is negligent, can be contributing factors in a semi-truck accident. Often, truck drivers use two lanes to make a right turn. In some instances, the fact that a semi-tractor trailer was turned in this manner is sufficient to establish a truck driver’s fault in an accident.

Contact a Pennsylvania Trucking Accident Lawyer

The trucking accident attorneys at the Foley Law Firm often recruit the services of the area's top truck accident experts when representing jackknife and rollover accident victims. Proving driver negligence requires experienced, skilled attorneys who will use all available resources to build a strong case. We have successfully represented many victims and their families in an extensive range of truck accident cases. Our trial lawyers have successfully obtained substantial cash awards both in and out of court for semi-truck accident victims. Contact a Scranton, Milford, Wilkes-Barre, and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania-area trucking accident lawyer today to schedule a free case consultation.