Practice Areas

Truck Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifing means the accidental folding of a truck or articulated vehicle (i.e. one towing a trailer) such that it resembles the acute angle of a folding pocket knife. If a vehicle towing a trailer skids, the trailer could push it from behind until it spins round and faces backwards. Truck Jackknifing may be caused by equipment failure, improper braking, or negative road conditions, such as a wet road surface. Road crown or left/right imbalances will cause jackknifing if the truck slides long enough. In most cases jackknifing will most likely cause a rollover.

How to avoid Jackknifing:

The way to avoid jackknifing is the same as to avoid a skid.

1. Keep your distance, especially on a slippery road surface.
2. Spread your braking over the longest possible distance.
3. Don't decelerate on a turn (or a bend). Brake in a straight line before the turn (or bend) and slow down a little more than necessary. You can then increase your speed as you make the turn. This procedure is even more important on a downhill turn.
4. Braking and swerving at the same time is a major cause of jackknifing. If evasive action has to be taken it would be better (if at all possible) to brake first and not to swerve until the last moment, or better still to release the brakes in order to swerve, then re-apply them.
5. If the tractor begins to skid, it should be corrected in exactly the same way as with a rigid vehicle by releasing the brakes and steering into the skid. This must be done before the skid becomes a jackknife.

Contact a trucking accident injury lawyer at Warren & Kallianos today to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION. Trucking companies have accident investigators, attorneys and insurance representatives working for them. You need an experienced and dedicated trucking accident attorney on your side to help you receive the compensation you deserve.