Jackknife truck accidents in Schaumburg occur when a truck driver loses control, causing the nose of the truck to fold sharply toward the direction of the trailer. This results in the truck sliding out of control and hitting anything in its path.
The term “jackknife” is used because the truck resembles the shape of a folding knife. The loss of control is usually caused by factors such as slippery roads, braking too hard, or turning too sharply. Once a jackknife occurs, the truck’s momentum goes forward, making it impossible to regain control.
When you or a loved one sustains injuries in this type of crash, immediately reach out to a seasoned tractor-trailer crash attorney at The Kryder Law Group to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
What Causes a Truck to Jackknife?
Some common scenarios that may lead to jackknife semi-truck accidents in Schaumburg include:
- Poor weather conditions
- Failure to keep a proper lookout
- Traveling too fast for the conditions
- Sudden and erratic shifts in the wheel
- Slamming on the brakes suddenly to avoid a collision
In addition, tractor-trailers are more likely to jackknife on slippery road conditions, such as ice or wet pavement, and even in cases of high winds.
Precautions Truckers Can Take to Prevent Jackknifing
Truck drivers should focus on maintaining control of their vehicles and take extra care in hazardous weather conditions to prevent jackknifing. This includes reducing speed, driving more diligently, and keeping a proper lookout. Ultimately, the responsibility falls on the trucker to avoid jackknifing, as these crashes often result from driver error.
To prevent jackknife collisions in Schaumburg, truck drivers can conduct a pre-trip inspection of the brakes, steering, and mirrors to ensure everything is in proper working order. This can be done before they begin traveling by visually inspecting all the necessary components. By conducting a walkover of the truck, drivers can check for any visible issues that could potentially lead to a wreck.
What Happens If the Wreck Was Not Foreseeable or Preventable, but Someone Still Got Hurt?
Typically, when someone suffers injuries in a jackknife collision caused by an 18-wheeler, the driver of the truck is likely to be at fault. This is because the driver is responsible for maintaining control of the vehicle and taking precautions to prevent such accidents. While there may be other contributing factors, such as weather conditions, the trucker still has a duty of care to adjust their driving to account for these conditions.
The Devastating Impacts of Jackknife Collisions
A jackknifed truck can cause a lot of damage to other vehicles on the road. When a tractor-trailer is in a jackknife position, the driver has lost control of the vehicle, and the momentum is going forward, so the truck will slide and hit anything in its path. This means that it can crush and strike other vehicles on the road, causing significant damage and potentially injuring or killing people in those vehicles.
Let a Schaumburg Attorney Handle Your Jackknife Truck Accident Claim
When going through the legal process following a jackknife truck accident in Schaumburg, working with a well-practiced lawyer could help you establish who is at fault for the wreck. Trucking companies have their own legal team to protect themselves from liability, so having a seasoned attorney on your side can make a huge difference in the outcome.
A dedicated lawyer from The Kryder Law Group could help you navigate the complex legal system, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Call today to get started on your case.
(312) 223-1700