What is a Jackknife Accident? 

Large trucks often pull trailers that are up to 53 feet long. In a jackknife truck accident, either the tractor or trailer skids, causing the trailer to swing to one side, which results in the tractor trailer folding in on itself. This formation creates a “J” or “V” shape that looks like a pocket knife — spanning the truck and its trailer across multiple lanes of traffic. 

What Injuries Could I Get in a Jackknife Crash? 

Since a jackknifed truck may cross multiple traffic lanes, these crashes have the ability to cause damage to more than just the truck and its driver. Not only can the trucks completely rollover and land in the jackknife position, they can also strike cars before they flip onto their sides. As jackknife accident attorneys, we see injuries range from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic injuries that completely change the lives of our clients. 

The most common jackknife accident injuries we see include: 

• Broken bones
• Burn injuries 
• Paralysis 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Head injuries 
• Neck and Back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Psychiatric or neurological injuries
• Amputation 
• Wrongful death 

What are the 5 Major Causes of a Jackknife Accident?

Jackknife accidents typically happen when a truck’s drive wheels lose traction, causing the trailer to skid. Traction requires static friction, which is force that hinders the movement of an object in motion and helps to keep the ground and tires connected. When tires lose that traction, trucks may begin to slide and a driver can lose control of the vehicle. This can happen while driving on city roads, highways or country roads. 

So, what leads to this loss of traction? Here are five major causes our jackknife accidents attorneys see in trucking cases: 

1. Braking Quickly Semi-trucks weigh much more than an everyday vehicle. They require adequate time to slow down since they carry added cargo. We often see trucks get into jackknife accidents because drivers overbrake, which locks the tractor wheels and leads to a loss of control. With the average truck and trailer having 18 tires, the front tires may lock while the rest are still able to move. This can cause a catastrophic jackknife crash affecting both the truck driver and other drivers who are nearby.
2. Slick Roads Missouri experiences a wide range of weather conditions, including fog, icy roads, snow and even severe flooding. Large trucks have a higher chance of hydroplaning or sliding on icy roads. In these conditions, brakes can become ineffective — lacking traction beneath tires and gliding over slick surfaces which often causes a jackknife truck accident.
3. Excessive Speeding Driving too fast makes it hard for a driver to slow down. For trucks, it can be even more dangerous of the vehicle’s heavier weight and the likelihood that the truck is also pulling a trailer full of cargo. Our jackknife accident attorneys understand that drivers have shipping deadlines,  but drivers should not sacrifice safety in exchange for a timely delivery. 
4. Trailer Weight DistributionTruck drivers and trucking companies must monitor their trailer’s weight and the distribution of the contents. Trailers with more weight create more friction while lighter trailers are more likely to move forward with the lack of cargo holding them down. Ensuring your cargo is properly secured, stored and distributed may be the difference between safe travel and a jackknife accident. 
5. Quick Turns Any vehicle can hit another when making a quick turn, a turn at high speeds or by underestimating the angle of the turn. A turn in a truck towing a trailer, it can be more dangerous than a regular car since the trailer can whip around like a tail as the front half of the truck turns in another direction. This whipping effect can lead to a jackknife accident if proper precautions are not taken before making a turn.

Looking for Jackknife Accident Lawyers? 

If you recently experienced an injury from a jackknife accident that was not your fault, our team of attorneys is ready to work for you. We know that these injuries can completely alter the course of your or a loved one’s life. Contact us as soon as you are able to after your jackknife crash so we can help you move forward.