A jackknife truck accident can be one of the deadliest types of large truck, semi-truck, and tractor trailer accidents to be involved in.
They are also dangerous not only for the truck driver involved but also for other motorists on the roadway. But what is a jackknife truck accident?
Learning what a jackknife accident is and why it occurs, as well as creating an awareness of the legal aspects and how victims are compensated, will hopefully help to prevent a jackknife accident from happening in the future.
Every year in the US, large trucks account for some ten percent of all deaths resulting from traffic incidents.
In particular, jackknife accidents are one of the main causes of such incidents, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) raising awareness in this regard.
This article delves into jackknifing and digs deeper into the legal matters relating to drivers and the victims, as well as the reasons behind these accidents and their effects.
Article Summary
What is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife accident results from a large truck’s trailer skidding outward from the cab, pivoting to make an ‘L’ or ‘V’ of the rig, like a folding pocket knife. A trailer can swing laterally across lanes, blocking several lanes and leading to multiple pile-ups.
It’s a classic ‘jackknifing’ accident that is precipitated by a sudden loss of control of the trailer, which is prone to swinging around in a flat arc over the cab of the truck, usually leaving the driver powerless to regain any control.
Its considerable weight and dimensions cause such destruction that any impact will lead to awful damage and injuries.
Causes of Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident might be caused, among other events, by a driver, a road feature, or a mechanical issue. A driver, a road feature, or a problem might cause a jackknife accident.
1. Braking Issues
Sudden or hard braking, such as on wet or slippery roads, can cause the trailer to skid, leading it back to the cab and creating a jackknife.
It can be especially difficult to steer the trailer if the brakes are applied differently on different wheels.
2. Road Conditions
Wet, icy, or slippery roads increase the likelihood of jackknifing, as do sharp curves, steep descents, or substandard road maintenance.
3. Driver Error
Inexperience, driving too fast, aggressive driving, or slamming on the brakes, for example, will cause a jackknife. Failing to respond to traffic conditions and halting in time can be key factors for drivers.
4. Mechanical Failures
Poorly functioning brakes, shredded tires, or defective anti-lock braking systems (ABS) can disrupt the distribution of loads on the tires, causing the truck to swerve out of control when the driver slams on the brakes.
5. Overloading or Improperly Loaded Cargo
Trucks carrying loads that are too heavy or unbalanced are more difficult to steer. One reason truck drivers make abrupt steering movements is to counteract the effects of a shifting load or if the truck’s center of gravity is moved.
Consequences of Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents can have far-reaching consequences, both for the truck driver and other motorists:
Property Damage
Property damage, which frequently accompanies jackknife accidents, can be considerable, including the truck, its trailer, nearby autos, and roadside infrastructure, not to mention cargo spills involving hazardous materials.
Injuries
Sometimes, particularly in jackknife accidents, the injuries can be quite serious and tragic not only to the truck driver but also to the motorist who may have been involved in the accident.
Broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injury, and even death are common types of injuries.
Traffic Disruption
A jackknifed truck occupies two to three lanes of traffic and blocks the highway, sometimes for hours.
Environmental Impact
In the event that the truck is transporting hazardous materials, a jackknife accident could lead to the spilling or ignition of chemicals, creating widespread environmental contamination and posing a serious threat to the safety of civilians.
Legal Implications of a Jackknife Accident
Determining fault and navigating the legal consequences of a jackknife accident can be complex.
Determining Liability
Liability would depend on whether the truck driver, the trucking company, or some other party failed to act with reasonable care, including by fatiguing the driver, failing to maintain the truck, or otherwise improperly loading or securing the cargo.
Insurance Considerations
Most commercial trucking companies have extensive liability insurance to pay damages arising from an accident. Yet, there can be disputes about which of those parties is responsible for the damage.
The trucking company, a third party mechanic, or maybe even the manufacturer of the defective part.
Litigation and Lawsuits
Those injured in jackknife accidents may launch personal injury lawsuits in an attempt to recover damages.
They might name the driver of the truck, the trucking company, or another liable defendant as the defense.
These lawsuits could yield compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Preventing Jackknife Accidents
Although jackknife accidents can be very dangerous, the danger is often avoidable by driving responsibly and keeping vehicles properly maintained.
Safe Driving Practices
As far as truck drivers are concerned, they should not be driving at excessive speeds and should certainly not be traveling at high speeds in poor weather conditions.
They should brake gently and ensure that they are far enough away from other vehicles so that they have enough space and time to prevent the situation that makes the truck jackknife.
Vehicle Maintenance
Additionally, maintenance inspections must be performed for the brakes, tires, and ABS systems themselves to ensure they are functioning properly.
It is also important that trucks undergo routine inspections to check whether the load is evenly distributed and to ensure safety.
Training for Drivers
Truck drives should always receive proper training in advance. They need to know how to react in an emergency, how the road conditions are, how to travel in their car on the high roads, and how to work with their vehicle in bad weather.
What To Do If You Are Involved in a Jackknife Accident
Here’s what to do when you’ve been involved in a jackknife accident to protect yourself and your rights.
Immediate Steps
First, check yourself and others for injuries, call 911 for help if necessary, take photos of the scene, return to the driver’s seat, and call the police and your insurance company to report the accident.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Whenever possible, file a claim and provide documentation to support it, such as police reports, photos of your injury, medical invoices, witness reports, and any other supporting evidence you can gather together.
The stronger your claim, the better your odds of winning your case.
Seeking Legal Help
Consulting a Columbia truck accident attorney at the Marc Brown Law Firm is crucial if you’ve been injured.
The attorney can handle many of the complex details associated with insurance claims and, if necessary, litigation to recover damages.
FAQs on What is a Jackknife Truck Accident
What is the Main Cause of a Jackknife Truck Accident?
However, what caused the jackknife accident with a tractor trailer was unlocked brakes. If the trailer’s drive axle brakes lock up or the driver breaks too abruptly, the weight transferred to the trailer causes it to change direction and swing outward to the side of the cab. Other causes include speeding, bad road conditions (wet or snow or ice covered roads), and improperly loaded trailers.
How Can Jackknife Truck Accidents Be Prevented?
Whether it is because of poor braking techniques due to adverse weather or the driver simply throwing on the brakes when there is a heavy trailer, one of the safest ways to avoid a jackknife accident is to prevent one from happening in the first place. Slowing down the speed on curves or icy roads, performing regular maintenance on the truck, and loading the trailer properly are also recommendations.
What Should I Do If I Witness a Jackknife Truck Accident?
If you happen to drive by a jackknife accident, the first thing you should do is make sure you’re out of danger. Pull over to a secure spot away from the scene of the accident. Inform your local emergency services about the accident and describe the scene. When it’s safe, take photos or videos of the accident. Don’t approach the truck unless you know it’s secure and safe. The truck could be unstable or spill hazardous materials.
Conclusion
A jackknife truck accident usually results in serious or even fatal injuries to one or more of the vehicles involved.
Although large trucks make up only a small percentage of the total number of vehicles on the road, they consistently account for a large percentage of serious traffic accidents.
Responsible truck drivers and all other motorists can help keep the nation’s interstate highways safe by learning about the causes and symptoms of jackknife accidents, why they are so dangerous, and what steps everyone can take to help prevent them.
