Each year, truck accidents claim thousands of lives and injure hundreds of thousands more. Among the most dangerous of these incidents are jackknife truck accidents, where a truck folds in on itself, blocking multiple lanes and crushing anything in its path.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a jackknife crash, you’re likely overwhelmed by pain, uncertainty, and questions. Who’s responsible? How will you cover your medical bills? What rights do you have? In this article, you will learn the answer to these questions and how to protect your rights in such a situation.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Big rigs are the lifeblood of California’s economy, hauling goods from the ports of Los Angeles to warehouses across the state. But when these massive machines lose control, the consequences can be devastating.
A jackknife truck accident happens when a truck’s trailer swings out and forms an “L” or “V” shape with the cab, often during a sudden, forceful stop. This can occur for several reasons:
- The driver slams on the brakes to avoid debris or a vehicle that cuts them off
- The truck’s brakes lock up on wet or slick roads
- The driver loses control while speeding or descending a steep grade
- Faulty brakes or improper maintenance cause the vehicle to malfunction
Whatever the cause, the results are often catastrophic, such as massive multi-vehicle collisions, blocked freeways, and innocent lives forever changed.
How Often Do Jackknife Truck Accidents Happen?
In 2018, there were 530,862 jackknife accidents across the United States, resulting in over 4,862 fatal crashes and 112,000 resulting in injuries, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
When it comes to traffic collisions, jackknife accidents are some of the most devastating, leaving behind a trail of destruction, serious injuries, and shattered lives.
How Dangerous Are Jackknife Truck Accidents?
The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make jackknife accidents uniquely devastating. A single miscalculation, such as brakes locking up, a slick road, or a tired driver, causes severe accidents, crushing smaller vehicles, igniting fires, and leaving destruction across multiple lanes.
Those who survive often face catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Severe burns from fiery explosions or ruptured fuel lines
- Spinal cord damage that robs people of movement, independence, or even the ability to breathe on their own
- Traumatic brain injuries that alter personalities, memories, and futures
- Crushed limbs or amputations that require lifelong medical care and prosthetics
- Multiple fractures and internal injuries that demand emergency surgeries and months of painful recovery
- Emotional impacts, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and grief, that linger long after the physical wounds begin to heal
Can I File a Claim for a Jackknife Truck Accident?
If you’ve been hit by a truck, you may have the legal right to file a personal injury claim. This legal action allows you to receive compensation for the damages you incurred from the crash.
And while no amount of money can undo the trauma you’ve endured, a settlement can ease the financial strain. Medical bills, lost income, physical therapy, and emotional trauma—these costs add up fast. Fair compensation can help you recover physically and financially.
But to secure that compensation, you’ll need to prove that the accident was caused by negligence. In legal terms, negligence means someone failed to act with the level of care a reasonable person, or in this case, a professional truck driver, would exercise.
To build your case, you’ll need to show that:
- The truck driver had a duty of care — a legal obligation to operate the vehicle safely and protect everyone sharing the road.
- They breached that duty — perhaps by speeding, failing to yield, being distracted, or violating safety protocols.
- That breach directly caused the crash, meaning their actions (or inaction) led to the armored truck colliding with your vehicle.
- You suffered actual damages — including injuries, property loss, medical expenses, emotional distress, and time away from work.
Going up against a truck company can feel intimidating. They often have powerful legal teams and insurance adjusters working to protect their resources. But you don’t have to face them alone. With the right truck accident lawyer, you can level the playing field, hold the negligent party accountable, and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Who Can I Sue in a Jackknife Crash?
Unlike a simple fender-bender, jackknife crashes are rarely clear-cut. They can involve multiple vehicles, devastating injuries, and several legal questions. And perhaps the most challenging part? Figuring out who’s truly responsible.
Several parties could be at fault, and the truth may be buried beneath layers of negligence:
The Truck Driver
If a truck driver acted carelessly behind the wheel, they can and should be held accountable.
They have a legal and moral duty to share the road responsibly and prioritize the safety of everyone around them. So, when they violate that duty, the consequences can be catastrophic, and they are liable for these.
Overall, you may have a valid personal injury claim against the truck driver if the crash was caused by dangerous behavior such as:
- Speeding
- Sudden or unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or even prescription medications
- Distracted driving
These are acts of negligence that can leave innocent people seriously hurt or even killed. If the evidence shows that the driver acted irresponsibly, you have every right to seek justice.
The Trucking Company
It is easy to direct all your anger and confusion toward the driver. After all, they were behind the wheel when the accident happened. However, the trucking company behind that driver may have played an even bigger role in what happened to you, and they should be accountable too.
Jackknife truck accidents are among the most terrifying and destructive crashes on the road. When a massive truck folds into itself, sweeping across lanes with crushing force, the damage is often catastrophic. But what caused the driver to lose control? The answer may point to deep-rooted negligence within the trucking company itself.
Here’s how a company’s failures can lead directly to a jackknife tragedy:
- They hired an unfit driver. Trucking companies are responsible for conducting thorough background checks. If they knowingly (or carelessly) hired a driver with a history of reckless driving, DUIs, or safety violations, they may be fully liable for putting you, and everyone else on the road, in danger.
- They neglected truck maintenance. Brakes that don’t respond, worn-out tires, or faulty equipment can all trigger a jackknife accident. If the company skipped inspections, delayed repairs, or ignored mechanical issues, that neglect may have directly led to the crash.
- They failed to implement critical safety policies. Trucking companies are supposed to train their drivers on how to handle emergency situations, dangerous weather, and heavy loads. If they cut corners on safety training or pressured drivers to skip rest breaks and meet unreasonable deadlines, they’ve created a recipe for disaster.
Another Driver
Sometimes, the person responsible for a jackknife accident isn’t the truck driver at all, but another motorist who made a reckless move and drove off seconds before the accident.
Imagine a car suddenly swerving into the truck’s lane without signaling or slamming on the brakes with no warning. The trucker, hauling tens of thousands of pounds, has mere moments to react. With no time and no space to slow down safely, the truck’s trailer swings out violently, folding like a pocketknife across the highway.
You, an innocent driver nearby, are caught in the aftermath. These split-second acts of carelessness, the person who caused it may not even realize the dangers they left behind, and they should be held accountable for their actions.
A Government Agency or Road Contractor
Sometimes, road conditions cause trucks to fold and crash into other vehicles.
Faded lane markings can leave even experienced truck drivers uncertain of where to steer. Potholes can cause sudden jolts that unsettle a truck’s balance. Debris left carelessly behind after roadwork can force evasive maneuvers that spiral into disaster.
So, when the accident results from these road conditions, the agency responsible for maintaining them, such as local government or road contractors, can be held responsible for the crash.
The Truck Manufacturer or Mechanic
When the crash happens due to a faulty brake caused by an oversight on the truck manufacturer or mechanic’s part, they are accountable for the damages.
This can happen with a faulty brake system, a malfunctioning trailer hitch, or a repair done with cheap or incorrect parts, which can all turn a vehicle into a ticking time bomb. Additionally, if a mechanic skipped safety checks or a manufacturer pushed a defective part onto the market, the jackknife accident and the resulting damages must be covered by them.
Determining liability in a jackknife accident takes more than a quick glance at the police report. It means combing through black box data, GPS logs, inspection records, dash cam footage, and driver time sheets. It means asking hard questions and demanding honest answers from powerful companies that may not want to accept blame.
You shouldn’t have to deal with any of that while you’re in pain, missing work, or trying to piece your life back together. That’s where a skilled truck accident lawyer comes in. They know how to investigate complex crashes, uncover the full story, and fight back when others try to downplay your suffering.
How Much Compensation Should I Get for a Truck Accident Claim?
Accidents differ from each other, meaning the compensation for each also differs.
However, what is common among most cases is that too often, victims focus only on the immediate costs, such as medical bills and vehicle repairs, without considering the future and emotional impact of the crash.
The loss of joy in activities you once loved, the relationships strained beyond repair, and the future you had carefully planned now left uncertain. These are intangible losses—but they matter just as much as the medical bills. And they deserve to be acknowledged and fully compensated.
When you seek a settlement after a truck accident, ensure that it fully reflects not just the financial burden but the depth of your suffering, your loss, and your future.
Economic Damages
These represent the tangible, measurable costs you’ve incurred:
- Medical Expenses: Including not just emergency care, but also ongoing treatments, surgeries, or rehabilitation you may need to get your life back on track.
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: The loss of your ability to provide for yourself or your family can be devastating, and it may extend far beyond your time away from work.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle can also be a significant financial burden.
Non-Economic Damages
These are the emotional or psychological effects of the accident, including:
- Pain, Suffering, and Mental Anguish: The toll of physical pain, sleepless nights, anxiety, and the emotional burden of adjusting to life with injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When a truck accident robs you of the simple pleasures, whether it’s playing with your children, enjoying a hobby, or even walking without pain, you can also claim compensation for these.
- Strained Relationships: The changes in your life can impact the people you love most. A once-strong marriage or close friendships may suffer when your injuries alter the course of your life.
Punitive Damages
If the party responsible for the crash acted with gross negligence or malicious intent, they may face punitive damages. This serves not just as compensation but as a deterrent, ensuring that such reckless behavior is not repeated, sparing others from the same heartache.
Calculating non-economic damages isn’t a simple process. But with experienced truck accident lawyers in California by your side, we’ll ensure that every loss, every pain, every change in your life is accounted for in your compensation.
Why Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer for My Case?
Jackknife truck accidents are far more complex than typical car crashes, and the consequences can be more catastrophic.
The aftermath often involves long-term recovery, emotional trauma, and financial strain. The situation can become even more frustrating and overwhelming when multiple parties are involved. Who should you file the claim against? Is the truck company lowballing you? Do you have enough evidence to show liability?
During this challenging time, having a truck accident lawyer is your key to receiving maximized and fair compensation while focusing on your healing and recovery. A lawyer for truck accident can do the following to win your case:
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Handling Complex Regulations
The trucking industry is one of the most heavily regulated sectors, and truck accidents are governed by complex rules and laws. A skilled lawyer for truck accidents knows these regulations inside and out, ensuring that every aspect of your case is handled correctly, from federal trucking laws to local ordinances.
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Thorough Investigation of the Crash
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties. Your lawyer will conduct a detailed investigation, gathering all the evidence necessary to prove liability, including driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and witness testimonies.
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Identifying Who’s Responsible
In a truck accident, pinpointing fault can be difficult. Was the driver fatigued? Was the trucking company pressuring them to meet unreasonable deadlines? Or was it a mechanical failure? A lawyer has the experience to dig deep and identify all potentially responsible parties, holding them accountable for your pain and suffering.
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Securing Critical Evidence
Truck accident cases often hinge on key pieces of evidence, from traffic camera footage to black box data from the truck. Gathering this evidence can be overwhelming, especially while you’re recovering. Your lawyer will ensure that all the critical details are captured and preserved, strengthening your case.
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Negotiating with Insurance Giants
Insurance companies involved in truck accidents have a team of lawyers and adjusters whose primary job is to minimize payouts. They will try to push you into accepting an inadequate settlement. Your truck accident lawyer will handle these negotiations on your behalf, ensuring you’re not taken advantage of and fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
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Fighting for Full Compensation
After a truck accident, the financial toll can be overwhelming, but there are also emotional and psychological scars that need to be recognized. A truck accident lawyer will help calculate the full range of damages, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress, ensuring your settlement reflects the true impact of the accident.
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Providing Peace of Mind
The road to recovery after a truck accident is long and hard, and you don’t need the added stress of dealing with complicated legal processes. With a lawyer for a truck accident by your side, you can focus on healing, knowing that they are fighting for you every step of the way.
Truck accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and unsure of where to turn. The stakes are too high to manage this complex and emotionally charged journey alone. A skilled truck accident lawyer can be your advocate, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries after a jackknife crash, call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker today. Let us help you fight for the care, respect, and compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 800-333-0000 for a free consultation. You don’t have to face this painful chapter alone. We’re here to help you heal and move forward with strength and support.
Looking for legal help after a truck accident? Let our expert attorneys offer you a free assessment so you understand your next steps.
What Our Clients Say About Us
No other personal injury lawyer will fight for you as passionately as we will, even though many may take on your case and prepare a legal defense. Based on the results we’ve achieved for our previous clients, our lawyers are exceptionally well-prepared to build a strong claim with precision and accuracy:
“In March 2016, I was involved in a four-car crash. A few days later, I felt pain in my neck and back. I decided to call the office of Larry H Parker, and the next day, I was already seen by a chiropractor for my pain and discomfort. The whole process ran very smoothly with me, and I was well taken care of. I would recommend this office to my family and friends. Thank you, LHP!” – Maria C.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims
Need to learn more about truck accident claims? We want to help you! Here are common questions injured victims ask, which may clarify various aspects of your case.
- Top 5 Legal Challenges Of Commercial Truck Accident Claims
- 6 Things To Consider When Calculating Personal Injury Settlements
- Tips to Choose the Best Truck Accident Attorney in California
- Five Reasons It is Wise to Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
References
Vehicles Table 17. Large Trucks in Crashes by Jackknife Occurrence and Crash Severity, 2018. (n.d.). Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. https://www.fmcsa.dot.
gov/safety/data-and-statistics/vehicles-table-17-large-trucks-crashes-jackknife-occurrence-and-crash-4
