What Are the Common Jackknife Truck Accident Causes and Injuries?

March 20, 2025 | Truck Accidents

What Are the Common Jackknife Truck Accident Causes and Injuries?

A jackknife truck accident is one of the most dangerous types of truck accidents to be involved in. These accidents occur when the truck’s trailer swings out to the side and continues moving as the driver is braking, causing the cab and trailer to fold into each other, much like the motion of a folding pocket knife. Collisions with vehicles in adjoining lanes can cause serious injuries. Narrowing down the reason for the accident can help identify who is responsible for these injuries. 

Most Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents 

Although jackknife truck accidents can happen for a number of reasons, there are some common causes for these kinds of crashes. Below are some of the most common causes and injuries. 

Improper Braking

One cause of jackknife crashes is improper braking. Large trucks require longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles, so the trailer can swing out if a trucker brakes too hard or brakes suddenly. This sudden braking can occur because the driver is following too closely, driving on slippery roads, or is distracted. 

Speeding

Another common cause of jackknife truck accidents is speeding. When a truck drives too fast, the trailer can swing out to the side, which can be difficult to control. The demands of the trucking industry often contribute to these crashes because many truck drivers are under immense pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. 

Driver Error 

Commercial trucks are difficult to operate, which is why they require a special license. Even when properly licensed, truck drivers can still make mistakes that affect their ability to safely handle these large vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds. 

Driver errors that can result in jackknife collisions include:

  • Making sudden lane changes or turns
  • Not adjusting driving patterns for adverse road or weather conditions
  • Failing to correctly judge the speed and distance of other vehicles 
  • Mistakes associated with fatigued driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Because of their size and weight, any small mistake while driving a truck can result in a catastrophe. 

Improper Loading

How a truck is loaded can also contribute to these dangerous accidents. If cargo shifts during transit because it was not secured or loaded correctly, the balance can be thrown off. This makes it more difficult for the driver to maintain control, especially when braking. Overloaded trucks can also lead to jackknife accidents because they are more difficult to control. Third-party companies that load the cargo could be responsible for such accidents.

Equipment Failure 

Equipment failure can lead to jackknife accidents, such as blown tires, problems with the suspension system, steering breakdowns, worn brakes, or problems with the coupling between the trailer and cab. Trucking companies and owners are required to conduct regular maintenance and inspections to prevent such crashes, but many trucking companies prioritize profits over safety. 

Most Common Jackknife Truck Accident Injuries

The most common types of injuries victims suffer in jackknife collisions include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries: Truck accident victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries when their heads hit a hard surface, such as the steering wheel or dashboard. They can also suffer these injuries due to the violent force of a large vehicle crashing into them.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal column is damaged or severed. These injuries can result in paralysis below the site of the injury and long-term complications. 
  • Catastrophic injuries: Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving them can cause catastrophic injuries, including amputations, nerve damage, and severe burns.
  • Internal injuries: Jackknife accidents can sometimes cause injuries that are not immediately apparent, such as damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or other organs.
  • Broken bones: The force of the impact can lead to multiple or complex bone fractures. 
  • Psychological trauma: Truck accidents can also cause psychological injuries to victims, who may suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression due to the trauma of the accident. 

If you suffered any of these injuries, seek immediate medical attention and consider contacting an attorney.  

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer if You’ve Been Injured in a Jackknife Crash

If you were injured in a truck accident, you should not have to pay the consequences for someone else’s negligence. A skilled truck accident lawyer can investigate the collision, determine what caused it, and identify the at-fault parties. Contact one today to learn more about your legal options for financial recovery. 

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

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Chambersburg Law Office
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