We Fight for the Rights of Personal Injury and Accident Victims
Our goal is to make sure you get the justice you deserve and are fully compensated for your harms and losses
Jackknife Accident Lawyer
When a Truck Folds, Lives Can Shatter — Rightful Legal Helps You Rebuild
When a tractor-trailer jackknifes, the massive trailer swings out from behind the cab at a sharp angle, often sweeping across lanes and smashing into unsuspecting vehicles. The result can be catastrophic—multi-vehicle collisions, severe injuries, and devastating loss of life.
At Rightful Legal, we understand that a jackknife truck crash is more than an accident—it’s a life-changing event. Attorney Tracy Paulsen, a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer with over 15 years of experience, leads a team that moves fast to investigate, protect evidence, and stand up to powerful trucking companies.
If you or a loved one was injured in a jackknife accident anywhere in Massachusetts, including Bristol County, Boston, Plymouth County, or Norfolk County, our firm is ready to help. We provide free, no-obligation consultations and fight tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve.
Have You or Someone You Love Been Hurt in a Jackknife Accident?
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What Is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife accident happens when the cab and trailer of a semi-truck fold toward each other—like a closing pocketknife. When this occurs, the driver loses control, and the trailer can sweep across multiple lanes, crushing smaller vehicles and blocking the highway.
Jackknife crashes typically involve:
- Large commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, or tankers
- Sudden loss of traction on icy or wet Massachusetts roads
- Improper braking or turning
- Overloaded or unbalanced cargo
- Mechanical or brake failure
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), jackknife crashes cause thousands of serious injuries and deaths every year. On Massachusetts highways like I-93, I-95, I-495, and Route 24, steep grades, winter weather, and congested traffic make these crashes especially dangerous.
Common Injuries in Jackknife Accidents
Victims of jackknife crashes often face catastrophic injuries that require long-term care and rehabilitation. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and compound fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Soft tissue injuries and whiplash
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety
- Wrongful death
These injuries can leave victims struggling with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. Attorney Tracy Paulsen works closely with medical specialists, life-care planners, and economists to calculate the true cost of your recovery—now and in the future.
Top Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Massachusetts
Jackknife accidents almost always involve preventable negligence. At Rightful Legal, we carefully identify every contributing factor and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Driver Negligence
- Distracted or drowsy driving
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Following too closely
- Overcorrecting after a skid
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Sudden braking or improper turning
Mechanical or Equipment Failures
- Faulty or poorly maintained brakes
- Worn tires or tread separation
- Malfunctioning anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
- Defective electronic stability control (ESC)
- Improper trailer coupling or unbalanced cargo
Weather and Road Conditions
- Massachusetts snow, ice, and black ice
- Slippery highway ramps and rotaries
- Poorly maintained or uneven roads
- Low visibility due to fog, rain, or glare
Trucking companies are required under federal law to keep their vehicles in safe operating condition. When they skip maintenance or push tired drivers to stay on the road, they can and should be held legally responsible.
Are Jackknife Accidents Preventable?
Yes. The vast majority of jackknife accidents could be avoided through proper training, maintenance, and compliance with safety regulations.
Best Practices for Preventing Jackknife Crashes
- Leave adequate following distance to avoid sudden braking
- Perform daily brake and tire inspections
- Secure and balance all cargo properly
- Obey federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) limits to prevent fatigue
- Use modern safety technologies like ABS and ESC
- Adjust speed and braking for Massachusetts winter weather
When trucking companies or drivers fail to follow these protocols, they place everyone on the road in danger. Rightful Legal’s investigation will uncover whether safety rules were ignored.
Hurt by a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Contact Rightful Legal NOW for a Free Consultation
Call or Text 617-821-5856
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Massachusetts Laws That Protect Truck Accident Victims
Massachusetts law provides strong protections for people injured by negligent drivers or trucking companies. Understanding your rights early is critical.
Statute of Limitation
Most Massachusetts personal injury cases must be filed within three years of the accident date. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, can vary depending on the circumstances, so it’s important to contact an attorney immediately.
Comparative Negligence
Under Massachusetts General Laws c. 231, §85, you can still recover damages even if you are partly at fault for the crash—as long as you are not more than 50% responsible. Your compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one was killed in a jackknife collision, the executor or administrator of their estate can file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional damages for surviving family members.
Rightful Legal guides families through every step of these complex cases with compassion and clarity.
How Rightful Legal Investigates Jackknife Crashes
Trucking companies and insurers act fast after a serious crash—so do we. Our firm immediately begins a comprehensive investigation designed to preserve evidence and uncover the truth.
1. Securing Black-Box (ECM) and Dashcam Data
Every modern truck has an electronic control module (ECM) that records crucial details such as speed, brake pressure, and steering angle. We send immediate preservation letters to prevent this evidence from being deleted.
2. Examining Maintenance and Inspection Records
We analyze truck inspection reports, maintenance logs, and repair invoices to determine whether the company neglected its safety duties.
3. Reviewing Driver Conduct
Our team reviews logbooks, GPS data, and cell phone records to see if the driver violated hours-of-service rules or was distracted at the time of the crash.
4. Accident Reconstruction
We collaborate with industry experts and use crash reconstruction software to recreate the scene. This helps identify how the jackknife occurred and which factors caused it.
5. Building Your Case for Full Compensation
We calculate all economic and non-economic damages, including medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Who May Be Held Liable for a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Multiple parties may share responsibility for a jackknife accident, including:
- Truck driver – negligent braking, speeding, or distraction
- Trucking company – poor maintenance, inadequate training, or overworked drivers
- Cargo loader or shipper – unbalanced or unsecured freight
- Manufacturer – defective brakes, tires, or trailer components
- Maintenance contractor – improper or missed repairs
By identifying every responsible entity, Rightful Legal maximizes your chances of full recovery.
Why Choose Rightful Legal
Local Roots, Powerful Advocacy
Based in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Rightful Legal is deeply connected to the communities we serve—from Boston to Brockton, Taunton, and New Bedford. We know the roads, weather patterns, and courts that shape local trucking cases.
Led by Attorney Tracy Paulsen
With over 15 years of trial experience, Attorney Paulsen has built a reputation for fearless advocacy and genuine compassion. She knows how to take on national trucking corporations and win.
You’re More Than a Case Number
At Rightful Legal, we treat every client like family. You’ll receive personal updates, honest answers, and direct access to Attorney Paulsen throughout your case.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work entirely on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackknife Accidents in Massachusetts
1. What should I do after a jackknife truck crash?
Call 911, seek immediate medical care, and if safe, take photos or videos of the scene. Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurer. Then contact Rightful Legal so we can begin preserving evidence.
2. How long do I have to file a claim?
In most cases, Massachusetts law gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, delays can weaken your claim, so it’s best to act quickly.
3. Who pays for my medical expenses?
Under Massachusetts no-fault insurance, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) may cover initial medical costs, but serious injuries usually exceed PIP limits. Rightful Legal pursues additional compensation from all negligent parties.
4. Can a shipper or cargo company be liable?
Yes. If cargo was loaded improperly or caused an imbalance leading to the jackknife, the shipper or freight company may share liability.
5. How does Rightful Legal build my case?
We collect black-box data, dash-cam footage, witness statements, police reports, and maintenance logs—then work with reconstruction experts to prove exactly what went wrong.
6. How much is my case worth?
Each case is unique. The value depends on your injuries, lost income, medical treatment, and pain and suffering. During your free consultation, Attorney Paulsen will give you a clear picture of your claim’s potential.
Contact Rightful Legal for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a Massachusetts jackknife truck accident, you don’t have to take on powerful trucking companies alone.
Rightful Legal is ready to:
- Secure the truck’s ECM and dash-cam evidence
- Investigate every liable party
- Handle the insurance adjusters
- Fight for maximum compensation
📞 Call or Text Attorney Paulsen Directly at 617-821-5856
💻 Contact Rightful Legal Online
Consultations are free and confidential, and you pay no fees unless we win your case.
Rightful Legal is a Massachusetts personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting victims of negligence and wrongful conduct. Founded by Attorney Tracy Paulsen, the firm represents clients across Bristol County, Plymouth County, Norfolk County, and Greater Boston.
We’re committed to one simple mission: to make sure every injured person in Massachusetts receives the justice they deserve.
Rightful Legal — Fighting for the Rights of Massachusetts Truck Accident Victims
