A semi-truck accident is a scary, traumatic event that can cause severe, catastrophic injuries, or even death. Jackknife truck accidents can be particularly frightening. They occur when the truck driver loses control and the trailer swings around toward the front, creating a sharp angle between the trailer and the cab. They are almost always the result of poor truck handling.

When a jacknife truck accident causes injuries or death, identifying the cause is a crucial step towards holding the responsible parties accountable for the harm they caused. The truck accident injury lawyers at Muth Law, P.C., stand ready to investigate your claim and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.

With over 40 years of experience representing injured people and their families, Muth Law has earned a reputation for obtaining superior results for our clients in even the most complex truck accident cases. To put our expertise to work for you, contact our truck accident injury lawyers today.

What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

Semi-trucks, or 18-wheelers, are made up of a cab and a trailer. The cab is where the driver sits to operate the truck, and where the engine is located. The trailer attaches to the back of the cab. During normal operation, the trailer is pulled by the cab and travels in the same direction. When a jacknife truck accident happens, the cab and trailer travel in different directions, typically with the trailer swinging out in front of the cab, forming an acute angle that can look like a partially folded jacknife.

Jackknife truck accidents can happen quickly, and other drivers may have little time to react. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which can make a jacknife truck accident potentially very destructive. These accidents can cause serious injuries to anyone involved.

What Causes a Jackknife Truck Accident?

A jacknife truck accident can have many causes, including driver inattention, speeding, improper maintenance, mechanical failure, poor road conditions, shifting loads, or driver inexperience.

Driver Error or Inattention

Jackknife truck accidents are often caused by driver error, such as improper lane change, reckless driving, or driver fatigue.

Speeding and Sudden Braking

When a truck traveling too fast for the road conditions needs to brake suddenly, the trailer may keep moving while the cab slows down, causing the trailer to swing around to the side.

Improper Maintenance

Poorly maintained vehicles are at greater risk of being involved in an accident. Worn brakes, old tires, or problems with the coupling between the cab and trailer can all cause the driver to lose control.

Mechanical Failure

Malfunctioning safety systems can lead to truck accidents. A faulty hydraulic system, steering system failure, a malfunctioning electrical system, or problems with the truck’s suspension system can cause the driver to lose control and result in a serious accident.

Poor Road Conditions

Roads that are slippery due to rain, ice, or snow can cause the driver to lose control or require sudden braking. Sudden braking on an icy road can cause the trailer to swing around creating a jackknifed truck.

Improper Loading

Improper loading can allow a load to shift en route, resulting in a jacknife truck accident. If the trailer is not loaded evenly or the cargo shifts during transit, the truck may become unbalanced, causing the trailer to swing out.

Driver Inexperience

Driving a big rig requires specialized training and experience. Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers are at greater risk of losing control of a truck.

Identifying the Cause of a Jackknife Truck Accident

Identifying the cause of a jacknife truck accident is the first step in determining who was responsible for the crash and holding them accountable for the harm they caused. Muth Law frequently works with accident reconstruction experts who analyze the circumstances that led to a truck accident to determine its cause and other contributing factors.

An accident reconstruction expert will review the accident scene, including skid marks, vehicle damage, road conditions, debris, and other factors to create a timeline of the events leading up to the accident. The expert will apply accepted physics and engineering principles, often with the aid of a computer simulation, to determine the cause of the crash. The expert will compile their findings into a report that can be used in settlement negotiations. When necessary, the accident reconstruction expert can be called upon to testify at trial to explain the cause of the accident.

How Muth Law’s Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help

A jacknife truck accident can be a terrifying experience. The truck accident lawyers at Muth Law can ease your burden by helping you evaluate your options and fighting for the compensation you deserve. We can analyze your circumstances, answer your questions, identify the responsible parties, and negotiate with the insurance companies for full and fair compensation. When necessary, we have the experience, resources, and expertise to take your case to court to protect your rights.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer at Muth Law

Muth Law has over 40 years of experience representing injured people in Ann Arbor and throughout Michigan. We have earned a reputation for achieving superior results on behalf of our clients. To put our experience to work for you, call 734-481-8800 or contact Muth Law today.