Although the cab and trailer that make up a semi-truck are connected by a central hinge, they can sometimes act as separate objects in motion during an accident. During a loss of traction, the trailer of a truck can kick out to the side of or even slide completely in front of the cab, resulting in what is known as a “jackknife.”
Jackknife truck accidents in Kenosha often involve multiple vehicles and cause immense harm to anyone involved. If you or a loved one were injured in this type of traffic crash, an experienced lawyer at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. could help you recover comprehensive compensation for your damages.
Common Causes of Truck Jackknifes
Most jackknife truck crashes stem from a truck’s tires losing traction against the road’s surface. This risk is increased during inclement weather that leaves roads slick with precipitation or ice, but it can also occur on steep inclines, sharp curves, or simply due to a driver braking too hard at the wrong time. Faulty or poorly maintained brakes are another common contributor to truck jackknifing.
Who is Responsible for a Folding Tractor-Trailer Crash?
There are multiple parties who could be responsible for a jackknife truck collision. A truck driver may negligently cause a jackknife wreck by driving too fast for road conditions, failing to maintain a safe distance between other vehicles, or being distracted behind the wheel.
A trucking company may also bear liability if a jackknife wreck stems from an overly fatigued driver or an overloaded trailer. Third parties like mechanics may be at fault for jackknifes caused by faulty mechanical components. Assistance from a qualified Kenosha attorney can be crucial in identifying exactly who is legally at fault for a particular incident.
Establishing Liability for a Jackknifing Semi-Truck
Regardless of the specific circumstances that lead to a truck jackknifing, civil recovery for an injured victim will revolve around a concept known as legal negligence. The injured person and their local attorney must prove that a truck driver, trucking company, or other third party did something reckless or careless that directly resulted in the jackknife traffic accident, which subsequently led to compensable losses.
Deadlines for Kenosha Jackknife Truck Crash Claims
No matter how severe the damages are in a jackknife truck accident, individuals injured as a result may be barred from recovering any compensation at all if they wait too long to start legal proceedings. According to Wisconsin Statutes §893.54, any civil claim seeking restitution for a personal injury has a three-year statutory filing deadline.
What this means is that victims generally have a maximum of three years after a jackknife truck crash to file suit. With this in mind, it is important to reach out to our knowledgeable local attorneys for help filing a jackknife truck accident claim within the deadlines.
Speak with a Kenosha Attorney after a Jackknife Truck Accident
When a truck jackknifes, it often slides through several lanes of traffic and impacts multiple other vehicles, resulting in greater harm than most other types of traffic crashes. If you were hurt in this type of incident, bringing a civil claim with a skilled lawyer may be the best way to preserve your financial security and get the compensation you need for your injuries.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. have handled countless jackknife truck accidents in Kenosha and could provide dedicated support for you throughout your case. Call today to set up a consultation about your situation.
