What is a Jackknife Accident?

Thanks to the size and weight of commercial trucks, as well as the fact that they’re often lugging around heavy cargo in their trailers, there are some types of accidents that are unique to trucks. One of these unique accidents is called a jackknife accident. This involves the truck’s cab and trailer folding in at the point of separation, forming a 90-degree angle shape that resembles a pocketknife folding into its handle when closing—hence the name.

Because a jackknife accident requires a truck to take up considerable space on the road, they usually involve other vehicles and can cause a multi-vehicle pileup and plenty of traffic. Sometimes cars will collide with the truck as it’s jackknifing. It’s also possible for the truck to roll over as it’s jackknifing.

Common Causes of Jackknifing

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 10 percent of truck occupant fatalities are associated with jackknifing. A number of factors can contribute to jackknife accidents, including poor weather conditions, though most are caused by human error. It’s important to know that even in rain and snow, drivers are expected to drive safely on the road and keep everyone around them safe.

Some common examples of driver error that contribute to jackknife accidents with trucks include:

  • Speeding: The NHTSA reported that a speed limit of 55 mph or higher significantly increases the odds of jackknifing and rollovers for large trucks, especially when curved roads and sharp turns are involved. It’s difficult for large trucks to stop suddenly when they approach a hazard, and slamming on the brakes can easily cause the trailer to swing out.
  • Impaired driving: Alcohol and certain kinds of drugs—including prescription medications—can slow down a driver’s reflexes and judgment, which is dangerous on the road when drivers need to be alert and ready to quickly respond to sudden movements and dangers. Because trucks take a longer time to slow down and make turns, drivers need to make decisions earlier than drivers of passenger vehicles.
  • Distracted driving: Truck drivers who aren’t paying attention to the road because they’re on their phones, eating, or even simply changing the radio station can cause jackknife accidents when they try to swerve to avoid hitting a car or something else they didn’t see at the last second. Removing your eyes or attention for just a few seconds is dangerous.

Because of the weight of the truck and the force that a heavy trailer applies in a crash, jackknife accidents almost always end with serious injuries and fatalities. Some of the most common injuries associated with these accidents include internal bleeding, skull fracture, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries.

What To Do Right After an Indianapolis Jackknife Truck Accident

If you’re involved in a jackknife truck accident in Indianapolis, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

  • Stay Safe and Contact Authorities: Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
  • Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by medical professionals. This not only safeguards your health but also creates an official record of injuries related to the accident.
  • Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, any injuries, skid marks, and other relevant details. Clear documentation can support your claim and help establish liability.
  • Gather Contact Information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the truck driver and any witnesses. However, avoid discussing fault or liability at the scene.
  • Consult a Truck Accident Attorney: An experienced attorney can help guide you through the next steps, advise on handling insurance claims, and work to protect your right to compensation.

What Are Recoverable Damages or Compensation in a Jackknife Truck Accident Claim?

Following a jackknife accident, victims may be eligible for various types of compensation, depending on the extent of their injuries and losses. Common recoverable damages include:

  • Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical care includes emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and any necessary ongoing medical support.
  • Lost Income: If injuries impact your ability to work, you may recover lost wages and, in serious cases, potential future earnings if you can no longer perform your job as before.
  • Pain and Suffering: This compensation covers physical pain, emotional distress, and the lasting trauma that often follows serious accidents.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Severe injuries that limit your ability to participate in daily activities, hobbies, or social engagements may qualify for this type of compensation.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases where the truck driver or company acted with extreme recklessness, punitive damages may be awarded to discourage similar conduct in the future.

How Is Liability Determined in a Jackknife Truck Accident?

Liability in jackknife accidents often involves several parties, depending on the cause of the incident. Factors in determining liability include:

  • Truck Driver Negligence: If the driver’s actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, or improper braking, led to the jackknife, they may be held liable.
  • Trucking Company Responsibility: When trucking companies neglect maintenance, training, or enforce unsafe work hours, they can be held accountable for accidents caused by their drivers or poorly maintained vehicles.
  • Vehicle or Part Manufacturer: If the jackknife resulted from a faulty component, such as defective brakes or tires, the manufacturer of those parts might share responsibility.
  • Each case is unique, and determining liability may require investigation by accident reconstruction experts. Consulting an attorney ensures a thorough examination of all potential responsible parties.

Most Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Indianapolis

Understanding what contributes to jackknife accidents can help in both preventing them and establishing liability. Some of the leading causes in Indianapolis include:

  • Sudden Braking or Speeding: Quick or forceful braking, especially on slick roads, can easily cause a truck to jackknife.
  • Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, ice, or snow reduce tire traction and increase the risk of the trailer swinging out.
  • Improperly Loaded Cargo: When cargo isn’t evenly loaded, it can shift, causing the trailer to become unstable and leading to jackknifing.
  • Driver Fatigue: Tired drivers may have slower reaction times and are more prone to mistakes, which can trigger accidents.
  • Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tires, or coupling systems can contribute to loss of control, resulting in jackknife situations.

By understanding these causes, you can better assess potential liability and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable.

Holding At-Fault Parties Responsible in Indiana

There are a number of parties who can be held responsible for negligence through an injury claim. Because truck drivers are often employed by companies, it’s likely you’ll be able to hold their employer liable for damages, especially if you can prove the driver lacked proper training. However, some truck drivers are independent contractors and usually own their own trucks, meaning they’re responsible for themselves.

Other potential at-fault parties in jackknife accidents include cargo owners, mechanics, and manufacturers of vehicle parts. Even government entities can be at fault if they failed to maintain the roadway that contributed to the crash.

Image generated by custom shortcode Regardless of who caused your injuries, our lawyers believe our clients deserve the maximum amount of compensation available to them to cover their damages, especially when they’ve suffered so much in a truck accident. Our experience recovering damages ranging from medical bills to pain and suffering gives us the edge we need to help you make a complete recovery.

Get started on your claim today by calling our Indianapolis jackknife accident lawyers at 317-488-5500. In your free case evaluation, we can discuss what’s next for you.