Munley Law’s Pennsylvania jackknife truck accident lawyers fight for victims facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and aggressive trucking companies. For nearly 70 years, our family-run firm has represented injured Pennsylvanians and recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements.
Jackknife truck accidents often happen without warning and can shut down highways, crush passenger vehicles, and leave victims with life-changing injuries. Determining fault requires swift action, thorough investigations, and attorneys who understand federal trucking regulations and commercial trucking tactics.
At Munley Law, we have three board-certified truck accident lawyers, which is a distinction that no other Pennsylvania firm holds. Our attorneys have earned recognition from Lawyers of Distinction, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America, and all five partners have Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Ratings.
From investigating black box data to negotiating with insurers and taking cases to trial, our Pennsylvania truck accident attorneys build strong claims to recover maximum compensation for injured families. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Why Choose Munley Law for Your Pennsylvania Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer?
Dealing with serious injuries and pursuing legal action at the same time can feel incredibly overwhelming after an accident. For some, it may seem more straightforward to wait or avoid it altogether. However, when you hire Munley Law, you receive a highly qualified and experienced team that handles your case for you. Our Pennsylvania jackknife truck accident lawyers will handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
The right lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. You should feel comfortable with the firm you are working with and be confident that they have the necessary experience and resources to handle your case effectively. Our team has over 250 years of combined experience handling jackknife accident claims. When you hire a truck accident attorney, we act quickly to put an end to the injustice you are facing, so you can begin to move forward.
Marion Munley, Daniel Munley, and Katie Nealon are board-certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and have a proven track record of success and excellence.
In addition, Marion Munley and Daniel Munley are board-certified by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. Daniel Munley was the chair of the AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group, and Marion Munley is currently the association’s Vice-President. Both have been honored with the group’s Robert W. Munley Pursuit of Justice Award, while the National Trial Lawyers named them to the Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers list. We tailor our approach and strategies to optimize your case, ensuring you achieve maximum results. Our award-winning team devotes the time and attention your case deserves from start to finish, so you can rest assured knowing you are in good hands.
Some of the verdicts and settlements we have achieved for other clients include:
- A record $26 million truck accident settlement
- $11 million settlement in a truck accident case
- $8 million settlement for a truck accident
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Pennsylvania Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer?
When you are considering hiring a lawyer, you are probably concerned about how much a lawyer will cost, especially in light of your unexpected medical and vehicle expenses. A lawyer’s fees depend on their level of experience, the complexity of the case, and the location. However, Munley Law employs a contingency fee structure, so we only collect fees from settlements and verdicts when we achieve a successful outcome. You never pay us out of pocket, and you can trust that your goals will be a top priority.
What Causes Jackknife Accidents in Pennsylvania?
Jackknife accidents occur when the cab and trailer of a truck move separately from one another. This causes the trailer to pivot and swing out and around until both parts are folded in on themselves rather than staying in a straight line. As the truck pivots, it creates a sharp angle and reduces the truck driver’s leverage. In most jackknife accidents, something may trigger the cab or trailer’s tires to lock up, forcing one part of the truck to lose momentum before the other.
Several factors can contribute to these situations and result in serious or catastrophic accidents. When a truck jackknifes, vehicles in its path can sustain serious harm. This is especially true since a truck’s trailer can cross many lanes of traffic at once as it swings outward.
While the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Crash Facts & Statistics report doesn’t specify the types of large truck crashes, it reported 7,312 heavy trucks were involved in accidents in 2024, some of which were likely jackknife accidents.
Some common causes of jackknife accidents include:
- Speeding
- Taking curves too fast
- Braking at high speeds on curves
- Blind spots
- Cargo overload or imbalance
- Empty trailers
- Faulty equipment
- Tire blowouts
- Road and weather conditions
- Poorly trained or inexperienced drivers
- Inadequate safety inspections
- Driver fatigue
To determine the exact cause of an accident, your Pennsylvania jackknife truck accident attorney will need to conduct a thorough investigation. The cause of the accident can make a considerable difference in who is at fault, how your case is resolved, and how much you may be able to recover. Collecting and preserving all relevant forms of evidence is crucial for determining the cause of the accident.
How Is Liability Proven in a Pennsylvania Jackknife Truck Accident Case?
Determining liability in a jackknife accident is essential, but it can be a very complex and challenging process. While the fault may lie with the driver since they are responsible for driving safely and retaining control of their truck, they may not always be the reason the jackknife incident occurred. Getting to the heart of an accident may require some in-depth probing, all of which your Pennsylvania jackknife truck accident lawyer can do on your behalf.
The Four Elements of Liability in a Jackknife Accident Case
The other parties who may share liability in a jackknife accident include the trucking company, maintenance technicians, cargo loaders, manufacturers, government entities, and motorists. Any of these parties can be held liable if they are found to have been negligent in their duties. This aspect must be shown in your case to resolve it. This involves showing four facets of negligent behavior:
- Duty of care: All the parties mentioned above have their own respective responsibilities to secure safety and protect others from harm.
- Breach of duty: Any one of the applicable parties failed to uphold their responsibilities and was careless in their duties.
- Causation: The carelessness of one of these parties contributed to the cause of the jackknife accident that led to injuries and losses.
- Damages: The at-fault party is liable for compensating the victim for their injuries and suffering.
Your lawyer will work with you to collect the necessary evidence to demonstrate each element of negligence. Documentation is essential for supporting your claim and holding the other party accountable. Based on the available evidence and the details of your specific situation, your lawyer will determine the most effective strategy to use when building your case. Every case is different, and they will adjust their approach as needed to get you maximum results.
What Injuries Are Common in Pennsylvania Jackknife Truck Accidents?
Sadly, vehicles can end up in the path of a trailer when it jackknifes, and occupants can suffer serious injuries. Tractor-trailers are large and may be fully loaded when this type of accident occurs, intensifying the force of the impact upon collision. Large trucks have a higher center of gravity, which can make it more challenging for truck drivers to maintain control. They may flip or roll over as a result of jackknifing, which can injure both the driver and the motorist in the following ways.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can occur as a result of a jackknife accident. The force of the collision can throw occupants against the vehicle’s interior, causing them to hit their head. Head trauma can cause a traumatic brain injury. These severe conditions can cause individuals to suffer physical, cognitive, sensory, behavioral, and psychological symptoms and challenges. These injuries may improve over time, have residual effects, or cause irreparable harm or death.
Spinal Injuries
Given the considerable force a small vehicle can sustain when a tractor-trailer slams into it, the spine may suffer greater impact than it can handle. This can affect the vertebrae, discs, and nerves in the spine, disrupting its normal functioning. With a spinal cord injury, victims may lose control over various functions in the body and may even become paralyzed. Damage to the spine can entirely or partially sever its power and ability to communicate with the brain.
Internal Injuries
Not all injuries are externally visible, and internal bleeding and organ damage are one such example of this. Even bleeding in the brain can occur depending on the situation. These types of conditions can most effectively be identified through medical testing and the trained eye of a medical professional. If left untreated, internal bleeding could be fatal. The impact of a jackknife accident is capable of causing this kind of trauma to the body and requires a swift response.
Catastrophic Injuries
A catastrophic injury is any injury that causes permanent and irreparable harm. A few examples of these types of injuries include:
- Paralysis
- Loss of limb or amputation
- Burns
- Loss of vision or hearing
Not only do catastrophic injuries require a considerable amount of medical care, but they may also require assistive equipment and technologies, home or vehicle accommodations, or long-term care. Jackknife accidents are capable of causing these types of injuries.
Wrongful Death
In some cases, a jackknife accident can be so severe that it results in one or more deaths. In 2021, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), recorded 5,700 fatal accidents caused by large trucks jackknifing. The weight and force of the truck can destroy or crush a smaller vehicle. Vehicles may also become entangled in the truck’s underride, which can be deadly due to the higher point of impact.
What Types of Compensation are Available in Jackknife Truck Accident Cases?
If you have been involved in a jackknife accident, there is a good chance you have suffered severe injuries that require extensive medical care. This can result in enormous expenses that can have a domino effect on the rest of your life. Damages provide a holistic approach to help you recover your losses. It typically covers your financial losses and any losses related to trauma. Compensation typically covers the following:
- Medical and rehabilitative expenses
- Cost of rehabilitation, equipment, home and vehicle accommodations, and medications
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Cost to repair or replace your vehicle and personal belongings
- End-of-life, funeral, and burial expenses when death occurs as a result of the accident
- Loss of services or inheritance
- Pain and suffering caused by the collision
- Emotional distress
- PTSD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia
- Reduced quality of life and ability to enjoy activities you did before
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Pennsylvania jackknife truck accident attorneys protect your right to recover your losses. We determine how much your case is worth based on a variety of factors and negotiate a settlement that fairly compensates you. Whether you are trying to recover damages through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, Munley Law does not stop fighting for you until you are satisfied with the results.
What Does Role Pennsylvania’s Modified Comparative Negligence Law Play in Liability and Compensation?
If, for some reason, you are partially at fault for triggering a jackknife accident, it is important to hire a lawyer immediately. While you may still be able to recover compensation, your lawyer will need to work to limit your liability in the accident to secure you a more favorable outcome. They can optimize your case so you can still receive damages per Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule, 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 7102.
This law states that compensation can be recovered if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your total settlement value will be reduced in proportion to the amount of fault you contributed. However, it is important to note that fault percentages above the 50% threshold are prohibited from claiming compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jackknife Truck Accident Cases
What Should I Do Immediately After a Jackknife Truck Accident in Pennsylvania?
Immediately after you’re involved in a jackknife truck accident in Pennsylvania, you should prioritize your safety and seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Call 911 to report the accident. Next, take photos of the scene and your injuries, gather the names and contact details of witnesses, and, if possible, the truck driver’s details. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting a Pennsylvania jackknife truck accident lawyer. Once you are safe, contact a lawyer at Munley Law. Our team will preserve evidence, investigate the accident, and ensure your rights are protected.
Are Jackknife Truck Accidents More Common with Empty Trailers?
Yes. Empty trailers can be more difficult to control because they have less weight to stabilize the rear of the truck. This increases the likelihood of trailer swing and loss of traction during sudden braking or sharp turns.
Drivers transporting empty trailers must adjust their driving behavior to account for these risks. Improper handling can quickly lead to a jackknife situation.
Can a Defective Truck Part Cause a Jackknife Accident?
Defective brakes, tires, steering systems, or trailer couplings can contribute to a jackknife accident. In some cases, manufacturers or maintenance companies may share liability if defective equipment caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Product liability investigations may involve engineers, mechanical inspections, and maintenance histories. Identifying all responsible parties can increase the compensation available to victims.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Several parties can be held liable for a jackknife truck accident. Depending on the cause, responsibility may fall on the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance crews, cargo loaders, parts manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road conditions. Your Munley Law lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who breached their duty of care and will build a strong case showing how their negligence caused your injuries and losses.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Jackknife Truck Accident?
After a jackknife truck accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for economic damages, non-economic damages, and, potentially, punitive damages. Examples of these various types of damages include medical bills, rehabilitation, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and reduced quality of life. In fatal accidents, families may claim funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and wrongful death damages. Munley Law’s Pennsylvania jackknife truck accident lawyers will evaluate the full impact of your injuries and pursue maximum compensation through negotiations or litigation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Jackknife Truck Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
Under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. As jackknife accident cases require extensive investigation and evidence collection, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Acting promptly helps ensure important evidence isn’t lost and strengthens your ability to secure full compensation.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Pennsylvania Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a Pennsylvania jackknife truck accident lawyer at Munley Law costs nothing upfront. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe no legal fees unless we win your case. Our fee comes from a portion of the settlement or verdict. This enables anyone injured in a jackknife truck accident to pursue justice and compensation with the support of an award-winning legal team without financial risk.
Munley Law Stands Up for Your Rights
Jackknife accidents can be horrific and have a devastating impact on your life. Munley Law ensures you have experienced legal representation on your side to protect you and secure results as quickly as possible. Our firm is nationally recognized for excellence in truck accident litigation and for winning landmark recoveries for our clients.
We make sure that trucking companies do not take advantage of you by demanding that they compensate you fairly for your losses. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help resolve your case by contacting us today.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley is one of the nation’s most decorated and respected truck accident lawyers. Having contributed to numerous publications and spoken at numerous conferences, she has advocated for truck accident victims nationwide. Marion is Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the NBTA and is the first woman to become Chair of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group in 2018 – additionally, she was named “Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Marion has assisted in several landmark truck accident settlements, including a $26 million settlement for a single mother of three who was critically injured when a tractor trailer collided with her car.
