Jackknife Truck Accidents: What Are They and What Are Your Legal Options
Jackknife truck accidents are a common type of crash involving 18-wheelers and other types of tractor-trailers. Jackknifing occurs when the trailer of a large semi-truck pushes the towing vehicle to one side, causing the towing vehicle to spin around and face backward while the trailer continues to face forward.
The term “jackknife” applies to the result in which the truck and its trailer come to rest, forming an acute angle that resembles the folding of a pocket knife.
Jackknife crashes are considered particularly dangerous due to the weight and momentum involved in these types of collisions. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Needless to say, anyone caught in the path of jackknifing truck would be at significant risk of serious injury or death.
But, what should you do if you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife truck accident? Who is at fault? What are your legal options?
Let’s find out.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
As mentioned, a jackknife truck accident is a unique type of crash that involves an articulated vehicle like an 18-wheeler or other kind of tractor-trailer.
The “truck” and the “trailer” parts of an 18-wheeler are connected by a device called a fifth-wheel coupling (also known as a fifth-wheel hitch). The coupling is comprised of two parts:
- The kingpin – a metal pin that protrudes from the bottom of a trailer.
- The fifth wheel – a horseshoe-shaped coupling at the rear of the towing vehicle (or truck)
As the truck turns, the trailer rotates against the fifth wheel. However, when an 18-wheeler skids or loses control, the trailer may push forward on the truck with enough momentum that it causes the truck to spin around.
The tractor-trailer will essentially fold at the couple, forming a V-shape as the front of the truck spins to face the rear of the trailer. This is what is known as “jackknifing.”
What Causes a Truck to Jackknife?
Several factors can cause a truck to jackknife. Among the most common are:
- Improper braking: Large trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles. The heavier they are, the more distance they need to stop. If a truck driver brakes too suddenly or too hard, the trailer can begin to swing out to the side, causing the tractor-trailer to jackknife.
- Speeding: Speeding further increases the time it takes an 18-wheeler to stop and also increases the likelihood a truck driver will lose control.
- Poor weather conditions: Loss of traction can increase the likelihood of a jackknife crash. This is particularly true for slick, wet, or icy roads.
- Improper loading: If a tractor-trailer is carrying too much weight or if the weight of a load is unevenly distributed, a truck can jackknife more easily.
- Curvy roads: Curvy roads can be a challenge for even experienced truck drivers. A mistake when navigating a curve may cause a truck to jackknife.
- Driver fatigue: Tired drivers are more likely to make a mistake. As a result, driver fatigue is considered to be a major factor in causing jackknife accidents.
- Defective equipment: Tractor-trailers are expected to meet stringent maintenance and condition guidelines. Trucks or trailers with worn tires or poorly maintained braking systems are much more likely to be involved in a jackknife accident.
It’s important to keep in mind that a single jackknife accident can be caused by multiple factors. A knowledgeable San Antonio truck accident attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all contributing factors in your collision.
Jackknife Truck Accident Injuries
The injuries suffered by individuals involved in jackknife crashes can be devastating, possibly resulting in life-altering injuries and death. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Fractures and soft tissue injuries
- Vital organ injuries
- Disfigurement
- Amputation
The injuries may also cause long-term health impacts that limit your mobility, hinder your overall health, or diminish your ability to enjoy life as you once did.
Who is Liable in a Jackknife Collision?
One of the first things an attorney must do in a truck accident lawsuit is determine who is liable for the crash.
Texas law allows plaintiffs to pursue legal action against any person, entity, or organization that caused or contributed to their truck accident. This means your lawsuit is not limited to the truck driver. Liability for a jackknife truck accident may rest on:
- The truck driver: Truck drivers can be sued for crashes they caused out of negligence or reckless behavior. This includes traveling at an improper speed, distracted driving, driving while intoxicated, or driving aggressively.
- The trucking company: Trucking companies are responsible for the actions of their drivers while on the clock. They are also responsible for ensuring their drivers are adhering to regulations regarding who can drive a truck, how long a driver can drive, and how much weight a vehicle can haul.
- Manufacturers: If a defective part contributed to a jackknife crash, you may be able to sue the company that manufactures the part.
- Repair shops: If a repair shop failed to do quality work, and their failure contributed to a jackknife crash, you can seek compensation from them.
How is Fault Determined in a Jackknife Truck Crash?
Because of the number of parties involved in commercial trucking and the number of parties that may be involved in a truck accident, determining fault may be difficult. For example, if another passenger vehicle driver contributed to a jackknife truck accident but it is also determined that the truck driver was distracted at the time of the crash, both parties would share fault.
This is also true if some of your own actions contributed to the crash. Because Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” rule, you can still receive compensation even if you are partly responsible for a trucking accident.
When you contact Thomas J. Henry Law, our attorneys will begin investigating your case immediately. They will gather the evidence necessary to determine who is at fault for your crash and will explore all avenues available for financial compensation.
Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims
The amount of compensation paid out to the victim of a jackknife truck accident will be based on the unique circumstances of their crash and the damages they suffered.
Damages typically considered in truck accidents include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair costs
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
If it is determined that the party or parties responsible for your crash acted with “gross negligence,” you may be awarded additional punitive damages on top of the regular compensatory damages like those listed above.
Punitive damages are damages awarded to penalize a defendant for especially egregious behavior, such as drunk driving or a truck company purposely violating federal safety regulations.
Legal Steps to Take After a Jackknife Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a crash, the most important thing you can do is seek medical attention. Your health is paramount, and crash injuries can have long-lasting impacts resulting in pain and loss of mobility.
Even if you think you are fine, there is no harm in getting a quick checkup from a doctor. Some crash-related injuries may not result in pain or other symptoms for hours, days, or even weeks. Further, delayed treatment may result in longer recovery times.
After that, contact an experienced truck accident attorney. The lawyers at Thomas J. Henry Law will walk you through a FREE case evaluation so that you understand your legal options and can make an informed decision on what to do next. Further, as soon as you hire us, we can take immediate action on your case to secure vital evidence and witness testimony.
Do not wait and risk your claim for compensation. If you or a loved one was injured in a jackknife truck accident, call Thomas J. Henry Law. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.
