Jackknife truck accidents are among the most catastrophic motor vehicle crashes because they involve tractor-trailers and smaller passenger vehicles. Those large trucks weigh much more, making them harder to maneuver. When a jackknife happens, drivers have little control, especially when traveling at high speeds. They can occur for a few different reasons, including negligence.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
This happens when a commercial vehicle has a braking issue, folds on itself, and the truck driver cannot safely steer out of the skid. The term “jackknife” is because the back trailer swerves from the front cab, coming up on the side at about a 90-degree angle. This V-shape looks like an opened pocket knife or jackknife; when it happens, the truck is more vulnerable to rolling over. The cab and trailer can also crash into each other and nearby vehicles.
There are two categories of jackknife crashes:
- Tractor jackknife: The tractor’s (front cab) tires lock up, but the trailer’s momentum does not decrease as the trailer continues to move forward. The tractor swings to one side, and the driver has little chance of steering it back.
- Trailer jackknife: The back trailer’s tires lock up, and the front cab keeps going. The back of the trailer swings out to one side.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that thousands die yearly or experience severe injuries from commercial truck accidents. Jackknife crashes are associated with roughly 10 percent of semi-truck driver and passenger fatalities and four percent of the non-truck driver and passenger fatalities.
A jackknife truck accident can occur in the blink of an eye. When it happens, the vehicles also suddenly stop, creating roadblocks. It is easy to see how a jackknife crash could cause a major pileup.
Why Do Trucks Jackknife?
The main reason why a jackknife occurs is driver inexperience. Training is crucial, but some trucking companies hire unqualified drivers. As a result, a driver might apply the brakes too hard, making the wheels lock up. Another reason is driver distraction. It is common for truckers to be fatigued because of their long shifts, and others might be under the influence, using handheld devices, eating, or doing other things that take their attention from the road.
Speeding is another cause of jackknife truck accidents. When trucks are moving too fast and must brake quickly, the cab might be able to stop but not the trailer. The higher the speed, the greater the chances of a severe accident.
The truck driver might not be entirely to blame for a jackknife. Slippery highway conditions can cause a truck’s wheels to lose traction and slide uncontrollably. Drivers should use extra caution in this weather, but many do not. A brake malfunction could also occur, which might be traced to a third party, like the trucking company or a brake manufacturer. In other instances, there might be debris in the road that causes the truck driver to swerve and slam on the brakes.
Who Is Liable for a Jackknife Truck Accident?
The truck driver will generally be considered the first possible source of liability in a jackknife accident. Some work as independent contractors hired by trucking companies, while others are company employees. Either or both could be held liable, depending on the evidence.
A trucking company might be held directly responsible for hiring an unqualified driver or another act of negligence, like forcing the driver to work beyond the allowed hours.
There are other possible causes for jackknife accidents, too, like a shipping company overloading/improperly loading the truck or another driver cutting off the truck and causing the trucker to lose control.
Can I Get Compensated for a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A serious jackknife truck accident can lead to life-threatening injuries, fatalities, overwhelming medical costs, and pain and suffering. Survivors might be unable to return to work, so their future earnings potential might also be affected. Your insurance may cover some of the expenses, and the truck driver’s and trucking company’s insurance might do the same, but they can make the process difficult by making lowball offers and denying claims.
A truck accident lawyer may be able to help negotiate a fair settlement, but it may be necessary to go to court. Every jackknife truck accident is different.
Our Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Represent Clients Injured in Jackknife Truck Accidents
It is vital to understand your legal options after a jackknife truck accident; this kind of help can be found at Wolterman Law Office. Our skilled Cincinnati truck accident lawyers are experienced with these cases and can fight to protect your rights. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 513-488-1135 or complete our online form. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.