In 2022, there were over 275,000 crashes on Illinois roads. Among the crashes, over 2,000 involved large trucks, including jackknife accidents. A jackknife truck accident is a terrifying and potentially catastrophic incident that occurs when the trailer of a semi-truck swings out and folds against the tractor, resembling a folding knife. These accidents often happen suddenly and without warning, leaving devastation in their wake.
Jackknife truck accidents can result from various factors, including driver negligence, vehicle maintenance issues, and adverse weather or road conditions. When these large trucks lose control, they pose a huge threat to other motorists on the road, frequently leading to life-altering injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. Stein & Shulman here to assist you through this difficult time, keep reading for more information.
Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents
Driver Error
One of the leading causes of jackknife truck accidents is driver error. Truck drivers are responsible for operating massive vehicles that require a high level of skill and attention. Even a small lapse in judgment can lead to horrible consequences. Here are some of the most common driver error causes of jackknife accidents:
- Excessive speed
- Improper braking techniques
- Distracted driving
Vehicle Maintenance Issues
Inadequate vehicle maintenance can also contribute to these accidents. Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for ensuring the truck is in proper working condition before hitting the road. Some of the most common vehicle maintenance issues causing jackknife accidents are as follows:
- Faulty brakes
- Tire blowouts
- Improper weight distribution
Environmental Factors
Finally, external conditions like weather and road surfaces can result in an accident. These are the two most common environmental factors contributing to jackknife truck accidents:
- Adverse weather conditions
- Poor road conditions
Injuries and Damages Resulting from Jackknife Truck Accidents
Jackknife truck accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in catastrophic injuries and even death. Here are some common injuries and damages:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Death
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
Depending on the level of injury, these damages can be life-altering and financially devastating for the victim. An experienced attorney can help recover and determine liability.
Liability in Jackknife Truck Accidents
Determining liability in a jackknife truck accident is necessary for holding the responsible parties accountable and securing fair compensation for the victims. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, several parties may be found liable.
Truck Driver Liability
Truck drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. If a driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or improper braking techniques, contributed to the jackknife accident, they may be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages.
Trucking Company Liability
In many cases, the trucking company that employs the driver may also be held liable for a jackknife truck accident.
- Negligent hiring and training: Trucking companies are responsible for thoroughly vetting and training their drivers. If a company fails to screen for qualifications or provide adequate training, it may be found negligent if its drivers’ actions lead to an accident.
- Failure to maintain vehicles: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their fleet of vehicles is properly maintained and in safe operating condition. The trucking company may be held liable if a jackknife accident occurs due to faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or other maintenance issues.
Third-Party Liability
In some cases, third parties may also share liability for a jackknife truck accident.
- Manufacturers: If a defective vehicle component, such as brakes or tires, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of that component may be held liable under product liability laws.
- Mechanics: If a mechanic or repair facility improperly serviced or maintained the truck, leading to a mechanical failure that caused the jackknife accident, they may be found liable.
- Other drivers: In multi-vehicle accidents, another driver’s negligence may have contributed to the jackknife incident, in which case they may share liability.
Establishing liability in jackknife truck accidents often requires a thorough investigation and legal experience in this field. An experienced truck accident attorney at Stein & Shulman can help identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation from the appropriate sources, whether through negotiations with insurance companies or by filing a lawsuit.
Compensation for Jackknife Truck Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages. An experienced attorney can help pursue the following types of compensation and more depending on the circumstances:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages: In cases where the truck driver or trucking company’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are designed to punish the responsible party and deter similar behaviors in the future.
- Wrongful death: In the tragic event of a fatality resulting from a jackknife truck accident, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income and support, and other damages.
It’s important to note that the specific damages recoverable in a jackknife truck accident case will depend on the individual circumstances and how much liability the court finds. An experienced truck accident attorney can evaluate your case and pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Stein & Shulman Can Help
Jackknife truck accidents can have catastrophic consequences, leaving victims and their families to deal with life-altering injuries, mounting medical expenses, and emotional trauma. If you have been involved in such an accident, you need a legal team with the experience and resources to navigate the complexities of these cases and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Stein & Shulman, our dedicated truck accident attorneys have a proven track record of successfully representing victims of jackknife truck accidents in Northbrook, Illinois. We understand the devastating impact these incidents can have on your life, and we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. Contact us today for a consultation.