Jill Kolodner | January 29, 2025 | Truck Accidents
A truck jackknife occurs when the cab and trailer of a semi-truck form an angle resembling a folded knife. This situation leads to a loss of control and poses risks to everyone on the road.
Large trucks, especially tractor-trailers, are most vulnerable to these incidents. Jackknifing disrupts traffic flow, endangers other drivers, and often results in severe accidents.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents often result from driver actions or external conditions, including:
- Sudden braking, especially when trailer brakes engage more forcefully than the drive tires, frequently causes the trailer to swing out.
- Poor weather conditions, such as rain, ice, or snow, also contribute to these incidents by reducing traction and increasing the risk of skidding.
- Improperly loaded cargo, which disrupts weight distribution, makes trucks more likely to jackknife.
- Failing to maintain a safe following distance creates another common risk. Tailgating increases the likelihood of sudden braking, which heightens the chances of a jackknife.
Mechanical issues, such as malfunctioning brakes or tire blowouts, also play a part in these accidents.
The Dangers Associated With Jackknifing Trucks
Jackknifing trucks pose serious risks. When a semi-truck jackknifes, it often blocks multiple lanes, creating hazards for other drivers. The swinging trailer can collide with nearby vehicles, causing injuries or fatalities.
The weight and size of the truck amplify the damage to property and infrastructure. When trucks carry hazardous materials, the risk of fire or spills escalates, compounding the danger.
Factors That Contribute to Jackknife Collisions
Several factors contribute to jackknife accidents. Improper weight distribution within the trailer often destabilizes trucks, with empty or unevenly loaded trailers proving particularly problematic.
Inexperienced drivers may lack the skills needed to handle emergency situations, increasing the likelihood of these incidents.
External conditions also influence jackknife risks. Poorly maintained roads, potholes, and uneven surfaces destabilize trucks, making them harder to control. Limited visibility due to fog or heavy rain further complicates matters by reducing reaction times.
How Jackknife Accidents Differ from Other Truck Crashes
Jackknife accidents differ from other truck crashes in their unique dynamics. While many crashes involve direct collisions, jackknife incidents arise from a loss of control between the cab and trailer. This dynamic often leads to the trailer swinging across lanes, endangering multiple vehicles simultaneously.
The aftermath of jackknife accidents frequently involves significant delays as responders clear blocked lanes. The severity of injuries and damage also tends to be higher due to the size and weight of the trucks involved.
Injuries Often Linked to Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents often result in serious injuries. Victims may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and fractures, with long-term effects on their quality of life.
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are common, especially for those in smaller vehicles involved in the collision. The severity of injuries depends on factors like speed and impact angle.
Mental health impacts also emerge after jackknife accidents. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression often affect survivors.
Who Could Be Liable For a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Jackknife accidents often involve multiple liable parties. Truck drivers bear responsibility if negligence, such as speeding or unsafe following distances, played a role. Trucking companies may share the blame if they failed to provide adequate training or vehicle maintenance. Manufacturers of defective equipment could also face liability claims in some cases.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Baltimore Truck Accident Attorney If You Were Involved in a Jackknife Crash
After a jackknife truck accident in Baltimore, seeking legal advice promptly makes a significant difference. Victims of jackknife accidents can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Filing personal injury claims against responsible parties, such as the truck driver or trucking company, is a common approach. Contact us to learn more about your legal options after a jackknife truck collision.
Contact the Baltimore Truck Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080