A jackknife truck accident can change your life in an instant. One moment you’re driving safely along Route 24, I-195, or I-95 — the next, a tractor-trailer folds across the lanes like a pocketknife, crushing smaller vehicles and blocking traffic for miles.
At Rightful Legal, we know that behind every highway crash report is a real person whose world has been turned upside down. Led by Attorney Tracy Paulsen, our Bristol County personal injury team helps victims of jackknife truck accidents get answers, accountability, and full compensation.
If you were hurt in a collision involving a jackknifed tractor-trailer anywhere in Bristol County — from Attleboro to Taunton, Fall River, or New Bedford — call or text 617-821-5856 for a free consultation today.
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A jackknife occurs when a truck’s cab and trailer fold toward each other at a sharp angle, usually during braking or a skid. The trailer may swing across lanes, strike nearby vehicles, or roll over entirely.
Common causes on Bristol County roads include sudden braking on wet or icy pavement, taking a curve too fast near Route 140 or I-195, overloaded or unbalanced trailers leaving local distribution centers, brake or ABS failure, and driver fatigue on long hauls from the Port of New Bedford or Interstate 95 corridor.
These crashes are especially dangerous on high-traffic routes like Route 24, where downhill grades and merging ramps increase jackknife risks.
Jackknife collisions can lead to severe, even fatal injuries. Victims often suffer:
– Head and brain injuries (TBIs)
– Neck, back, and spinal cord damage
– Fractures and crush injuries
– Internal bleeding and organ trauma
– Severe burns or amputations
– Post-traumatic stress and anxiety
– Wrongful death
Attorney Tracy Paulsen and her team work closely with physicians and specialists in Bristol County — including Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Morton Hospital in Taunton, and Charlton Memorial in Fall River — to document the full extent of your injuries and future care needs.
Several parties may share responsibility:
– The truck driver, for speeding, distraction, or fatigue
– The trucking company, for overworking drivers or neglecting maintenance
– Cargo loaders or shippers, for unbalanced or unsecured loads
– Manufacturers, for brake or tire defects
– Maintenance contractors, for improper repairs
At Rightful Legal, we investigate every angle — reviewing electronic control module (ECM) data, driver logs, GPS records, and inspection reports — to uncover what really caused the crash.
Statute of Limitations: You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Massachusetts. Acting quickly helps preserve critical evidence, including truck black-box data and dash-cam footage.
Comparative Negligence: Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 231, Section 85, you can still recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault. Attorney Paulsen uses expert reconstruction and ECM analysis to minimize any claims that you contributed to the crash.
Damages You May Recover:
– Medical bills and rehabilitation
– Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
– Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
– Property damage
– Wrongful death damages for families
When a truck jackknifes, every minute counts. The trucking company’s investigators are often on scene before the vehicles are even cleared. Rightful Legal acts immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Our Investigation Includes:
– Sending preservation letters to secure ECM and dash-cam data
– Reviewing maintenance, brake, and tire inspection logs
– Analyzing Hours-of-Service records for driver fatigue
– Working with accident reconstruction experts familiar with Massachusetts highways
– Calculating full economic and non-economic losses for settlement or trial
We coordinate with local police departments, the Massachusetts State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section, and regional crash reconstruction units to ensure no detail is missed.
Local experience: We live and work in Bristol County — we know the roads, the courts, and the insurance adjusters who handle these claims.
Led by Attorney Tracy Paulsen: Over 15 years of personal injury experience and a reputation for fighting hard for Massachusetts families.
Personalized attention: Every case is handled directly by our team, not farmed out to a national call center.
Contingency fee representation: You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Proven results: We’ve helped Massachusetts truck accident victims secure compensation for serious injuries and wrongful deaths.
Contact Rightful Legal NOW for a Free Case Evaluation
Call or Text 617-821-5856
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Q1: What should I do after a jackknife truck crash?
A1: Call 911, get medical help, and take photos or videos if possible. Avoid talking to the trucking company’s insurer — call Rightful Legal first.
Q2: How long do I have to file my claim?
A2: Usually three years, but the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
Q3: Can I afford a lawyer?
A3: Yes. We work on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis. Your consultation is always free.
Q4: How much is my case worth?
A4: That depends on your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and long-term impact.
Q5: What makes Rightful Legal different?
A5: We’re a Massachusetts-based firm, not a national chain. You’ll work directly with Attorney Tracy Paulsen, who knows Bristol County roads and juries.
If you or a loved one were injured in a Bristol County jackknife truck accident, don’t wait for the trucking company to build its defense. Let Rightful Legal protect your rights from day one.
Call or Text Attorney Paulsen Directly at 617-821-5856 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Rightful Legal – Fighting for Bristol County Truck Accident Victims.