Commonwealth Court Affirms Trial Court’s Decision to Determine Jerk and Jolt Burden as a Matter of Law

Key Points: The “jerk and jolt doctrine” is a long-standing tenet of Pennsylvania law that protects common carriers from liability involving the normal “jerks” and “jolts” that are expected in the operation of a vehicle. The doctrine requires a plaintiff to establish that the “jerk” or “jolt” or stop of a vehicle was so unusual and extraordinary as to be beyond a passenger’s reasonable anticipation….
By: Marshall Dennehey