Jackknife truck accidents are among the most dangerous and destructive collisions on the road. When a large commercial truck jackknifes, it can block multiple lanes of traffic, trigger multi-vehicle pileups, and cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Because of their size and weight, tractor-trailers behave very differently from passenger vehicles, making jackknife accidents uniquely complex and hazardous.
Below, we break down what jackknife truck accidents are, why they happen, and what victims should know if they or a loved one has been injured.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, forming a shape similar to a folding pocketknife. This usually happens when the truck loses traction or the driver loses control, causing the trailer to pivot sideways while the cab continues forward.
Once a truck jackknifes, it can skid uncontrollably across lanes, strike other vehicles, or overturn entirely. Because tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, even a brief loss of control can have devastating consequences.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife crashes rarely happen without a reason.
In many cases, they are caused by preventable errors or unsafe conditions, including:
1. Improper Braking
Sudden or excessive braking is one of the leading causes of jackknife accidents. If the trailer’s wheels lock up while the cab continues moving, the trailer can swing sideways. This is especially dangerous on wet or icy roads.
2. Poor Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, ice, and fog reduce traction and visibility, increasing the likelihood of a truck losing control. While the weather itself is not negligent, truck drivers and companies are still responsible for adjusting speed and driving behavior to match road conditions.
3. Speeding or Aggressive Driving
Driving too fast for road conditions, taking turns too sharply, or making sudden lane changes can cause a truck’s trailer to fishtail and jackknife. Commercial drivers are held to higher safety standards because of the risks their vehicles pose.
4. Improperly Loaded Cargo
Uneven, unsecured, or overloaded cargo can shift during transit, throwing off the truck’s balance. When weight distribution is uneven, the risk of jackknifing increases significantly, particularly during braking or turning.
5. Mechanical Failures
Worn brakes, defective tires, or malfunctioning anti-lock braking systems (ABS) can all contribute to jackknife accidents. Trucking companies are required to inspect and maintain their vehicles, and failure to do so can amount to negligence.
Why Jackknife Accidents Are So Dangerous
Jackknife accidents often involve more than just the truck driver. Because the trailer can sweep across multiple lanes, nearby drivers may have little or no time to react.
These accidents frequently result in:
- Multi-vehicle collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Vehicles being crushed or pushed off the roadway
- Serious injuries or fatalities
Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ injuries, or permanent disabilities. The aftermath can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming.
Who May Be Liable in a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a jackknife crash is often more complicated than in a typical car crash.
Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be responsible, including:
- The truck driver, if they were speeding, distracted, fatigued, or driving recklessly
- The trucking company, for inadequate training, unrealistic delivery schedules, or poor vehicle maintenance
- Cargo loaders or shippers, if improperly loaded cargo contributed to the accident
- Manufacturers, if defective truck parts or braking systems played a role
An experienced truck accident investigation often involves reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and surveillance footage.
Common Injuries in Jackknife Truck Accidents
Due to the immense size and weight of commercial trucks, jackknife accidents often cause serious, life-altering injuries, especially to occupants of smaller vehicles.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and herniated discs
- Broken bones and complex fractures
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations, burns, and soft tissue injuries
- Wrongful death in the most catastrophic cases
These injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing care, leaving victims and their families facing significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
What to Do After a Jackknife Crash
If you are involved in a jackknife truck accident, your actions immediately afterward can make a significant difference in protecting your health and your legal rights.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take time to appear.
- Call law enforcement and ensure an official accident report is filed.
- Document the scene if possible, including photos of vehicles, road conditions, and injuries.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. Their goal is often to minimize payouts.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer who understands the complexities of commercial vehicle claims.
Taking these steps can help protect your well-being and put you in a stronger position if you choose to pursue compensation after a jackknife truck accident.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Truck accident claims often involve large trucking companies and aggressive insurance carriers.
A knowledgeable attorney can help by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation
- Identifying all liable parties
- Preserving critical evidence
- Calculating the full value of your damages
- Negotiating with insurers or taking the case to court if necessary
Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, long-term care, and other damages.
Contact the Austin Truck Accident Lawyers at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Jackknife crashes are terrifying, life-altering events that can leave victims facing serious injuries and financial uncertainty. Understanding how these accidents happen and who may be responsible is the first step toward accountability and recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife truck accident, speaking with an experienced Austin truck accident attorney can help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
We serve in Austin, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(385) 462-7630
