Urbana Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accidents Lawyer
Accidents involving large trucks are often deadly, and tractor-trailer jackknife accidents can be especially serious and deadly. While some tractor-trailer jackknife accidents result from the truck driver’s negligence, these devastating crashes can also result from dangerous road conditions, defective truck parts, poor maintenance, and improper loading of the truck bed. If you or somebody you love was injured in a jackknife collision involving an 18-wheeler, you should get in touch with an attorney at Patel Law, PC to find out more about filing a claim. Contact our experienced Urbana tractor-trailer jackknife accident lawyer for more information.
What Is a Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accident in Urbana?
Tractor-trailer jackknife accidents are a specific type of crash in which the two parts of a tractor-trailer are no longer moving in the same direction, and the front of the tractor-trailer (the cab) begins to move separately from the trailer attached to it. The image of the tractor-trailer takes the shape of a jackknife when it is partially folded out, creating an “L” or a “V” shape. When these types of accidents occur, the truck driver can completely lose control of the tractor-trailer, and it may cause serious and deadly injuries to the truck driver and other motorists on the road.
How Do Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accidents Happen?
Jackknife accidents can have many causes, such as:
- Truck driver failing to brake properly;
- Distracted or intoxicated driving;
- Truck driver speeding;
- Negligent maintenance of the truck brakes;
- Defective truck parts;
- Dangerous road conditions, including damaged roadway or slick surfaces caused by inclement weather;
- Overloaded trailer; or
- Improperly loaded trailer.
Depending upon the cause of the tractor-trailer jackknife crash, one or more of the following parties may be liable:
- Truck driver;
- Trucking company that employs the truck driver;
- Truck owner;
- Loader of the trailer;
- Mechanic who works on the truck;
- Property owner where the jackknife accident occurred;
- Designer of the truck or one of its parts;
- Manufacturer of the truck or one of its parts; or
- Retailer of the truck or one of its parts.
Comparative Fault in Urbana Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accidents
What will happen if the driver of a car or light truck involved in the jackknife accident also played a role in causing the crash? Illinois uses a modified comparative fault rule. Accordingly, even if an injured plaintiff is partially at fault for the accident, the injured plaintiff can still recover as long as that plaintiff is not 51 percent or more at fault. Once a plaintiff is 51 percent or more at fault, that plaintiff will be barred from recovery. Otherwise, the plaintiff’s damages will be reduced by their portion of fault.
When a defendant raises the issue of comparative fault, a plaintiff will not automatically have their damages award reduced. It is possible to refute the defendant’s evidence and recover 100 percent of your damages award.
Contact Patel Law, PC
When a tractor-trailer jackknife accident happens, it is critical to take steps to hold the responsible party accountable for injuries. The attorneys at Patel Law, PC can assist you with your claim. Contact an experienced Urbana tractor-trailer jackknife accident lawyer to begin working on your lawsuit.
