- 24/7 Free Consultation: (888) 424-5757 Tap Here To Call Us
Rockford Jackknife Accident Lawyer
Recovering Compensation for Victims of Jackknife Crashes
A Rockford jackknife accident lawyer helps truck accident victims get justice by holding the trucking company liable for their failures. If you’re an injured passenger or driver, contact us today for a free consultation about your legal rights.
Verdicts and Settlements from Our Rockford Jackknife Accidents
- $5,800,000 for an illegal turn truck crash lawsuit
- $3,444,000 for merging accident
- $805,500 for bike vs. truck accident
What is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife occurs when the trailer ofa commercial vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer or semi-truck, swings out at an acute angle to the cab. This can result in catastrophic injuries and even death.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Rockford
Heavy commercial trucks can crash for a number of reasons, including:
- Improper braking techniques
- Improper lane changes
- Excessive speed, especially in poor weather conditions
- Improper cargo loading
- Mechanical failures
- Driver error, such as fatigue or distraction
- Poor road conditions
- Poor road design, like dangerous intersections
Experienced Legal Representation for Jackknife Accident Victims in Rockford and Winnebago County
A Rockford truck accident lawyer from our firm will fight hard to hold a trucking company or driver responsible in a personal injury lawsuit. Our experienced attorneys will prove the truck driver’s negligence and negotiate a fair settlement for your medical expenses and physical pain.
Liability in Rockford Jackknife Accident Cases
Our Rockford truck accident attorneys can hold numerous parties accountable, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company, called vicarious liability
- Cargo shippers and loaders
- Truck or trailer manufacturers
- Maintenance and repair companies
It is possible to bring a separate suit against a trucking company for negligent hiring practices if the truck driver or another operator was deemed incompetent, as happened in McQueen v. Green.
Steps to Take After a Jackknife Accident in Rockford
As trucking accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, you must act quickly to protect yourself. Follow these steps as soon as possible.
- Get to a safe place, such as the side of the road.
- Call the police and request an ambulance.
- Talk to the truck driver to get their insurance details, license number, and registration.
- Take photos and videos of the scene.
- Gather contact details for any witnesses.
- Preserve evidence, such as clothing.
- Go to the hospital and get a full examination.
- Do not speak to insurance companies without a lawyer present.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation.
Filing a Lawsuit for a Rockford Jackknife Accident
Our attorneys will guide you through the legal process, starting with your consultation. We will gather information about the accident and collect evidence, which can include:
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Surveillance footage
- Commercial truck black box information
- Expert testimony
Next, we will file a lawsuit in the Winnebago County Circuit Court and share evidence with the other party, a process called discovery. Their insurance company will then open negotiations with us to determine a fair settlement.
While many trucking company cases will settle out of court, it’s sometimes necessary to go to trial. In that case, we will represent you in front of a judge and jury, helping to share your story.
Compensation a Law Firm Can Help You Recover After a Jackknife Accident
You may receive both economic and non-economic damages, which include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Burial in the case of wrongful death
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Statute of Limitations for Jackknife Accident Claims in Illinois
In general, you have two years to file a truck crash lawsuit (§735 ILCS 5/13-213). Contact us immediately to get the legal process started.
Why You Need an Experienced Rockford Jackknife Accident Attorney
Truck companies have high-powered insurance agents on their side, meaning you need your own advocate to protect against their tactics. We aggressively negotiate for maximum compensation, using all available evidence in your favor.
Our deep knowledge of Rockford municipal code, such as the truck route system (§16-301), can also be key to proving liability and winning your case.
Consult a Rockford Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer Near You!
If you’ve been injured in a jackknife crash, you deserve justice. We are a nationally recognized law firm fighting for personal injury victims, ensuring they get the compensation they deserve.
Over 5,000 clients have trusted us for over 25 years to help them achieve fair settlements against insurance companies. Our Rockford trucking accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or use our online contact form for a free consultation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great attorney! I had a car accident with a semi truck. He helped me out a Great Deal!
I just want to say thanks again!
– Phillip CarterRead More Google Reviews
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.