Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer

Few types of collisions are as devastating as those involved in commercial trucks. Whether you call them 18 wheelers, big rigs, tractor-trailers, or delivery trucks, they all often deliver the same result. The enormous weight of these motor vehicles makes them some of the most dangerous trucks to encounter in a collision. Truck accidents can take multiple forms.

However, jackknife truck accidents have been known to cause catastrophic injuries and deaths if tractor-trailers are not handled properly. If you have been involved in a jackknife truck crash, you may feel overwhelmed and wonder how you will get through these challenging times.

Thankfully, you can rest easier when you have an experienced buffalo jackknifed truck accident lawyer at Feroleto Law working for you. Our team will work tirelessly to identify liable parties, build a compelling case against them, and recover maximum compensation for your damages. Contact our office at 716-854-0700 or through our online contact form today to learn more about your next steps.

Why Choose Our Buffalo Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyers?

Our dedicated jackknife truck accident attorneys in Buffalo at Feroleto Law always put our clients first. We actively listen to our client’s needs and develop a strategy that is sure to win. We know when to hire experts to testify on your behalf and are prepared to fight fiercely for the total compensation you deserve.

Our client-centered approach makes our team one of the top options for your truck accident claim. Attorney John Feroleto has a proven and recognized track record of success, being named trial attorney of the year by the Western New York Affiliate of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association.

How a Buffalo Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer at Our Firm Can Help

When you need a jackknife truck accident lawyer you can rely on, look no further than Feroleto Law. Our team is prepared to take on the insurance and civil claim processes on your behalf so you can focus on healing.

Here is a general idea of what you can expect when our attorneys begin working on your truck accident case:

• We will begin by conducting a thorough investigation into how your accident occurred to establish liability. 
• We will gather evidence along the way, including witness statements, forensic evidence, expert testimony, black box data analysis, and other pertinent records.
• We will talk with you and advise you on the best ways to file insurance claims.
• We will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure they are held accountable.
• If your insurance settlement offer by the insurance company is insufficient, we will be prepared to renegotiate your insurance settlement or bring your case to trial.

These are just a few responsibilities your truck accident attorney will take on with your case. Since we work on contingency, you do not need to worry about putting a retainer down or covering any expenses along the way. We will handle every legal detail of your case from start to finish so you can get the most out of your claim.

Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents in Buffalo

One of your truck accident lawyer’s top responsibilities will be figuring out what caused your collision. This will help us determine who is responsible for causing your injuries so we can hold them accountable for your damages.

Generally, jackknife truck accidents occur when the trailer swings into the truck bed at a 90° angle. This pushes the front portion of the truck to one side. Generally, jackknife accidents occur when truck drivers lack sufficient driving experience or 18-wheeler operator training, poor tractor-trailer maintenance, faulty braking system, or driving too fast for the weather or traffic conditions..

However, jackknife accidents can also occur when truckers brake too fast or hard, fail to give enough stopping distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of them, or poor road conditions contribute to the collision.

Liability for Your Truck Accident Damages

The cause of the jackknifed truck accident will help us determine liability. Commercial truck accidents are unique because multiple parties often share liability for the victim’s damages.

If an improperly trained truck driver caused your jackknife truck accident, you would assume you could sue the unskilled trucker. However, you might also have the right to take legal action against the trucking company that employs the trucker. Here is more:

Trucking Companies

Trucking companies are one of the most common parties to be held accountable in jackknife truck accidents. Trucking companies are responsible for their big rigs’ maintenance, thoroughly checking the drivers driving history for past accidents and violations, making sure the driver isn’t on the road more than legally allowed, keeping track of whether the driver is speeding and taking required breaks to prevent fatigue and generally safety of the trucking operation.

Anytime they hire truckers without due diligence, force them to work over the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and regulations, or otherwise fail to uphold the duty of care, they can ultimately be the cause of these devastating collisions.

Reckless Truck Drivers

Reckless truck drivers are also frequently sued after jackknife truck accidents. This is because truck drivers have an obligation to always operate the big rig tractor-trailer safely.

However, they can be held accountable for the victim’s damages when they fail to perform necessary safety inspections or neglect their duty to identify potential mechanical failures that could contribute to an accident. The trucker is required to conduct a detailed inspection of the truck at the beginning of each workday.

Other Potentially Liable Parties

Other parties who could also share liability for your jackknife truck accident damages include cargo loaders, maintenance professionals, safety inspectors, parts manufacturers, brokers and other third parties.

The Value of Your Jackknife Truck Accident Claim

It will be up to your truck accident lawyer in Buffalo to carefully evaluate how your life has been affected by your damages so you can be compensated fairly. Generally, damages are categorized as economic or non-economic.

Economic damages account for financial losses, while non-economic damages describe how truck accident victims’ lives have been affected by their injuries and the accident itself. Here are some of the most common types of damages jackknife truck accident victims can recover:

Lost Wages and Employee Benefits

The liable party should cover your costs when you need to take time off work to heal from your injuries. Examples of employee benefits and wages you could recover include:

• Salary or hourly pay rate
• Loss of paid time off
• Loss of employer-provided health insurance
• Loss of potential future earnings
• Loss of employer-provided contributions to your 401(k) and retirement savings.

Medical Expenses and Healthcare Fees

The liable party should be obligated to cover every medical expense you incurred, and your future medical costs. Examples of healthcare expenses could include:

• Home accommodations
• Co-pays
• Diagnostic testing fees
• Medical devices and equipment
• Transportation costs
• physical therapy
• chiropractic care
• hospital costs
• surgery costs
• primary doctor visits
• Prescription medications.

Emotional Trauma and Distress

After being involved in a traffic collision like a jackknife accident, you may be stuck dealing with extensive emotional trauma and psychological distress, making it impossible to live your life normally. If you are having trouble coping emotionally, you should be compensated fairly so you can access the funds needed to begin rebuilding your life.

Jackknife Truck Accident FAQ

When you have questions regarding jackknifed truck accident claims, Feroleto Law has answers:

What will it cost to hire a jackknife truck accident attorney in Buffalo?

Feroleto Law offers a no-fee guarantee. If we do not win, you do not owe us compensation. You do not owe us even one penny in legal fees if we do not win compensation in your jackknife truck accident claim. This allows you to pursue your case without worrying about additional financial losses.

Can I file a truck accident claim for my injured child?

Yes, if your child suffered critical injuries in a jackknife truck accident, it is up to you to take legal action on their behalf as their parent or legal guardian. Minor children have the same right to compensation for their damages when another party is responsible for causing their injuries.

How long do I have to file a jackknife truck accident claim?

The statute of limitations for many personal injury claims is three years under New York law. However, when filing a claim for no-fault benefits with the insurance company, the time you have to file your claim could be as few as 30 days. Other shorter time periods apply in certain situations which is why you should call the truck accident attorneys at Feroleto Law as soon as possible.

What happens if I am partially liable for the accident or my injuries?

New York State operates under a pure comparative negligence system. If you share fault for your injuries, you can be compensated for your damages at a reduced rate. For instance, if you were 30% responsible for causing your injuries because you were not wearing a seatbelt, your settlement would be reduced by 30%.

These are just a few of the top questions truck accident victims have asked regarding their claims. If you have additional questions we did not cover here, do not hesitate to contact our team so we can discuss your specific concerns further.

Contact a Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer in Buffalo for Help Today

Jackknife truck accidents in Buffalo can potentially turn your life upside down. However, with the compensation you are entitled to, you can come out on top and avoid being stuck covering the costs.

Start to rebuild your life as soon as today when you reach out to Feroleto Law to discuss your legal options for financial relief. You can reach our office by phone at 716-854-0700 or through our quick contact form when you are ready to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation.

Attorney John Feroleto

Attorney John Feroleto understands the value of hard work. He is known in the community and by his peers for his willingness to work and go the extra mile. Other lawyers often ask John to handle their trial matters to maximize clients’ recovery. Trial lawyers know who the best trial lawyers are. He was also named Trial Attorney of the Year in 2012 by the Western New York Affiliate of New York State Trial Lawyers Association. [ Attorney Bio ]