What You Should Know About Jackknife Accidents
It starts in an instant. A tractor-trailer loses control, and the trailer swings outward, forming a sharp “V” with the cab—like a folding pocketknife. In the trucking world, this is known as a jackknife accident, and it’s one of the most dangerous types of crashes on the road.
These incidents don’t just involve the truck itself. Jackknife accidents can sweep across multiple lanes, entangle several vehicles, and bring traffic to a grinding, chaotic halt. For those caught in the path, the damage—both physical and emotional—can be overwhelming.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a jackknife crash, TorHoerman Law is here to help you understand your rights, navigate the complex legal process, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Causes a Jackknife Accident?
Jackknife Accident occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, often due to a sudden loss of traction. Several factors can trigger this:
- Slippery roads from rain, snow, or ice
- Improper braking, especially when a driver brakes too hard or suddenly
- Speeding, particularly around curves or on downhill slopes
- Unbalanced or unsecured cargo that shifts during transit
- Mechanical failure, such as brake or tire issues
- Driver fatigue or inexperience, which can lead to poor decision-making under pressure
The size and weight of commercial trucks make them harder to stop or stabilize when conditions go south. And when a jackknife happens at highway speeds, the results can be catastrophic.
Common Injuries from Jackknife Accidents
Victims of jackknife accidents often face serious, life-altering injuries due to the force and unpredictability of these crashes. Some of the most common include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe lacerations or burns
- Emotional trauma, PTSD, and long-term anxiety
Recovery can take months or even years. For many, the medical bills, missed work, and emotional stress pile up quickly—and that’s where experienced legal help becomes essential.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining liability in a jackknife accident isn’t always straightforward. While the truck driver may appear to be at fault, there could be other responsible parties, such as:
- The trucking company, for poor training, long hours, or pushing unrealistic delivery schedules
- Maintenance crews or service providers, if mechanical failure played a role
- Cargo loaders, if improperly secured freight caused instability
- Manufacturers, in the case of defective parts or safety equipment failures
At TorHoerman Law, we investigate every angle—reviewing driving logs, maintenance records, black box data, and accident scene evidence—to uncover the truth and identify every liable party.
What to Do After a Jackknife Truck Crash
If you’re involved in a jackknife accident, your safety and health come first. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 and make sure police and medical personnel are on the scene.
- Get medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor.
- Gather evidence if you’re able—photos, videos, witness statements, and license plate numbers.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters until you’ve talked to a lawyer.
- Contact a truck accident attorney, like the team at TorHoerman Law, as soon as possible.
The sooner you take action, the better your chances of building a strong case and protecting your right to compensation.
How TorHoerman Law Can Help
With years of experience in handling complex truck accident cases, TorHoerman Law knows how to stand up to large trucking companies and insurance providers. We understand the tactics they use to minimize payouts—and we don’t back down.
From the initial investigation to negotiating settlements or taking your case to court, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Our goal is to make sure you’re not just treated fairly—but that you have the resources and support needed to recover and rebuild.
Don’t Let the Crash Define Your Future
Jackknife accidents are terrifying, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. If you’ve been injured, let TorHoerman Law be your advocate. We’ll help you pursue justice, hold negligent parties accountable, and work toward a future where your voice is heard—and your losses are not ignored.
Reach out today for a free consultation. You focus on healing. We’ll handle the rest.
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