When the trailer portion of a tractor-trailer rig folds into the front portion of the truck, the vehicle resembles a jackknife or pocket knife.
This can happen due to a combination of braking speed and truck angle during braking. It might happen while turning, moving, parking, or performing other tasks with the truck.
Jackknifing can occur in huge “big rig” vehicles and smaller vehicles pulling cargo behind them.
Accidents can occur as a result of jackknifing because the driver loses control of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the truck’s unusual angle during and after a jackknife might force it to obstruct or cross numerous lanes on a highway. This can occasionally result in multiple-car pile ups and high-speed crashes.
In rare cases, a professional truck driver may purposely jackknife their vehicle to come to a complete stop. For example, if the brakes fail and the road is clear, the truck driver may conduct a jackknife maneuver to bring the vehicle to a halt.
Where Can Jackknife Mishaps Occur?
Every year, jackknife accidents account for a significant portion of semi-truck accidents.
Like other vehicle accidents, Jackknife incidents can occur almost everywhere a tractor-trailer is moving. However, these accidents may be more likely to occur on highways and freeways, which are frequently used by large trucks.
The Most Common Reasons for Jackknife Truck Accidents
All motor vehicle accidents can happen for a variety of causes. However, semi-truck jackknife accidents may occur due to risk variables unique to these huge commercial trucks, such as vehicle weight and size. Tractor-trailer vehicles require careful handling and regular maintenance.
Truck drivers who are unskilled or lack sufficient training are more likely to be involved in an accident.
Similarly, a truck could be involved in an accident due to malfunctioning brakes or overcorrecting while attempting to steer out of a skid. When these truck accidents occur, the people involved are frequently seriously injured.
Some of the most common causes of jackknife mishaps are as follows:
- Hazardous weather situations
- Traction loss following a slide
- Driving exceeding the speed limit or engaging in other acts of negligent driving
- Inadequate braking as a result of malfunctioning brakes
- Driver fatigue
- Texting or calling while driving
- Poor road conditions, such as a poorly maintained or slick road
Regardless of how or why truck accidents occur, the consequences for truck accident victims can be devastating. People injured in jackknife truck accidents may be able to file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation for their injuries.
Passenger Vehicles Involved in Jackknife Semi-Truck Accidents
In rare instances, a jackknifing big rig may occur away from other trucks and leave no one wounded.
However, many of these instances culminate in car accidents involving passenger vehicles, resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for accident victims. When an automobile collides with a semi, the car may flip and roll over, catch fire, or encounter other catastrophic consequences.
While some jackknifing truck accidents are unavoidable, many are avoidable. Proper braking tactics, thorough driver training, and adequate distance between the truck and other cars are all protective factors against truck accidents. You might be entitled to submit an injury claim if a semi-truck struck you due to improper braking or another form of negligence.
Injuries Caused by Tractor Trailer Jackknifing
Tractor-trailer accidents can result in serious injuries for accident victims, ranging from fractured bones and concussions to head and brain injuries. The following are some of the most common injuries caused by semi-truck accidents, such as jackknife collisions:
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations and cuts
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- TBI (traumatic brain injury)
- Internal bleeding
- Back or neck pain
- Injury to the spinal cord
- Paralysis
- Dismemberment or death
Even if your injuries are minimal as a result of a jackknife accident, you may be able to claim compensation. Speaking with a truck accident attorney is the best approach to understanding your legal alternatives.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Jackknifing Accident or Injury?
As previously said, jackknifing accidents and injuries can be severe due to the possibility of a high-speed collision or a multiple-car incident.
Depending on the circumstances of the incident, several parties may be held accountable for a jackknifing accident.
As an example:
- The truck driver may be held accountable if they were careless in permitting (or purposefully causing) a jackknife to occur.
- A manufacturer can be held accountable for a jackknife accident caused by a defective brake mechanism or a faulty truck steering system.
- Another motorist, or even a pedestrian, may be held responsible for an accident if their actions caused a truck to jackknife.
Other factors, such as black ice or slippery road conditions, may cause some jackknife incidents.
Is There Legal Redress for a Jackknife Accident?
Like most other car accident lawsuits, a jackknife case usually culminates in monetary damages being awarded. This is given to the sufferer to assist them in recovering damages such as hospital bills, car damage, and other expenses.
Other elements, such as intent to cause harm (vehicular assault) or drunk driving, may result in harsher legal sanctions. A recall or a class action lawsuit may be issued if the accident is related to a product defect.
Compensatory Damages in Cases of Jackknifing Truck Accidents
On their own, the trucks are dangerous. Because of their size, they can easily knock down many vehicles in front of them. Trucks can also damage the roadways and any neighboring private property.
The trailer is equally risky, and what makes it much more deadly is that it can catch other drivers off guard. Some drivers may observe the truck smash beside them and believe they are safe, to have the trailer prove them mistaken.
It’s simple to understand how these mishaps can easily become fatal. It’s also clear why we should all do everything we can to avoid them.
Injuries sustained in semi-truck accidents may result in various compensatory damages or compensation intended to reimburse a person for what they lost due to the accident. This could include medical expenses, lost pay from time away from work while recovering, and much more.
Following a jackknife mishap, you may be entitled to claim the following types of damages:
- Medical bills: to pay ER visits, medicines, surgery fees, and other expenses
- Lost wages: This could include your salary, hourly wage, or any benefits you may have missed while out of work, such as healthcare coverage or 401k earnings.
- Earning capacity loss: if you sustain major injuries that impair your ability to work long-term.
- Disability payments: Disability payments are made to persons with paralysis, deformity, or other severe injuries that affect their daily quality of life.
- Loss of companionship: Attempts to legally atone for the unexpected death of a spouse or parent, which can result in a loss of household income, savings, and other benefits.
Should I Speak with a Lawyer About a Jackknifing Accident Lawsuit?
Personal injury legislation can be difficult to grasp. Jackknife incidents can be fatal, resulting in severe injuries and massive property damage.
If you need legal help with a jackknife accident claim, you may need to hire a car accident attorney in your area.
Your lawyer can assist you with filing and conducting legal research for your claim. In addition, if you need to appear in court, your lawyer can provide legal representation.
