In Texas, jackknife truck accidents occur when the trailer of a large truck swings out to the side, forming a sharp angle with its cab. These accidents result in widespread damage and severe injuries. For those unfamiliar with the term, understanding “What is jackknifing a trailer?” can help them recognize the risks and respond more safely on Texas’s roads.
What is a Jackknife Accident?
When a large semi-truck folds in on itself, the force and chaos can often lead to serious injuries and property damage. Smaller vehicles caught in the path of the jackknifing trailer tend to bear the brunt of the damage.
Common injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or even full paralysis
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries to vital organs
- Soft tissue injuries (whiplash, sprains, and muscle tears)
- Cuts and bruises from shattered glass and metal debris
Besides physical injuries, survivors of these types of crashes often suffer emotional trauma. Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression are common in the aftermath of a serious crash.
What are the Most Common Causes of a Trailer Jackknife?
Several factors can lead to a jackknife crash, as listed below. Many of these involve some form of negligence, a mechanical failure, or dangerous road conditions:
Improper Braking
When a truck driver brakes too hard or suddenly, their trailer’s wheels may lock up, causing it to swing outward.
Speeding
Excessive speeding makes it harder for truckers to respond to changes in traffic or road conditions. Entering a curve in the road or a downhill stretch at too high a speed, for instance, can lead to a loss of control, potentially causing a jackknife accident.
Equipment Failure
Worn brakes, tire blowouts, and faulty coupling systems can all contribute to jackknife accidents. Regular truck maintenance is required to keep vehicles road-safe.
Poor Weather Conditions
Rain, ice, sleet, or snow can all reduce tire traction, increasing the risk of a vehicle skidding or losing control. Because large 18-wheelers are already more difficult to operate in good conditions, their drivers must adjust their speed and follow at safe distances to stay safe.
Driver Error
When a driver is fatigued, distracted, or inexperienced, that, too, can contribute to a jackknife accident. For instance, swerving too quickly to avoid a poorly judged road hazard or turn can send a trailer veering off course.
Uneven or Shifting Cargo
Improperly secured cargo may shift during transport and make the trailer less stable, particularly when braking or turning corners.
Why Jackknife Truck Accidents are so Dangerous
Unlike other truck accidents, jackknife crashes often involve multiple vehicles. The trailer’s wide swing can cover several lanes, giving drivers little time to react. These crashes can (and usually do) happen on highways at high speeds, which only amplifies their severity.
Texas consistently has hundreds of fatal large truck crashes every year. According to the state’s Department of Transportation, thousands of commercial truck crashes happen every year, and many result in severe injuries or death. Because of their unpredictable nature, jackknife accidents pose a risk to everyone on the road.
What to Remember After a Jackknife Truck Crash
Victims of a jackknife truck accident should seek medical attention as soon as they can. It’s also important to start and maintain a paper trail of evidence, including medical records, accident photos, and witnesses’ contact information.
But before an accident occurs, maintaining distance from large semi-trucks, remaining alert, and understanding how these types of crashes occur can reduce the likelihood of being caught in one.
Contact our Truck Accident Lawyers at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help With Your Case
If you’ve been injured, contact your nearest McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers location to schedule a free consultation today.
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, Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(512) 474-0222
