What causes a semi-truck to jackknife?

A jackknifed semi is a common occurrence on Illinois roads. The traffic reports seem to always be mentioning a serious situation in which a semi is blocking the roads because it has jackknifed. As we all know a truck accident is often serious but how does a jackknifed accident occur?

Truck accidents are among the most dangerous accidents on roads in Illinois. Anytime a car and a truck collide, there is potential for very serious injuries. Semi trucks are significantly larger than a car which leaves those in a car at a significant disadvantage. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Illinois had 139 large trucks involved in fatal accidents in 2017. Hundreds of lives were affected by an accident that involved a large truck.

A jackknifed semi truck is one of the most common and dangerous situations a driver can encounter on the road. There are several reasons why a semi would jackknife. One is that routine maintenance was not performed on the truck so the brakes may not function properly. This can cause the axles to lock up and the tractor winds up going a different direction than the trailer. Another way a truck could jack knife is if the driver is traveling too fast or is inexperienced. Sudden braking in a loaded truck can result in the trailer stopping at a different rate of speed than the trailer. Also, road conditions are another common reason why a truck jackknifes.

A jackknifed semitruck is a common occurrence on Illinois roads. If a person has been affected by a truck accident, they may want to speak with a legal professional who is skilled in personal injury. An attorney can thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and help determine what happened. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, funeral expenses, pain and suffering and other damages.