What is a Jackknife Accident?

A jackknife accident is when a large truck folds in on itself, making a sharp angle between the cab and trailer—like a pocketknife closing. These crashes are especially dangerous and often cause serious damage and injuries. 

Some people may use different words when talking about a jackknife accident. You might hear it called a trailer swing, truck fold accident, or a pivot crash. These all describe the same dangerous event. 

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in one of these crashes, a Raleigh truck accident lawyer from our firm can review the accident and explain your legal options and next steps to recovering damages if you suffered injuries or losses. You can start today with a free consultation.

Why Jackknife Truck Accidents are so Dangerous

Jackknife accidents often happen fast and can block several lanes of traffic. This makes it hard for other drivers to avoid crashing into the truck. These wrecks can lead to:

• Pileups with multiple cars
• Fires or fuel spills
• Dangerous road closures
• Serious injuries or death

Because big trucks are so heavy, any crash involving them can be deadly. But jackknife accidents are even worse because the driver usually loses all control of the vehicle.

Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents

These accidents usually happen because something goes wrong with braking or turning. Some of the most common causes include:

• Sudden braking: Slamming on the brakes can cause the trailer to swing out to the side.
• Speeding: Going too fast, especially on wet or icy roads, increases the chance of a jackknife.
• Improper loading: If a trailer is loaded unevenly, it’s harder to control.
• Sharp turns or curves: Taking a turn too fast can cause the trailer to slide.
• Driver error or fatigue: A tired or distracted truck driver may not react in time.

In many cases, the trucking company or another party may share responsibility for what happened.

Who Could Be at Fault in a Jackknife Crash?

Jackknife accidents can involve several responsible parties. These might include:

• The truck driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to maintain the truck.
• The trucking company: If they didn’t train the driver properly or pushed unsafe deadlines.
• A loading company: If the cargo wasn’t secured or balanced.
• A parts manufacturer: If the brakes or tires failed because of a defect.
• Another driver: If a smaller vehicle cut off the truck or caused the driver to brake hard.

Our personal injury lawyer in Raleigh will investigate the crash to determine who is responsible and build your case while you recover.

Our Truck Accident Attorneys Handle Jackknife Accident Cases 

Truck accident cases are different from regular car crashes. More laws are involved, and trucking companies often have legal teams on their side from the start. You deserve the same kind of help.

Here’s what our lawyer can do for you:

• Investigate the crash scene
• Identify all parties that owe you damages
• Get the truck’s black box data (which shows how the truck was moving before the crash)
• Talk to truck accident experts about what happened
• Handle the insurance companies
• Fight to get the full amount of your damages

No matter how the crash happened, we take every trucking accident seriously. Our team knows how to investigate these complex cases and will work hard to protect your rights every step of the way. Let us help you get the support and answers you deserve.

Common Recoverable Damages After a Truck Crash

If you were hurt in a jackknife crash, you may be able to recover damages. These are the losses you experienced because of the accident. We will determine how much compensation we can pursue for you and work to hold the at-fault party accountable.

Common damages people can recover in these cases include:

• Medical bills: Emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy
• Future medical care: Ongoing treatment you’ll need later
• Lost wages: Income you missed while you were hurt
• Reduced ability to work: If you can’t go back to your old job because of your injuries
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle

Every case is different, so the damages will depend on what happened to you. A lawyer can help you add up these losses and fight for a fair outcome.

What if a Loved One Died in a Jackknife Accident?

Losing someone in a crash like this is heartbreaking. In North Carolina, close family members may be able to file a wrongful death action. This can include:

• A surviving spouse
• Children
• Parents
• Or the person named in the will (executor)

This type of claim helps cover costs like:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills from the accident
• Lost income the person would have earned
• Loss of companionship and support

It also holds the at-fault party accountable for their actions. If your loved one suffered injuries in a jackknife accident, we are sorry for your loss. Our wrongful death lawyers in Raleigh can advise you further on how we can help you and your family.

North Carolina’s Deadline for Truck Accident Lawsuits

In North Carolina, you only have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a truck accident. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance to get damages.

Here’s what you need to know:

• For personal injury cases: You generally have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit. (G.S. § 1-52)
• For wrongful death cases: You typically have two years from the date your loved one passed away. (G.S. § 1-53)

These deadlines apply no matter how serious the crash was or how strong your case might be. Trucking companies and their insurance teams know the law well and may try to delay things so time runs out.

That’s why it’s important to talk to an injury attorney as soon as you can after a jackknife crash. They can help you collect evidence, file the right paperwork, and make sure your case is on time.

Learn What a Jackknife Accident Means for Your Case — Free Consultation

Jackknife truck accidents change lives in seconds. If you’re dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, or the loss of someone you love, you shouldn’t have to face it all alone.

Whitley Law Firm has been helping people seriously injured in North Carolina for over 50 years. With more than 120 years of combined experience, our team knows how to stand up to trucking companies and insurance adjusters. 

We return all phone calls within 24 hours and treat every client with care and respect. Call us today for a free consultation. Let a trusted team handle the legal work so you can focus on healing.