Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyers

Illinois Injury Attorneys for Accidents Caused By Semi-Truck Jackknifing

Jackknife truck accidents are among the most hazardous incidents on Illinois roadways, posing significant risks to both truck drivers and other motorists. These accidents occur when an articulated vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, folds at the junction between the tractor and the trailer, forming an angle resembling a folding pocket knife. This phenomenon often leads to multi-vehicle collisions, severe injuries, and fatalities. Understanding the causes, statistics, common injuries, and preventive measures associated with jackknife accidents is crucial for enhancing road safety in Illinois.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact that jackknife accidents can have. Our Illinois semi-truck accident attorneys have extensive experience in trucking accident litigation and understand the complex legal issues surrounding these accidents.

How Do Jackknife Accidents Occur?

A jackknife accident transpires when the trailer of a large truck swings out of alignment with the tractor, creating an acute angle that can obstruct multiple lanes of traffic. This misalignment typically results from a loss of traction, causing the trailer to skid. Several factors can cause such incidents:

• Braking Issues: Sudden or improper braking, especially on slippery surfaces, can cause the trailer to lose traction and swing out.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of a jackknife scenario.
• Road Conditions: Wet, icy, or uneven road surfaces can diminish tire grip, facilitating skidding.
• Equipment Failure: Malfunctions in braking systems or other mechanical components can lead to loss of control.
• Driver Fatigue: Tired truck drivers may have delayed reaction times, making it challenging to manage sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.

Statistics on Truck Accidents in Illinois

Truck accidents constitute a significant portion of vehicular incidents in Illinois. According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in 2020, there were 9,536 crashes involving large trucks in the state, resulting in 121 fatalities and 2,129 injuries. In 2021, the number of crashes involving tractor-trailers in Illinois rose to 11,178, accounting for 3.8% of total crashes and 3% of all injury crashes. Notably, incapacitating injuries constituted 14.6% of all injuries in these tractor-trailer crashes.

While specific statewide data on jackknife accidents is limited, national statistics provide insight into their prevalence. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that in 2020, 3.5% of fatal large truck crashes involved jackknifing. Of these, 0.6% were the first harmful event, while 2.9% occurred as a subsequent event.

Common Injuries in Jackknife Crashes

Jackknife accidents can result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Some of the most common injuries that happen in a jackknife accident include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Severe head trauma can occur if a victim’s vehicle is struck forcefully or crushed by a jackknifing truck.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a collision can damage the spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken Bones: High-impact crashes often result in fractures, which can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: The force of the crash can cause damage to internal organs, leading to life-threatening complications.
• Lacerations and Burns: Broken glass, metal debris, and potential fires can cause deep cuts and burns.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Sudden vehicle stops or impacts can cause neck and back injuries that may lead to chronic pain.

Factors Contributing to Jackknife Accidents in Illinois

Several factors unique to Illinois may contribute to the occurrence of jackknife accidents:

• Weather Conditions: Illinois experiences a range of weather patterns, including heavy snowfall and icy conditions during winter months. These conditions can create slippery road surfaces, increasing the risk of a truck jackknifing.
• High Traffic Volume: Major highways such as I-55, I-57, and I-80 serve as critical corridors for commercial trucking. The high volume of traffic on these routes can lead to congestion, requiring frequent braking and maneuvering, which can cause jackknife incidents.
• Driver Shortages and Fatigue: The trucking industry often faces driver shortages, leading to extended hours on the road for existing drivers. Fatigue resulting from long driving hours can impair judgment and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Preventive Measures for Jackknife Accidents

Reducing the incidence of jackknife accidents requires a multifaceted approach involving drivers, trucking companies, and policymakers. Key preventive measures include:

• Driver Training: Comprehensive training programs should emphasize safe braking techniques, speed management, and hazard recognition to equip drivers with the skills necessary to prevent jackknifing.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of braking systems, tires, and other critical components are essential to ensure optimal performance and prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
• Use of Advanced Technologies: Implementing electronic stability control systems and anti-lock braking systems can help maintain vehicle stability and prevent skidding.
• Adherence to Hours of Service Regulations: Ensuring that drivers comply with federal hours-of-service regulations can mitigate fatigue-related incidents.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the dangers of driving in close proximity to large trucks and promoting safe driving practices can help reduce collisions.

Who Is Liable In Jackknife Collisions?

In the aftermath of a jackknife accident, determining liability can be complex. Potentially responsible parties include:

• Truck Drivers: If driver negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, is proven, the driver may be held liable.
• Trucking Companies: Companies may be held responsible for inadequate maintenance, insufficient driver training, or pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations.
• Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure due to a manufacturing defect contributed to the accident, the equipment manufacturer might be liable.

Victims of jackknife accidents in Illinois have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Engaging experienced Illinois truck accident lawyers is crucial to navigate the complexities of such claims and to ensure that all liable parties are held fully accountable.

Contact the Illinois Truck Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Jackknife truck accidents present a significant safety concern on Illinois roadways, with the potential to cause severe injuries and fatalities. Understanding the contributing factors and implementing targeted preventive measures are essential steps toward reducing the occurrence of these incidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife truck accident, we can help. At John J. Malm & Associates, with offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our experienced trucking injury attorneys are dedicated to advocating for the rights of truck accident victims across Illinois. We understand the complexity of semi-truck cases and will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Contact us today for a free consultation to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.