Jackknife Truck Accidents in NYC

Posted in Truck Accidents on April 12, 2013

Insights Regarding Tractor Trailers and Jackknife Truck Accidents in New York

Tractor trailers, also known as 18-Wheelers, Mac Trucks, Road Trains, and Big Rigs are a critical part of the American transportation, logistics, shipping, and distribution industries. These large semi-trucks crisscross the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, over thousands of miles across dozens of state lines.

Tractor trailers can just fit within the driving lanes of New York City thruways, US highways and interstates (the standard wheel base is up to 22 ft across), are considered a wide load on every back road, and are restricted from most tunnels and single lane bridge underpasses. Their sheer size is daunting, and driving next to one can be a white-knuckle experience.

Facts about the average tractor trailer:

Has an engine that is 6 times larger than a standard car engine
Can run non-stop
Can drive up to 1 million miles before necessary maintenance is required
Have 1,000 to 2,000 lbs per ft of torque
Can weigh up to 40 tons (80,000lbs)
Can reach lengths of over 70 ft
Can reach heights of over 13 ft
Have a standard 55ft turning radius for left turns

Given these statistics it isn’t hard to imagine that when these behemoths are on the road, accidents will happen, and they will be devastating.

NYC Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accidents

One of the most common types of tractor trailer accidents in NYC is the jackknife. A tractor trailer jackknife accident occurs when the driver allows the truck and trailer to turn into an angle that is less than 45º, at which point the tractor (truck head) makes contact with the trailer. This contact can be violent and is extremely dangerous.

A jackknifed tractor trailer can collide with other vehicles, stop traffic, or can careen off the road; hitting pedestrians, buildings, parked cars, or anything else in its way. While not all jackknife accidents cause harm or damage, the probability of jackknife accidents causing injury is high.

Most jackknife truck accidents are caused by human error and can lead to severe injuries, and fatalities. When a loved one is injured or killed in an accident caused by a jackknifed tractor trailer, you need to know your legal rights. I am an accident lawyer with proven experience and know how to deal with these types of truck accident cases. I will help you find answers, get justice, and obtain the compensation uou rightfully deserved for your pain and sufferings. My firm never charges you a fee unless we win your case. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you, so call us.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in New York, NY

If you need legal assistance, contact the NYC personal injury lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.

We have two convenient locations in New York:

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
450 7th Ave #409
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
26 Court St Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600