Truck accidents differ significantly from passenger car accidents. Some types of accidents, such as jackknife accidents, only happen to large commercial trucks.
Jackknife truck accidents are one of the most dangerous events that can occur on Chicago highways. They often cause multi-vehicle collisions and catastrophic injuries.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a jackknife truck accident in Chicago, you may be entitled to recover compensation. You should consult an experienced Chicago truck accident attorney to determine your options, protect your rights, and help you get the justice you deserve.
What is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife truck accident happens when the trailer swings out and around toward the cab of the truck, resulting in a “V” shape. Jackknifed trucks may cross multiple lanes and crash into numerous vehicles, road infrastructure, and other items in the area. A jackknife accident can block an entire highway and cause a vehicle pileup, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
What Causes a Jackknife Truck Accident in Chicago?
Most jackknife truck accidents are caused by a loss of traction resulting from:
- Braking improperly. If a driver suddenly brakes, or brakes improperly, the trailer may lose traction and swing out and around toward the cab of the truck, causing a jackknife accident.
- Speeding. If a driver exceeds the speed limit, they may lose control, which can result in a jackknife event.
- Equipment malfunction. When equipment fails during operation, the truck and trailer may become unstable, causing the driver to lose control and potentially leading to a jackknife accident. Equipment failure may happen due to a defective product or negligent maintenance.
- Improper cargo loading. If a truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, it can cause the truck to become unbalanced and result in a jackknife accident.
- Driver fatigue. When truck drivers are sleepy or tired, they may experience impaired reaction times, which can lead to accidents.
- Inadequate driver training. If a truck driver has not received adequate training, they may not know how to respond to situations that could lead to a jackknife accident.
- Road conditions. Whether the road conditions are poor due to bad weather, dangerous design, or negligent maintenance, poor road conditions can cause a jackknife accident.
Top Injuries in Jackknife Truck Accidents in Chicago
Jackknife accidents can cause devastating injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries that occur in jackknife truck accidents in Chicago include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken or crushed bones, internal bleeding, and organ damage.
Other common injuries in jackknife truck accidents include burns, lacerations, facial injuries, disfigurement, whiplash, and soft tissue injuries.
Many jackknife accidents are fatal. Others may cause life-altering injuries that require expensive, long-term medical care. You must understand the value of all your current and future damages before accepting a settlement offer. At Meyers & Flowers, we often consult medical and economic experts to help establish the existence of current and future injuries and to have them adequately valued so you know what a fair settlement of your claim would be.
Compensation Recoverable in Jackknife Truck Accidents
Compensation recoverable in jackknife truck accidents depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and the strength of your case. In a successful case, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include current and future medical expenses, current and future lost wages, property damage, and other financial costs incurred due to your accident and injuries. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and other intangible costs.
Consult a Chicago Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a jackknife truck accident in Chicago, you should consult an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer. At Meyers & Flowers, our Chicago personal injury attorneys will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options. If we represent you, we will fight tirelessly to recover maximum compensation for you.
Call (630) 280-3771 or complete the short form on our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your jackknife truck accident claim.