Understanding Jackknife Truck Accidents

Our Dallas truck accident lawyers have been helping injury victims fight for compensation for more than 40 years. In that time, we have seen the devastating impact truck accidents can have on the lives of victims and their families. Truck accidents can result from a number of factors, and can include very specific terminology, such as “jackknife” accidents.

The term jackknife refers to a truck accident in which a truck’s cab and trailer swivel toward each other in a 90-degree “V” shape. This hinging motion resembles a pocketknife folding into its handle when closing; thus the reference, jackknife.

Of course, a pocketknife is specifically designed to fold into itself. When a truck does this, the results can cause life-altering traumatic injuries.

Causes of Jackknife Accidents

The most common causes of jackknife truck accidents include:

• Equipment malfunction or negligence: A truck driver can lose control due to any number of circumstances, including, brake failure, hydraulic failure or driver negligence.
• Adverse weather conditions: Weather can play a significant role in a driver’s ability to safely navigate the road. Rain can cause wet, slick roads, and fog can inhibit a driver’s ability to see road and traffic conditions. Any loss of traction with the road can cause cargo to move and weight distributions to shift.
• Sharp Curves: Minor curves are generally not a problem for big rigs. However, sharp, steep turns can increase the risk of a trailer to swing uncontrollably and cause the entire truck to fold in on itself.
• High Speeds: Trucks are obviously extremely heavy and difficult to stop on a dime. If a truck driver slams on the brakes while going more than 55 miles per hour, the likelihood of a jackknife accident greatly increases.

If you’ve been injured in a Dallas truck accident, contact the experienced lawyers at the Turley law Firm today by completing the form on this page or calling 214-691-4025 to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve clients from Irving, Richardson and throughout Texas.