The screech of brakes followed by the deafening crash of twisting metal is a familiar nightmare for California highway drivers. When a tractor trailer jackknifes, its trailer swings out violently until it folds against the truck cab. This sends the rig careening out of control and puts all surrounding vehicles in grave danger. Jackknife truck accidents represent some of the deadliest crashes on our roads.
Jackknifes occur for many complex reasons and leave extensive damage in their wake. Understanding what causes these terrifying crashes and their consequences is critical to improving road safety. This article will examine the factors that lead to jackknifes, the hazardous situations that unfold when trucks fold over at high speeds, and the severe aftermath that follows. We’ll also outline important steps both trucking companies and drivers must take to help prevent these tragedies.
What Causes a Jackknife Accident?
There are several factors that can lead to a jackknife accident:
Driver Error
One of the most common causes of a jackknife is driver error. Truck drivers must be extensively trained and experienced to handle the size and weight of a tractor trailer safely. If they turn too sharply or apply the brakes too hard, it can start a jackknife. Fatigue and distracted driving also increase the risk.
Speeding
Driving over the speed limit gives a driver less time to react and decreases control. Sudden braking or turning at high speeds makes a jackknife much more likely.
Unsafe Loading
The distribution of weight in the trailer can affect the handling. If the load isn’t balanced properly or shifts in transit, it alters the center of gravity. This makes jackknifing more likely.
Slick Roads
Rain, snow, ice, and other wet road conditions reduce traction between the tires and road. This can cause the truck to slide and start a jackknife.
Mechanical Failure
Equipment problems like brake failure or tire blowouts take away control from the driver. If this happens during a turn or sudden stop, a jackknife can occur.
Avoiding Obstacles
If an animal, stalled vehicle, or other obstacle appears in the road, the driver may react suddenly to avoid a collision. Quick steering inputs or braking raise the chance of a jackknife.
Wind
Strong crosswinds can push large trucks sideways. This is especially dangerous on bridges, open highways, and in mountain passes. Drivers may lose control and jackknife if winds are severe.
What Happens During a Jackknife Accident?
When a jackknife occurs, the trailer violently swings out until it forms an angle with the tractor. This makes the truck fold over on itself. Several hazardous situations can unfold:
- Rollover – The folded truck can tip over onto its side or roof. Rollovers are extremely dangerous as they often crush the cab with the driver inside.
- Trailer detachment – The force of the jackknife can detach the trailer from the tractor. This leaves an uncontrolled trailer crashing into traffic.
- Load spills – Shifting loads or unsecured cargo gets thrown from the trailer. Debris left in the roadway can cause additional collisions.
- Collisions – Out of control jackknifed trucks often slam into other vehicles. Head-on, rear-end, and side impact crashes are common.
At highway speeds, jackknife accidents are extremely violent. The collisions can force vehicles off the road, down embankments, or cause chain reaction pileups.
Consequences of a Jackknife Truck Accident
Jackknife truck crashes have severe and long-lasting consequences due to their force and multiple vehicles often involved.
Injuries
The occupant of any vehicle struck by a jackknifing tractor-trailer is at high risk for serious injury or death. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Severe fractures and crush injuries
- Organ damage
- Disfigurement and burns
In rollover crashes, drivers may be crushed or trapped inside the truck cab. Recovery requires heavy rescue equipment to cut them out.
Property Damage
In addition to totaling the involved passenger cars, jackknifed trucks often sustain major damage. This includes:
- Destruction of the tractor, trailer, and cargo
- Cleanup of spilled loads and fluids
- Roadway damage like guardrails or signs
Companies lose thousands in property damage per accident. Failed cargo deliveries also create additional costs.
Legal and Insurance Impacts
The involved trucking company, driver, and insurance providers face extensive legal action and claims following a jackknife crash. Lawsuits for negligence, wrongful death, and liability seek compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial costs
Settlements often reach millions of dollars depending on the number of claimants and severity of the crash. Insurance premiums rise significantly as well.
Traffic Delays
Jackknifed trucks blocking the road lead to traffic jams and cause significant delays. Clearing accidents takes hours to reopen affected highways and arterials. This creates a ripple effect of congestion that spreads far beyond the actual crash site.
Preventing Jackknife Accidents
While it isn’t possible to control the weather or road conditions, companies and drivers can take key steps to avoid jackknifes:
- Proper load distribution and restraint – Cargo should be balanced and secured inside trailers. This helps prevent shifting loads.
- Stay under the speed limit – Higher speeds reduce response times and control. Slowing down is critical in inclement weather.
- Drive defensively – Leave plenty of following distance and avoid sudden turns or stops whenever possible.
- Maintain equipment – Follow a thorough maintenance schedule and replace worn parts immediately. Inspect rigs before each trip.
- Allow rest breaks – Take scheduled stops to eat, rest, and check the truck. Drowsy or distracted driving is dangerous.
- Driver training – Both new and experienced drivers need ongoing instruction on safe operating procedures. Practice emergency maneuvering.
Following these best practices keeps everyone on the road safer and significantly lowers jackknife risks. However, trucking companies that cut corners on maintenance or driver training still jeopardize public safety in the name of profit.
If you or a loved one are ever injured by a jackknifed tractor trailer, contact our personal injury law firm for a free case review. Our attorneys have years of experience holding negligent trucking companies accountable. We can help you recover the maximum compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other costs.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation on (415) 352-6264.
Or visit our office at 536 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133.