What are the Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents?

The causes of jackknife truck accidents are typically linked to driver error, adverse road conditions, and mechanical failures that cause a truck’s trailer to swing out of alignment with the cab. These incidents often happen quickly and can result in devastating multi-vehicle collisions.

Jackknife crashes are particularly dangerous because they can block multiple lanes of traffic and involve several other drivers. Victims of these crashes may benefit from working with a Raleigh jackknife truck accident lawyer who understands the technical and legal details involved. 

Driver Behavior and Human Error

In many cases, jackknife accidents occur due to preventable mistakes made by truck drivers. Human error is one of the leading contributors to these crashes, particularly when a driver acts too quickly or fails to adapt to road conditions.

Common driver-related causes include:

• Sudden braking: Hard braking, especially on wet or slippery roads, can cause the trailer to lose alignment and swing out.
  
• Speeding: Driving too fast reduces the driver’s ability to stop safely and makes it harder to control the truck during turns or downhill travel.
  
• Driver inexperience: Inexperienced drivers may not know how to react during emergencies, increasing the risk of jackknifing.
  
• Distracted driving: Even a moment of inattention can lead to improper braking or delayed reactions.

A Raleigh truck accident lawyer can help identify whether fatigue, lack of training, or regulatory violations contributed to the accident. These factors may point to liability on the part of the driver, the trucking company, or both.

Road and Weather Conditions

Environmental factors also play a major role in jackknife crashes. While not always within a driver’s control, these conditions still require proper response and caution. A Raleigh personal injury lawyer can assess whether the driver took reasonable steps to adapt to road conditions or if negligence was involved.

Key contributors include:

• Wet or icy roads: Slippery surfaces reduce traction and increase the chances of skidding during braking.
  
• Curves and ramps: Sharp turns taken too quickly can throw off a trailer’s alignment.
  
• Poor road maintenance: Potholes or uneven pavement can lead to sudden maneuvers that trigger jackknifing.
  
• High winds: Strong gusts can shift a trailer’s balance, especially if it’s empty or lightly loaded.

While drivers can’t control the weather, they are expected to adjust their speed and driving behavior accordingly. In many cases, failing to do so can be considered negligence.

Equipment and Mechanical Failures

Jackknife accidents also occur due to issues with the truck itself. When equipment fails or isn’t maintained properly, the risk of loss of control increases significantly.

Mechanical issues that commonly lead to jackknifing include:

• Brake failure or imbalance: If the brakes on the trailer and cab don’t engage evenly, it can cause the trailer to swing out.
  
• Tire blowouts: Sudden tire failure can throw off the truck’s balance and cause erratic movements.
  
• Suspension or coupling problems: Faulty connections between the cab and trailer reduce stability during turns or emergency maneuvers.

When mechanical failure is involved, responsibility may extend beyond the driver to the trucking company or a third-party maintenance provider.

Improper Loading Practices

The way a trailer is loaded has a direct impact on how it handles on the road. Unbalanced or shifting cargo can make it difficult for the driver to maintain control, especially during braking or turning.

Common loading-related issues include:

• Unsecured loads: Cargo that shifts inside the trailer can destabilize the entire vehicle.
  
• Overloading: Exceeding weight limits makes it harder to stop safely and can damage the braking system.
  
• Improper weight distribution: If the weight is too far back or unevenly placed, it increases the risk of the trailer swinging out.

In these cases, liability may extend to the company or individuals responsible for loading the truck.

Liability in Jackknife Truck Accidents

Determining who is at fault in a jackknife truck accident often requires a detailed investigation. Multiple parties may share liability depending on the cause of the crash.

Potentially liable parties include:

• The truck driver: For unsafe driving, distracted behavior, or failure to adapt to conditions
  
• The trucking company: For poor training, overworking drivers, or failing to maintain equipment
  
• Maintenance providers: If the truck had mechanical issues due to negligent repair or upkeep
  
• Cargo loaders: For improperly secured or unbalanced loads
  
• Manufacturers: In rare cases, vehicle defects can contribute to or cause the crash

Assigning fault often involves reviewing black box data, inspection logs, and witness statements.

Speak with a Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a jackknife truck accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The team at Whitley Law Firm is here to help you understand your options, determine liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve. We treat every client with compassion, respect, and unwavering dedication.

With over 120 years of combined experience and a commitment to answering every call within 24 hours, we stand ready to support you through every step of your recovery. Contact us today to speak with a legal team that puts your needs first.