Decatur, Illinois Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accidents Attorney
Truck collisions are among the most devastating incidents on Illinois highways, but the potential for fatalities and severe injuries is even higher for jackknife accidents. These crashes occur when the trailer of a semi swings out from behind the cab, forming the V-shape of a jackknife in a slightly open position. The risks are extreme because the tractor-trailer can skid across multiple lanes of traffic, striking other vehicles, dumping cargo, and even rolling over at times. As you can guess, it is the occupants of the passenger vehicle that bear the brunt of the impact.
Illinois law applies to jackknife collisions, but there are considerable challenges with any truck accident claim. When you work with Patel Law, PC, you can feel confident that your claim is in good hands. Please contact our firm to set up a complimentary case assessment with a Decatur, Illinois tractor-trailer jackknife accidents attorney. You might also benefit from reviewing some basics below.
Causes of Semi-Truck Jackknife Collisions
There are many specific reasons that these crashes occur, but they share a common element: driver negligence. While this term is often used interchangeably with carelessness in everyday speech, it is a legal theory of liability that applies to truck accidents. You must prove that the operator breached the duty to operate the vehicle safely, leading to the collision in which you were injured.
To illustrate, a negligent truck driver may cause a jackknife by:
- Speeding;
- Drunk or drugged driving;
- Failure to yield; and,
- Making improper turns.
In addition, a jackknife crash could be the result of negligence by other parties who played a role in putting the truck on the road. Carelessness with loading cargo, maintaining the vehicle, making repairs, and hiring truck drivers also puts victims at risk.
Seeking Compensation for Your Losses
Severe, catastrophic injuries are common in jackknife crashes, so it is essential to leverage all legal remedies to recover damages for your losses. Patel Law, PC will help you navigate the legal process, including:
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Insurance Claims: Truckers carry liability insurance, so we will file a claim and include a demand for compensation. Our Decatur, Illinois tractor-trailer jackknife accident lawyers will attempt to settle, but insurers are often unwilling to pay fair damages.
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Litigation: If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a lowball settlement, we will file a lawsuit in court to ensure you receive sufficient compensation.
It is our goal to recover all monetary damages available in your jackknife crash case, such as amounts for your medical costs, lost wages, and expenses. We will also pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses that diminish your quality of life.
Contact a Decatur, Illinois Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accidents Attorney Today
As you can see from this overview, the process of recovering monetary damages after a truck collision is extremely complex. Instead of putting your rights at risk, trust our team at Patel Law, PC to pursue all at-fault parties. To learn how we can help, please contact us to schedule a free consultation. An Illinois tractor-trailer jackknife accident lawyer can provide personalized advice after hearing your story.
