In a blinding moment, your whole world changed. Now you're left dealing with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and the uncertainty of what comes next. For many victims, the collision was just the beginning of a long and confusing legal process—one that requires clear answers, strong evidence, and skilled legal guidance.
At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum Attorneys at Law, we help victims of jackknife truck accidents in Rhode Island understand their legal options and pursue compensation from the responsible parties. Large truck crashes are rarely straightforward, which is why relying on our decades of expertise is essential to building a compelling personal injury claim.
Why Does It Matter to Know the Cause of the Jackknife Accident?
In this type of incident, the trailer of a large semi-truck swings out at an angle to the cab, often blocking traffic or causing a multi-vehicle crash. While the result is dramatic, the reasons for it vary—and understanding exactly what happened is critical for determining who’s legally responsible.
Common causes of jackknife accidents include:
- Driver error. Sudden braking, speeding, or taking turns too fast frequently cause the trailer to skid and jackknife.
- Poor weather conditions. Rain, snow, and ice reduce tire traction and increase the risk of loss of control.
- Mechanical failure. Worn brakes, faulty tires, or steering problems may point to negligent maintenance by the trucking company.
- Improperly loaded cargo. An unbalanced load can shift and destabilize the trailer, especially during braking or turning.
- Driver fatigue. A tired truck operator may react too slowly to road conditions, leading to overcorrection or panic braking.
Each of these circumstances could involve a different defendant—from the driver or trucking company to maintenance contractors or cargo loaders. Identifying that negligence is the first step our experienced Rhode Island truck accident lawyers take in filing a successful personal injury claim.
What Evidence Do You Need to Support Your Claim?
Truck accident claims are evidence-heavy. A simple police report isn’t enough. You can count on Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum Attorneys at Law to gather detailed documentation to prove how the accident occurred and why the responsible party should be held accountable.
Key evidence in jackknife accident claims includes:
- Black box data. Electronic logging devices record speed, braking, and steering data in the seconds before the crash.
- Driver logs. These show how long the truck operator had been on the road and whether they violated federal rest requirements and hours of service regulations.
- Maintenance and inspection records. These documents may reveal ignored repairs or mechanical defects.
- Cargo loading reports. Improperly balanced or unsecured freight can be a root cause of trailer instability.
- Dashcam or traffic footage. Video evidence helps reconstruct the sequence of events and confirm driver behavior.
- Witness statements and expert analysis. Testimony from other drivers and accident reconstruction experts can further support your version of events.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Jackknife Accident?
One of the most complex parts of any claim like this is determining fault. These crashes often involve more than one negligent party. Depending on the facts of your case, the following may be held accountable:
- The truck operator. If they were speeding, distracted, fatigued, or otherwise driving recklessly.
- The trucking company. If it failed to maintain the vehicle, pressured the driver to violate safety rules, or hired unqualified drivers.
- A third-party maintenance provider. If it performed poor-quality inspections or repairs.
- Cargo loading crews. As mentioned above, there might be valid proof the trailer was loaded in a way that increased instability.
- Manufacturers. If a defective brake or tire contributed to the accident, they might be found at fault.
Our team applies rigorous due diligence and years of experience in truck accident litigation to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue claims against each, maximizing your potential compensation.
How Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum Helps Your Personal and Financial Recovery
We’re ready to thoroughly investigate your jackknife crash, secure expert testimony, and negotiate with powerful trucking and insurance companies. Our comprehensive evaluation of your economic and non-economic damages includes:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
We don’t just build cases—we build trust. You deserve clarity, advocacy, and a legal team that fights for the outcome you need to move forward.