Chicago Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney

Free Case Evaluation for Jackknife Crash Victims in Chicago

Truck drivers play a crucial role in the United States economy, but the size of these vehicles makes them dangerous during collisions. In Chicago, one of the most common types of collisions involving large trucks is a jackknife accident. If you get hurt in this scenario, a jackknife truck accident attorney can help you fight for fair compensation.

Chicago Injury Center is a top law firm representing clients throughout Illinois. Our legal team will protect your rights and guide you through the claims process after a jackknife truck accident.

Jackknife Truck Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$720,000 – Carlos was driving north on the Dan Ryan Expressway near the 95th Street exit when a semi-truck hauling double trailers for a Joliet-based freight company jackknifed in rush-hour traffic and rear-ended his car. Initially thinking he was fine, Carlos went to work, but worsening pain led to a diagnosis of a cervical disc herniation. The settlement reflected the clear liability, the invasive nature of his treatment, and the impact on his ability to return to work.

$3.44 million – On I-80 near the Joliet freight hubs, the Johnson family was traveling home from a weekend trip when a merging car cut off a fully loaded semi-truck, causing it to jackknife across multiple lanes. Their SUV was struck in the chaos, leaving all three family members with serious orthopedic injuries, including numerous broken bones, and post-traumatic stress. The settlement was driven by the severity of the injuries, the lasting physical limitations, and expert accident reconstruction.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys have the experience needed to win your settlement. This legal team has maintained a five-star rating from AVVO and an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau.

What Causes Jackknife Collisions in Chicago?

A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer component of the truck swings off its line with the tractor. These types of tractor-trailer accidents can be caused by:

• Improperly loaded or shifted cargo
• Traveling at high speeds
• Sudden braking or loss of traction (common in winter)
• Driver fatigue, distraction, or inexperience
• Mechanical failure (brakes and tires)
• Hours-of-service violations

What Serious Injuries Result from Jackknife Accidents?

Truck accidents are extremely dangerous because of the size of these vehicles. Here are some severe injuries that may be caused by a Chicago jackknife truck accident:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries/paralysis
• Broken bones
• Amputations
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Crush injuries
• Wrongful death

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Chicago?

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Future care (rehabilitation) costs
• Property damage (vehicle maintenance)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of quality of life
• Other injuries

Punitive Damages

• Awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct

What Is the Average Jackknife Truck Accident Payout?

Several factors that will affect your jackknife truck accident settlement include injury severity, legal damages, insurance policy limits, and liability.

Jackknife truck accidents lead to an average settlement of $2.13 million. Most payouts fall within the range of $25,000 to $7.75 million.

Example Jackknife Truck Accident Cases Filed in Cook County

In 2004, a man and woman were driving into work when a truck driver in the opposite lane rear-ended another vehicle, causing their trailer to jackknife into the plaintiff’s lane. Both victims suffered catastrophic injuries, so they sued the driver and trucking company for negligence. The parties involved settled for $3.4 million before a trial.

A family of five, including three adults and two children, was driving in a pickup truck in 2004 on their way to a drag racing event. A collision between a van and a tractor-trailer coming from the opposite direction caused the truck to jackknife into the family’s lane. They sued the driver of the truck, the trucking company, and the driver of the van that caused the jackknife truck accident. The judge awarded the family $1.78 million.

Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

Jackknife truck accidents are complex and may involve multiple defendants, such as truck drivers, carriers, trucking companies, and manufacturers.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys will investigate the scene, gather evidence, secure expert testimony, and establish liability.

How Common Are Jackknife Accidents?

In 2020, there were roughly 107,000 jackknife truck accidents that caused notable injuries in the United States. According to the FMCSA, 4,842 of these crashes were fatal.

Where Do Jackknife Accidents Happen Most Often in Chicago?

Although jackknife truck accidents can occur almost anywhere, some Chicago locations are more dangerous than others:

• I-55 Stevenson on ramps
• Dan Ryan or Kennedy Expressway near industrial zones
• I-290 Eisenhower near the loading docks
• Lake Shore Drive during inclement weather conditions

What Laws Govern Jackknife Truck Accident Claims in Chicago?

625 ILCS 5/ (Illinois Vehicle Code) – Cargo must be evenly distributed and secured in a commercial truck to prevent jackknifing

(735 ILCS 5/2-1116) (Illinois Comparative Negligence Law) – Injured victims can pursue compensation as long as they are no more than 50% responsible for the accident

Federal Regulation 49 C.F.R. § 395 (Hours-of-Service) – Truck drivers cannot work too many hours or too many shifts in a row, or negligence will be presumed

Wiggins v. Bonsack, 2014 IL App (5th) 130123 – This case reaffirmed the need for all drivers to obey traffic rules, even if sight is obstructed, which can play a crucial role in a jackknife truck accident when control is paramount

How Long Do I Have to File a Jackknife Crash Lawsuit in Chicago?

For personal injury claims, plaintiffs have two years from the date of their accident or injury discovery to pursue legal action (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

If someone dies in a jackknife truck accident, surviving families will have two years after their death to recover damages in a wrongful death suit (740 ILCS 180/).

Who Can Be Held Liable for Jackknife Accidents?

Potentially liable parties in jackknife accidents can include:

• Truck driver
• Trucking employer (vicarious liability)
• Cargo loaders and distributors
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies

Common Defenses in Jackknife Crash Cases

Some common defenses a truck driver or their lawyer may use to undermine your claim include:

• Claiming a sudden emergency (slippery roads or pedestrian crossing)
• Blaming the victim’s speed or positioning
• Alleging mechanical failure not due to negligence

How to Strengthen Your Jackknife Case

You must follow these steps to build a strong case:

• Seek immediate medical care
• Document all medical expenses and records
• Call the police and take photos of the accident involving the truck
• Request driver logs and maintenance records
• Get witness statements and security footage
• Do not speak to insurers before consulting a jackknife truck accident lawyer
• Contact Chicago Injury Center for legal assistance

How a Chicago Jackknife Accident Lawyer Can Help

An experienced truck accident attorney can make all the difference in winning your claim. We reconstruct the crash with forensic experts, challenge improper defenses, negotiate aggressively, and pursue full compensation through trial if needed.

FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a Chicago truck accident lawyer for a jackknife?

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win.

Can I sue for driver error?

Yes, you can sue for truck driver negligence if you can secure evidence of their actions.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

We evaluate control, vicarious liability, and agency factors to determine the liable parties in your claim.

Book a Free Consultation With Our Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers

Jackknife accidents can have extreme consequences for the victims, often turning their lives upside down. At Chicago Injury Center, we know what it takes to establish negligence when jackknife truck accidents happen. We can help you recover lost wages, medical expenses, and other losses if your accident occurred in Cook County or Illinois.

With no fees unless we win, you can hold negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable under Illinois law. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our top Chicago truck accident lawyers.