July 7, 2025 | Truck Accidents
A jackknife accident is one of the most dangerous types of incidents involving large, 18-wheeler trucks. In these accidents, the trailer of the vehicle skids and folds in on itself, creating a “V” shape with the tractor, or the front portion of the truck. This makes the vehicle very difficult to control. There are numerous potential causes of jackknife truck accidents, and an Austin truck accident lawyer can assist with a claim.
When roadways are unsafe, due to ice, snow, or other wet conditions, the traction of the rear tires may be minimal. This can cause the trailer portion to gain excessive speed and overtake the front tractor portion. This often leads the truck to veer off the road and jackknife.
A high rate of speed increases the risk of jackknifing. If the truck is traveling at a high rate of speed, it takes the vehicle much longer to slow to a stop. In some cases, the trailer may not slow down fast enough, causing it to advance further than the cab, which can create a jackknife. The trailer can easily create a spinning that leads to dangerous accidents.
All large trucks require skilled drivers behind the wheel. Those with limited experience are at a higher risk of losing control over the vehicle. Inexperienced drivers may fail to slow down soon enough to prevent accidents. They may also not anticipate the impact that wet roads have.
Another incident that leads to jackknifing occurs when the truck is tailgating, or following the vehicle in front of it too closely. In these situations, the vehicle in front may stop fast, causing the truck driver to slam on their brakes. While the tractor portion of the truck may stop, the trailer continues to advance, causing the V shape to happen.
The cargo on the truck is another common factor that can either drive safe driving or create dangerous situations. If the cargo shifts for any reason, such as coming loose due to a lack of security, that shift can alter the movement and stability of the truck, ultimately leading to a higher risk of jackknifing.
Often, these accidents occur because drivers are distracted or fatigued behind the wheel. They may not be intentional in the process, but falling asleep, daydreaming, or otherwise being distracted due to fatigue can lead to sudden stopping and jackknifing as an outcome.
The more winding and turning a roadway is, the higher the risk of an 18-wheeler getting stuck or suffering a jackknife incident. Curves and blind spots are a common cause of even the most skilled truck drivers suffering a serious loss of control over the vehicle. This can lead to jackknifing at the curve or just beyond it.
Numerous other factors could contribute to the risk of jackknifing, including:
In tragic cases where a jackknife accident leads to the loss of a loved one, families may be entitled to file a claim with assistance from an experienced wrongful death attorney in Austin.
In every situation, it is up to the victim and their truck accident attorney to demonstrate what took place and why it happened. Having an expert who can provide the necessary evidence is crucial to building your claim. Victims should seek the guidance of an Austin truck accident lawyer at Bonilla Law Firm to help them pursue fair compensation.
Contact us at (512) 441-1111 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.