A jackknife accident occurs when a truck towing a trailer skids and accidentally folds such that it resembles the acute angle of a folding pocketknife. Though fairly uncommon, when they do occur jackknife accidents may disrupt the flow of traffic for hours and pose a health hazard in the case where hazardous materials are spilled. Ultimately, smaller vehicles traveling next to the truck tend to suffer the most, as the skidding truck may smash into surrounding cars or cause a multiple-car pileup. Jackknife accidents often cause the drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles to incur serious injuries and sometimes even result in fatalities.

Some common causes of jackknife accidents include:

  • Equipment failure
  • Sudden braking
  • Improperly adjusted brakes
  • Dangerous road conditions
  • Driver error, such as braking and swerving at the same time
  • Improperly weighed loads
  • Speeding

Ways to avoid jackknife accidents:

  • Keep your distance from other vehicles
  • Spread your braking over a long distance
  • Do not decelerate on a turn or bend, instead brake in a straight line before the turn and then increase your speed as you make the turn
  • Do not brake and swerve at the same time when evasive action has to be taken
  • When a tractor begins to skid, release the brakes and steer into the skid before it becomes a jackknife

Jackknife accidents may result in life-threatening injuries:

  • Concussion
  • Broken legs
  • Coma
  • Injuries to the neck and back
  • Spinal injuries

Jackknife accidents may involve a multitude of victims and may be complicated to handle. The Law Offices of Kevin J. Dolley have the experience and trial success to handle jackknife cases and help you obtain the full compensation for any injuries suffered or damages sustained.

Free Consultation

To set up a free consultation with Attorney Kevin J. Dolley regarding your jackknife accident injury, please call (314) 645-4100 or email kevin@dolleylaw.com. All legal consultations are held strictly confidential.