Were you injured in a jackknife accident caused by a truck driver in Peoria, IL? You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
At Joel E. Brown, P.C., our legal team has 30+ years of experience, and we’ve won millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. If you or a loved one has experienced any jackknife accident, hiring a Peoria truck accident lawyer is crucial, especially as you seek to hold the liable parties accountable for their actions.
Contact our law office at 309-673-4357 to schedule a free consultation.
How Joel E. Brown, P.C. Can Help After A Jackknife Accident In Peoria, IL
At Joel E. Brown, P.C., we provide a number of services when beginning a personal injury claim, namely:
- Investigation into the jackknife accident
- A collection of evidence that establishes liability
- Damages calculation
- Communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Litigation, if a settlement isn’t possible
Given the sheer size of commercial trucks and the force they exert as a result, jackknife accidents involving them often result in severe injuries for everyone involved.
If you have suffered such losses because of another party’s negligent conduct in Peoria, Illinois, you may be able to file a claim. In order to have the best chance of receiving fair compensation, hiring a Peoria truck accident attorney is in your best interest. Our experienced lawyers have been recognized by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
With us, you’ll never feel like just one more case. Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation with a Peoria personal injury attorney.
Understanding Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when a commercial truck’s trailer swings out past the cabin, folding the vehicle in half, and forming a “V” shape. It causes the truck to skid uncontrollably across many lanes, potentially hitting various cars and even rolling over in the process.
Here are some common causes of these accidents:
Driver Error
Driver error is usually the cause of these collisions. For example, a truck driver who is speeding can more easily lose control of their rig. Not only is such behavior more likely to result in these crashes, but it is also more likely to lead to life-threatening harm, such as spinal cord or brain injuries.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving is another common cause of jackknife truck accidents. Truckers must adhere to the Department of Transportation’s hours-of-service regulations, but all too often, they break these laws by staying behind the wheel for longer periods. Trucking companies may even encourage them to do so by rewarding a high number of fast deliveries.
The problem is that a fatigued driver can fall asleep behind the wheel. And dozing off for even a second could result in the truck getting out of control. The driver may try to address the problem by hitting the brakes or pulling sharply on the steering wheel, which can make the wheels skid and the cabin swing out.
Distracted Driving
In a similar sense, distracted driving can also cause jackknife crashes. A distracted trucker won’t spot hazards until the last minute, leading them to try erratic maneuvers to avoid a collision. A truck is not as responsive as a car because of its size, though, which means avoiding a collision in these circumstances is not likely.
Defective Parts
Lastly, defective truck parts could also be to blame. If the brake system fails or if there’s a tire blowout, the trucker can lose control. The same can be true if the roads are not in great condition; potholes and debris can cause a truck to skid.
How Common Are Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents are, unfortunately, not a rarity, and they can lead to severe injuries and fatalities; in 2023 alone, 5,472 people died in the U.S. in truck-related crashes. Among these, some of the most serious are jackknife accidents, as they can impact many vehicles at once and lead to catastrophic injuries.
Can You File A Personal Injury Claim After A Jackknife Accident In Peoria, IL?
Illinois is a fault state for traffic accidents; to receive compensation for the losses you sustain, you will need to start a claim against the other party’s insurance. That means proving that the other party was to blame. In most instances, you will have to demonstrate that the trucker was negligent in their conduct.
In certain instances, you may be able to pursue a claim against the trucking company, as well. That can depend, however, on whether the trucker was an employee or an independent contractor. If third parties were involved, like truck part manufacturers, you could file a claim against them if they created defective products.
Contact Our Peoria Truck Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
If you have been in a jackknife accident, our legal team can help you. With over 30 years of experience and millions of dollars recovered, our Peoria truck accident attorneys are prepared to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact Joel E. Brown, P.C., to schedule a free consultation.
