Jackknife accidents may cause severe injuries to individuals on the road. Oftentimes, large commercial trucks are extremely heavy in size and weight and can pose serious dangers when drivers lose control. Understanding jackknife accidents and why they often lead to multi-vehicle collisions is crucial to maintaining your safety the next time you are behind the wheel.
Understanding A Jackknife Accident
A jackknife accident usually occurs when the trailer of a tractor-trailer swings to one side while the tractor continues moving in another direction. Commercial trucks rely on coordinated braking, traction, and steering between the tractor and trailer. When that balance is disrupted, the trailer may begin sliding sideways.
Once a trailer swings across traffic lanes, the truck can create a large obstacle. Passenger vehicles traveling nearby may crash with the tractor-trailer, other vehicles, or roadway barriers while trying to avoid the truck.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
The physical size and weight of a tractor-trailer is one reason jackknife accidents can involve multiple vehicles. A trailer positioned sideways can take up more than one traffic lane, ultimately leaving approaching motorists with few options to safely get out.
The danger may be more dangerous on crowded California freeways, where vehicles usually travel close together. A driver who brakes suddenly to avoid a jackknifed truck may be hit from behind. In addition, another driver may try to change lanes and crash into a neighboring vehicle. These chain-reaction events can happen quickly. They can also make determining responsibility more complicated because several drivers and vehicles may need to be evaluated.
What Are Some Common Causes
The following instances are some of the most common causes of a jackknife accident.
- Sudden or improper braking: Abrupt braking can cause the tractor and trailer to lose coordinated traction.
- Excessive speed: Driving too fast for traffic, weather, curves, or roadway conditions may make controlling a commercial truck more difficult.
- Wet or slippery roads: Rain, ice, standing water, or other conditions may reduce tire traction.
- Improperly loaded cargo: Cargo distribution may affect the stability of a trailer.
- Driver inexperience or error: Commercial trucks require specialized handling, especially when braking, turning, and responding to emergencies.
- Mechanical problems: Brake, tire, steering, or other equipment issues may contribute to a loss of control.
- Following too closely: Insufficient following distance may require sudden braking when traffic slows unexpectedly.
- Driver fatigue or distraction: Reduced attention or delayed reaction time may affect a driver's ability to respond safely to changing traffic conditions.
Determining Liable Parties
Liability usually depends on the specific circumstances of the collision. The fact that a truck jackknifed does not, by itself, establish who was legally responsible. A truck driver may potentially be held responsible if negligent driving contributed to the accident. Examples of this may include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Unsafe speed
- Improper braking
- Distraction
- Failure to respond to traffic or roadway conditions
A trucking company may also need to be examined. Depending on the facts, questions may arise regarding hiring, training, vehicle maintenance, company safety practices, or the relationship between the driver and carrier. Other potentially responsible parties may include the following individuals.
- A maintenance provider
- Cargo-loading company
- Manufacturer
- Another motorist whose actions contributed to the initial loss of control or following collisions.
In a multi-vehicle accident, responsibility may potentially be shared among more than one party. Determining liability usually requires evaluating the evidence surrounding the entire series of events.
Maintaining Evidence and Documentation
Truck accident investigations may involve evidence that is different from evidence available in an ordinary passenger-vehicle collision. Depending on the circumstances, relevant information may include, but is not limited to, the following.
- Police reports
- Photographs and videos
- Witness statements
- Electronic logging information
- Vehicle damage
- Maintenance records
- Cargo documents
- Driver qualification records
Since a multi-vehicle collision can involve several different impacts, investigators may also examine where each vehicle was located, when braking occurred, the sequence of collisions, roadway conditions, and whether individual drivers had an opportunity to avoid the crash. As a result, preserving available evidence can be important after a serious commercial trucking accident.
Injuries after A Jackknife Accident
Depending on the circumstances and severity of the crash, injuries may include fractures, head injuries, spinal injuries, internal injuries, soft-tissue injuries, or other trauma. Some symptoms may not be immediately obvious following an accident. Seeking appropriate medical evaluation can help address injuries and create documentation of the medical care received.
Legal Support
It may be beneficial to seek legal support and guidance after a jackknife accident to help you understand your rights and responsibilities throughout your personal injury claims. A legal professional may be able to preserve important pieces of evidence and explain applicable California laws.
The Legal Team at KAASS LAW
Jackknife and multi-vehicle truck accidents can present complicated insurance and legal questions. KAASS LAW may be able to review the circumstances of a collision and discuss potential legal options based on the available evidence. If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife accident, don’t wait. Contact KAASS LAW today for a confidential consultation.