What Are the Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents?

Jackknife truck accidents are among the most dangerous types of trucking incidents.  These accidents occur when the truck driver loses control of the vehicle. While all vehicles are expected to be involved in accidents from time to time, truck accidents that involve 10,000 to 25,000 pounds of metal and cargo can become deadly fast. Any time that you are driving close to a tractor-trailer, it is crucial to remember to provide adequate space and distance between your vehicle and theirs.

What is a jackknife truck accident?

In a semi-truck, the tractor and trailer are designed to move in harmony. A jackknife accident happens when the tractor and trailer become misaligned, causing the trailer to swing perpendicular to the tractor. This creates a dangerous situation where the truck resembles a folding pocket knife, hence the name “jackknife.”

A jackknife truck accident is similar to how it sounds. The trailer folds and swings in at a 90-degree angle, causing the tractor unit to push forward.

What are the causes of jackknife truck accidents in San Antonio?

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT), there were 2,250 commercial truck accidents in San Antonio’s county, which is Bexar County, in 2022. The total number of commercial truck accidents in the state of Texas in 2022 was 38,621, and over 700 individuals lost their lives due to these accidents that year. There is a strong chance that some of the reported truck accidents were jackknife truck accidents, which are commonly caused by:

• Speeding: When a truck driver is speeding, it becomes difficult to slow down, stop, or make quick changes based on traffic patterns. The faster that an 18-wheeler travels, the more likely the driver is to lose control, which can lead to a jackknife truck accident. When a truck driver has to make quick adjustments or changes at high speeds, there is a strong chance that they will lose control of the vehicle, causing the trailer to swing out.
• Sharp curves and turns: Sharp curves and turns are another common cause of jackknife accidents. Navigating sharp turns or curves can cause the trailer to swing, resulting in a jackknife if the truck driver fails to manage the maneuver properly.
• Sudden stops: When a vehicle jumps in front of an 18-wheeler and cuts them off, they may have to make a quick and sudden stop. This may also happen if the trucker is trying to avoid any objects or debris in the roadway. However, this is very dangerous as it is almost impossible for heavy and large vehicles, such as semi-trucks, to stop quickly enough to avoid an accident. Therefore, they may try to pivot to slow down and make a safe stop, which could cause the tractor unit and trailer to become unaligned and result in a jackknife accident.
• Unbalanced or unsecured loads: If the cargo that a tractor-trailer is carrying is unbalanced or unsecured, this could cause the trailer to sway. When this happens, the trailer and tractor may become out of sync or the truck driver may lose control of the vehicle, leading to a jackknife truck accident.
• Empty or light trailers: When truck drivers deliver loads to their destination, their trailers become light or empty. This typically leads to less road traction, which can cause the wheels to lock up, especially if the driver slams on brakes or the roads are slippery. When this happens, the tractor unit may continue to drive straight, while the trailer may swing at an angle, causing a jackknife accident.
• Mechanical defects: If an employer, truck owner, or a leasing company has not routinely inspected, repaired, or maintained their trucks, mechanical defects may occur, which can result in a jackknife accident. For example, if an employer failed to replace the worn-out tires on a truck, the truck may experience a blowout, which can lead to the truck driver losing control of the vehicle and the trailer swaying or swinging at an angle.
• Distracted driving: Distractions, such as texting, phone calls, or adjusting the radio, can cause a truck driver to miss important changes in road conditions or traffic. This distraction can lead to mistakes that result in a jackknife accident.
• Poor weather and road conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, can make roads slippery and reduce traction. This increases the likelihood of a jackknife if the truck slides or hydroplanes.

Who can be held liable for a jackknife truck accident?

When involved in a jackknife truck accident, you may automatically assume that the liable party is the truck driver. Even though the truck driver could be responsible for causing the jackknife accident, several other parties could have contributed to the accident as well. A few of the potential parties who may be liable for the jackknife truck accident include:

• The truck driver
• The employer
• The cargo loading company or loaders
• The maintenance company or mechanic
• The tractor, trailer, or part manufacturer
• The truck owner
• The truck leasing company
• Other drivers
• The road owners

For decades, truck accident victims have put their trust in Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney. Mr. Maloney is an experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable truck accident lawyer who will work endlessly to advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you are owed for your losses. Whether you are injured in a jackknife truck accident, rollover truck accident, or any other type of truck accident, our legal team is committed to guiding and assisting you throughout the entire legal process. Please call our office or submit our contact form to request a free case evaluation in San Antonio today.