Navigating the Aftermath of a Jackknife Truck Accident

Don’t let the trucking companies minimize your claim

Being involved in a jackknife truck accident can be a terrifying experience that changes your life in an instant. If you or someone you know has been injured in one of these accidents, you’re likely dealing with a lot right now—physically, emotionally, and mentally. The injuries from a jackknife accident can be severe, ranging from broken bones to spinal damage, and the road to recovery can be long and challenging.

On top of the pain and stress, you might be wondering what to do next. Should you reach out to a truck accident lawyer? The answer is yes. Having an experienced attorney by your side can often make all the difference. At Dean Waite & Associates, LLC, we can take charge of your case and keep you involved and updated throughout the entire process. You should be able to focus on healing, knowing that your rights are being protected.

What is a jackknife truck accident?

A jackknife truck accident happens when a large truck, like an 18-wheeler, folds in on itself, forming the shape of a jackknife closing. Imagine the trailer swinging out to one side while the truck cab stays straight or goes in a different direction. It’s a dangerous type of truck accident because it often causes the driver to lose complete control of the truck, leading to multi-car pileups or serious road blockages. The size and weight of these trucks alone make jackknife accidents especially dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries for anyone involved.

Common injuries caused by jackknife accidents

Jackknife accidents are often severe and have the potential to result in life-altering injuries. The force of a large truck losing control can cause a range of injuries, some of which can have long-term effects on your health and well-being. Jackknife accidents commonly result in the following injuries:

Broken bones: The impact of a jackknife accident can be so intense that it fractures bones. Whether it’s from a direct collision or being crushed by the truck, victims may suffer broken arms, legs, and ribs.
Spinal injuries: The sudden and violent motion of a jackknife accident can jolt your body in unnatural ways, leading to spinal injuries. This can range from herniated discs to more severe damage like spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or complete paralysis.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): The force of the impact from the accident can cause your head to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows, leading to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. Just a jolt of the head without direct contact with something can cause a TBI. TBIs can have long-term effects on cognitive functions and memory.
Internal injuries: The trauma from a jackknife accident can cause internal bleeding or damage to vital organs like the lungs, liver, or kidneys. These injuries are often not immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Even if you’re wearing a seatbelt, the sudden impact in a jackknife accident can cause your neck and body to snap forward and backward violently. This can result in whiplash, sprains, and strains to muscles and ligaments, especially in the neck and back.
Lacerations and contusions: Shattered glass, metal debris, and other flying objects can cause deep cuts and bruises, which might require stitches or other medical treatments.

After a jackknife accident, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for your health and legal protection. Some injuries may not immediately show symptoms even if you don’t feel seriously injured.

A medical evaluation can ensure any hidden injuries are detected and treated immediately. Legally, medical records are crucial evidence linking your injuries directly to the accident and supporting your claim for financial compensation. Delaying medical care can jeopardize your health and potentially weaken your legal case.

What causes a tractor-trailer to jackknife?

Jackknife accidents are often the result of many different factors, but all of them involve negligence. Several common causes that can increase the risk of a truck losing control and jackknifing include:

Speeding: Driving too fast, especially in poor weather conditions, can cause the trailer to swing out of control when the driver tries to stop suddenly.
Drowsy driving: Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and may not be able to control their vehicles as effectively, increasing the risk of a jackknife accident.
Sharp turns: Turning too quickly or sharply can cause the trailer to shift unpredictably, leading to a loss of control and, ultimately, a crash.
Improper brake adjustment: If the brakes on the truck or trailer are not properly adjusted, they may not apply evenly, causing the trailer to swing out during a stop.
Lack of truck maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to keep all parts of the truck functioning properly. Neglecting this can lead to mechanical failures, like brake malfunctions, that contribute to jackknife accidents.

Understanding liability in jackknife accidents

Determining liability (who’s legally responsible for paying for accident-related expenses) in a jackknife accident can be complicated because multiple factors and parties may be involved. Establishing who is at fault is important for building a strong case and securing the compensation you deserve. To determine liability, the following records and possible evidence sources are often reviewed and investigated:

Accident investigation and reconstruction

After a jackknife accident, a thorough investigation is essential to piece together what happened. Accident reconstruction experts may be brought in to analyze the scene, including skid marks, vehicle positions, and impact points. These experts recreate the sequence of events leading up to the accident, which helps identify the responsible party.

Review of vehicle maintenance records

Truck maintenance often plays a critical role in preventing accidents. If the truck involved in the jackknife was not properly maintained, this could be a critical factor in determining liability. Reviewing the truck’s maintenance records can reveal whether the vehicle was overdue for repairs or if critical components, like brakes, were not in proper working order.

Black box data

Most commercial trucks are equipped with an event data recorder, often called a "black box." This device captures information such as the truck’s speed, brake usage, and the driver’s actions just before the accident. Analyzing this data can provide critical evidence about whether the driver was speeding, braking improperly, driving recklessly, or making other errors that contributed to the accident.

Driver logs

Truck drivers are required to keep detailed logs of their driving hours, rest breaks, and other activities. Reviewing these logs can reveal whether the driver was complying with federal regulations, such as the Hours of Service rules, which limit how long a driver can be on the road without rest. If driver fatigue played a role in the accident, these logs could be key evidence in proving liability.

Traffic camera footage

If the accident occurred in an area monitored by traffic cameras, obtaining the footage of the accident could help paint a clear picture of who was at fault. This footage can show the exact moment the jackknife occurred, how the truck and other vehicles were positioned, and whether any traffic violations contributed to the crash.

All relevant factors, including witness statements and available evidence, need to be carefully examined to determine who is responsible. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help identify the liable party—whether it's the truck driver, the trucking company, or another third party—and ensure they are held accountable for their reckless or negligent behavior.

Jackknife accident settlements

When settling a jackknife truck accident case, there's no one-size-fits-all amount. Every case is unique, and the settlement you might receive will depend on various factors specific to your situation.

For example, in one case, our law firm obtained a $6,750,000 settlement for a wrongful death/severe injury claim involving a semi-truck accident.

The severity of your injuries, the extent of the damage to your vehicle, and whether you’re facing long-term medical treatment or rehabilitation can all influence the final settlement amount.

Factors such as who was at fault, the level of negligence involved, and the impact on your ability to work and live your daily life are critical in determining the compensation you might be entitled to for your jackknife accident.

Settlements in jackknife accident cases typically include both economic and non-economic damages, the legal term for financial compensation.

Economic damages are quantifiable costs that result from the accident, including:

Medical expenses: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and ongoing medical treatments.
Lost wages: Income lost due to not being able to work during your recovery.
Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries permanently impact your ability to work and earn a living, you should be financially compensated for that loss of future income.

Non-economic damages are damages that compensate for more subjective, personal losses that are harder to quantify:

Pain and suffering: Financial compensation for physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
Emotional distress: Damages for psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, or trauma following the accident.
Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact of your injuries on your relationships.
Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, you should be compensated for this loss.

Get the legal help you need and deserve after a jackknife truck accident

Jackknife truck accidents can cause serious injuries, leaving victims stressed about finances while suffering from physical and emotional pain. If you’ve been hurt in such an accident, you deserve compensation for your suffering and financial losses. Trucking companies and their insurers often use strategies to minimize their payouts, making it crucial for victims to have help from an experienced truck accident attorney.

The Alabama truck accident lawyers at Dean Waite & Associates, LLC know how to investigate your accident thoroughly, build a strong case, and negotiate with insurance companies or whoever’s responsible for paying for your accident.

If necessary, we can fight for your rights in court and file a truck accident lawsuit on your behalf. If you’re in Mobile or anywhere in Alabama, take back control of your life after your accident. Speak with a member of our legal team right away. It’s never too soon to reach out for help. Contact us for a free consultation today.

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