What Causes A Truck To Jackknife?

A jackknife crash is a frightening and potentially deadly type of truck accident that occurs when the trailer of a semi-truck swings out to one side, often forming a sharp angle with the tractor. This dangerous maneuver can cause significant damage to property and serious injuries to drivers, passengers, and other motorists.

The Science Behind Jackknifing

To understand why jackknifing happens, we must first consider the unique physics of large trucks. Unlike cars, trucks have a higher center of gravity and a significant portion of their weight is concentrated on the rear axle. When a truck driver brakes too hard or turns too sharply, the weight shifts dramatically to the front axle. This sudden weight transfer can cause the rear end to swing out, leading to a jackknife.

Distinguishing Jackknifing from Trailer Sway

It's important to differentiate between jackknifing and trailer sway. While both jackknife crashes and trailer sway can be dangerous for other drivers on the road, they have distinct causes and consequences.

Trailer Sway: This occurs when a truck experiences side-to-side motion, often due to wind gusts or uneven road surfaces. While it can be unsettling, trailer sway is generally less severe than a jackknife.
Jackknife: This involves a more severe and sudden movement, where the trailer swings out at a sharp angle to the tractor.

Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents

Driver Error: This includes factors like speeding, fatigue, distracted driving, and improper braking techniques.
Vehicle Malfunction: Faulty brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms can increase the risk of a jackknife.
Road Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, can significantly contribute to jackknife accidents.
Cargo Issues: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, affecting the truck's stability.

What to Do If You Encounter a Jackknifing Truck

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of encountering a jackknifing truck, follow these steps:

Maintain Calm: Panic can lead to poor decision-making. Stay calm and focused.
Avoid Sudden Maneuvers: Do not slam on your brakes or swerve abruptly. These actions could exacerbate the situation.
Gradually Slow Down: Reduce your speed gradually to avoid losing control of your vehicle.
Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the jackknifed truck and any other vehicles involved.
Be Aware of Debris: Watch out for debris from the accident, such as scattered cargo or broken vehicle parts.
Call for Help: If safe to do so, call emergency services to report the accident and request assistance.

Gathering Evidence

If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife accident, it's crucial to gather as much evidence as possible to support your legal claim. This may include:

Photographs: Take pictures of the accident scene, the damaged vehicles, and any injuries sustained.
Police Report: Obtain a copy of the official police report, which will document the details of the accident.
Medical Records: Collect all medical records related to your injuries, including doctor's appointments, hospital stays, and treatment plans.
Witness Statements: Interview any witnesses to the accident and obtain written statements from them.
Vehicle Repair Estimates: Obtain estimates for the cost of repairing any damaged vehicles.

Louisiana Truck Accident Attorneys

Jackknife crashes can be incredibly dangerous for everyone involved and should be avoided at all costs. However, if you find yourself faced with one, it pays off to keep your cool and take evasive action immediately to minimize potential injury or damage. Drivers should pay close attention while driving around big rigs so that they can recognize signs of trouble before it’s too late—such as sudden braking or excessive speed—and so that they can take necessary precautions if ever faced with a jackknifed truck situation ahead of them on their travels. That being said, things can still go wrong even when you do everything right.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a big truck crash in Louisiana, one of our experienced truck accident attorneys at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys will help you understand your rights and explore your options for seeking compensation.

Contact us online or call us at (225) 230-3110 to schedule an appointment with our experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Baton Rouge today.