Have you ever been driving on the highway and felt that moment of fear as a massive semi-truck loomed in your rearview mirror? If so, you’re not alone. Now imagine that truck suddenly folding in on itself like a pocket knife—that’s a jackknife accident, and it’s every bit as terrifying as it sounds.
But have you ever thought, “How do jackknife truck accidents occur?” What are their causes? And, when these accidents occur, what are the common injuries? This guide will explain everything you need to know about jackknife truck accidents and what to do if you’ve been involved in one. If you need legal assistance, a Hackensack truck accident lawyer can help you navigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Are Jackknife Truck Accidents?
A jackknife truck accident gets its name from the way it resembles a folding pocket knife. Picture this: a large commercial truck suddenly skids, causing the trailer to swing outward at an angle to the cab. The truck and trailer fold in toward each other, creating a “V” or “L” shape like a jackknife folding closed.
When a truck jackknifes, the driver loses control of the cab and the trailer. This massive vehicle—often weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded—becomes an unpredictable force on the road. You can only imagine what happens when control is lost. The trailer can swing across multiple lanes of traffic in seconds, leaving other drivers with little to no time to react.
Why does this matter to you? Because, unlike many other types of accidents, jackknife incidents can affect multiple vehicles across several lanes of traffic simultaneously. They often result in multi-car pileups and, sadly, severe injuries or even fatalities.
- Fact: Jackknife truck accidents caused 169 fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries in 2020, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Types of Jackknife Accidents
Not all jackknife accidents look the same. The two main types include:
- Trailer jackknife: This occurs when the trailer swings out, but the tractor (cab) maintains its direction. It is often caused by improper braking or slippery road conditions.
- Tractor jackknife: In this case, the tractor spins out while the trailer continues moving forward. It commonly happens when the driver makes a sudden turn at high speed.
Have you ever wondered why these massive trucks don’t just have better braking systems to prevent these accidents? The truth is that even the most advanced technology can’t always overcome physics—especially when human error enters the equation.
How Are Jackknife Accidents More Dangerous Than Regular Truck Accidents?
Let’s be honest—any accident involving a commercial truck is an intimidating event. But jackknife accidents take the danger to another level. Here’s why they stand out as particularly hazardous:
Unpredictable Path of Impact
The truck’s path is somewhat predictable in a typical rear-end or even a side-impact truck collision. But when a truck jackknifes, the trailer can swing wildly in any direction. This means that even if you’re driving safely in your lane, you might suddenly find a massive trailer sliding sideways toward you with no warning.
Think about it: how would you react if a 53-foot trailer suddenly started sliding sideways across the highway in front of you? Most drivers have no training for this scenario, making proper reaction nearly impossible.
Multiple Impact Points
Regular truck accidents usually involve a single point of impact. A jackknife accident, however, can create multiple collision points as the truck and trailer swing across lanes. Your vehicle might be hit by both the cab and the trailer in quick succession, or you might be caught in a chain-reaction crash involving several other vehicles.
Greater Area of Danger
A jackknifed truck can block multiple lanes or even an entire highway. This creates a much larger danger zone than other types of accidents. Even drivers who might normally have time to stop or swerve away from a regular accident may find nowhere to go when facing a jackknifed truck spanning several lanes.
Have you noticed how traffic comes to a standstill for hours after a truck jackknifes on the highway? That’s because these accidents often require specialized heavy equipment to clear, especially if the truck was carrying hazardous materials or if the accident caused structural damage to the road.
How Do Jackknife Truck Accidents Occur?
Understanding the causes of jackknife accidents can help you stay safer on the road. While truck drivers receive special training, certain conditions and actions dramatically increase the risk of a jackknife incident. Let’s look at the most common causes—and remember, many jackknife accidents involve multiple factors working together.
- Poor Weather Conditions
Bad weather is one of the leading causes of jackknife accidents. When roads are slippery from rain, snow, or ice, even the most experienced truck drivers can lose control.
- Improper Braking
Trucks use complex braking systems that require proper technique. When a driver brakes too hard or too suddenly, it can cause the wheels to lock up, leading to a loss of control.
- Speeding and Oversteering
When truck drivers exceed safe speeds, especially around curves or changing lanes, they risk losing control. Similarly, oversteering (turning the wheel too sharply) can cause the trailer to swing out.
- Improper Loading
When cargo is loaded incorrectly—either overloaded or unevenly distributed—it affects how the truck handles it. An improperly loaded trailer is likelier to swing out during braking or turning.
- Equipment Failure
Mechanical issues with the truck’s brakes, tires, or coupling mechanisms can lead to jackknife accidents even when the driver is operating the vehicle correctly.
- Driver Fatigue
Tired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment. Despite regulations limiting driving hours, fatigue remains a serious problem in the trucking industry.
- Fact: According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), truck driver fatigue might be a contributing factor in between 30 and 40 percent of all crashes involving large trucks.
Common Jackknife Truck Accident Injuries
When a jackknife truck accident occurs, the injuries are often severe. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean that even “minor” jackknife incidents can cause devastating harm. Here are the most common injuries victims suffer:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
The violent impact of a jackknife collision can cause your head to strike the steering wheel, window, or dashboard. Even with airbag deployment, the forces involved can lead to concussions or more serious brain trauma. TBIs range from concussions to life-changing injuries that require ongoing care.
Symptoms might not appear immediately after the accident, so medical evaluation is important even if you feel “fine” initially. Have you experienced headaches, dizziness, confusion, or memory problems since your accident? These can be signs of a TBI. According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), some symptoms of TBI may not appear until days or even weeks after the accident.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The sudden stop or impact from a jackknifing truck can cause severe damage to your spine. These injuries can range from herniated discs to partial or complete paralysis.
Many of my clients have faced life-changing circumstances after suffering spinal injuries in truck accidents. Some require multiple surgeries, while others may need to use wheelchairs or other mobility aids for the rest of their lives.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The tremendous force of a jackknife accident can easily break bones. Common fractures include:
- Ribs
- Arms and legs
- Collarbones
- Pelvic bones
- Facial bones
These injuries often require surgery, metal pins or plates, and lengthy recovery periods. Many victims face months of physical therapy and lost earnings during recovery.
Internal Injuries
Not all injuries are visible from the outside. The impact of a crash can cause dangerous internal bleeding or damage to organs like your liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. These injuries can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Severe Lacerations and Burns
Broken glass, twisted metal, and road debris can cause deep cuts that may lead to significant scarring. Additionally, if the crash causes a fuel leak or fire, victims may suffer severe burns that require skin grafts and specialized treatment.
Psychological Trauma
The physical injuries from a jackknife accident are often accompanied by serious psychological effects. Many victims develop:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety about driving or riding in vehicles
- Depression related to pain and lifestyle changes
- Sleep disturbances and nightmares
These psychological impacts can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and often require professional treatment.
Have you found yourself avoiding certain roads or feeling anxious when trucks are nearby since your accident? This is a normal response to trauma and should be addressed as part of your recovery.
What to Do if You Are Injured in a Jackknife Truck Accident?
If you’re reading this after being in a jackknife accident, you’ve likely already received initial medical treatment. But what comes next? Here’s a roadmap to help navigate the challenging days and weeks ahead:
- Follow Your Doctor’s Orders Completely
Your health should be your absolute top priority. Follow all medical advice, attend every follow-up appointment, and complete prescribed therapies. It isn’t just important for your recovery—it also creates a clear record of your injuries and treatment that will be vital for your case.
Are you tempted to skip physical therapy because it’s painful or inconvenient? Don’t. Gaps in treatment can be used against you by insurance companies trying to minimize your claim.
- Document Everything
Start keeping detailed records of everything related to your accident and injuries:
- Take photos of your injuries as they heal
- Keep a daily journal of your pain levels and limitations
- Save all medical bills, prescriptions, and receipts
- Track missed workdays and lost earnings
- Note how your injuries affect your daily life and relationships
These details may seem minor now, but they can make a huge difference in your case later.
- Be Careful What You Say and Share
After an accident, insurance adjusters may contact you quickly. They might sound friendly and concerned, but remember—their job is to minimize what their company pays you.
Don’t give recorded statements without legal advice, don’t sign anything, and be very careful about what you post on social media. Even innocent photos of you smiling at a family gathering can be used to suggest you’re not as injured as you claim.
- Understand the Statute of Limitations
You have a limited time to file a legal claim after your accident. This timeframe varies by state—in some places, it’s as short as one year. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to compensation forever.
- Note: In New Jersey, for example, you have two years from the date of injury to sue the liable party (N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2).
Have you been putting off talking to a truck accident lawyer because you’re focused on recovery? That’s understandable, but don’t wait too long. Even if you’re unsure about pursuing a case, a consultation can help you understand your options and timelines.
- Contact an Attorney
While this step appears last on this list, ideally, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible after receiving medical attention. Trucking companies and their insurers begin building their defense immediately after an accident.
How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help?
You might be wondering if you need a truck accident lawyer, especially if the insurance company has already offered you a settlement. The short answer is yes—and here’s why:
Level the Playing Field
Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of investigators, adjusters, and attorneys working to minimize their liability from the moment an accident occurs. Without proper legal representation, you’re at a serious disadvantage.
Did you know that evidence from the truck—like electronic logging devices and maintenance records—can be legally destroyed after a certain period unless a truck accident lawyer sends a preservation letter? A good attorney will immediately take steps to preserve all vital evidence.
Identify All Responsible Parties
Jackknife accidents often involve multiple liable parties, which can include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loader
- Maintenance providers
- Parts manufacturers
- Government entities responsible for road conditions
Your attorney will investigate thoroughly to identify everyone who may share responsibility for your injuries.
Calculate True Damages
Many accident victims don’t realize the full extent of compensation they may be entitled to receive. An experienced truck accident attorney will help account for the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage beyond your vehicle
- Rental car expenses
- Home modification costs
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
This is not the complete list. Discuss with your attorney what damages are recoverable in your specific case.
Deal with Complex Insurance Issues
Commercial trucks typically carry multiple insurance policies with different coverage limits and conditions. Your attorney will identify all available insurance coverage and negotiate effectively with adjusters.
Have you received a quick settlement offer from an insurance company? Be wary. Initial offers are almost always far less than your case is worth.
Represent You in Court if Necessary
While most truck accident cases settle out of court, sometimes litigation is necessary to get fair compensation. An experienced truck accident attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement.
A Truck Accident Attorney Is Standing By
Don’t delay, call a trusted truck accident in your area today. They will fight for you and can obtain the compensation you are owed. Hackensack Personal Injury Lawyer.
