Semi-truck accidents are almost always major events. Because semi-trucks are so large, especially when they’re towing fully loaded full-length trailers, crashes not only result in significant property damage and injuries but can also result in hours-long road closures.

Semi-trucks can crash in many different ways, but one of the most devastating and damaging types of crashes is when a truck jackknifes. A truck jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a semi-truck swings out to form an angle with the cab, resembling the shape of a folding jackknife.

When trucks are involved in jackknife crashes, they put many people in danger of serious injuries, including nearby motorists, their passengers, and even the truck drivers themselves. Jackknife crashes may seem unpredictable, but there are a few common causes of these devastating accidents all drivers should be aware of when driving next to or near semi-trucks in Oklahoma.

4 Common Causes of Semi-Truck Jackknife Accidents

Some of the most common causes of these devastating semi-truck crashes include:

1. Braking Too Suddenly: When a truck driver brakes too quickly or forcefully, the wheels can lock up, causing the truck to lose traction. When this happens, the trailer often swings out from behind the cab, forming an angle that resembles a jackknife. This sudden loss of control is extremely dangerous on busy highways and can lead to multi-vehicle collisions.
2. Slippery Roads: Wet, icy, or oily road conditions reduce the truck’s traction, making it harder for drivers to maintain control, especially during turns or sudden stops. Even a slight loss of grip can cause the trailer to slide or veer, leading to a jackknife. Despite these increased dangers, it’s up to truck drivers to adjust their driving habits according to weather conditions to maintain control. Likewise, it’s the responsibility of truck owners and companies to ensure their trucks are safe to drive in inclement weather.
3. Improperly Loaded Cargo: Uneven or overloaded cargo affects the truck’s balance, making it harder to steer and increasing the risk of a jackknife. Shifts in weight distribution during travel, especially during sudden stops or turns, can cause the trailer to swing out of alignment with the cab. This type of accident is often preventable with proper loading and securing of cargo.
4. Sharp Turns or Lane Changes: Sudden, sharp turns or quick lane changes can cause the trailer to swing out if the truck is moving at high speed. This maneuver creates a dangerous angle between the cab and the trailer, increasing the likelihood of a jackknife. Fast, abrupt movements are especially dangerous with heavy vehicles like semi-trucks and should be avoided to maintain control.

Other causes of jackknife accidents can include speeding, distracted or impaired driving, driving without proper licensure, training, or experience, brake or steering failures, fatigued driving, and more.

What Should I Do if I’m Injured in a Jackknife Truck Accident?

Being involved in any type of crash with a semi-truck can be stressful and painful, but jackknife accidents are often even more traumatic. If you’re injured in a jackknife truck accident while driving or traveling in a passenger vehicle, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your health and right to compensation:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured at the moment, see a doctor to rule out any hidden injuries that may not show up until hours or days later. Getting prompt medical care also creates a record of your injuries, which will be important if you pursue a claim.
• Call the Police: Report the jackknife accident to the police, and ensure an officer comes to the scene to document the details. A police report will serve as an official record of the accident, which can be important for your future insurance claims and potential legal action against the truck driver, company, owner, or all three.
• Collect Evidence if Possible: If it’s safe and you’re physically able to do so, gather evidence at the scene of the jackknife accident, including photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses, as their statements can support your claim later.
• Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Give a clear, accurate account of the accident, but avoid volunteering information that isn’t specifically asked for or needed, or saying anything that could be construed as an admission of fault. That’s because insurers notoriously look for any and every excuse to pay as little money as possible in claims—including to their own policyholders!
• Contact an Oklahoma City Truck Accident Lawyer: An experienced and aggressive lawyer can protect your rights and help you navigate the truck accident claim process. They can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, including your own and the truck driver’s or trucking company’s, handle all the relevant paperwork, and work to secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the accident.

Oklahoma City Truck Accident Attorneys: Free Consultations Are Available

After a crash with a semi-truck, you need a law firm that knows how to handle not just traffic accidents, but truck accidents. Crashes involving semi-trucks may seem similar on the surface to crashes involving passenger vehicles, but the rules, regulations, and laws concerning truck accidents make them much more legally complex.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, our legal team knows truck accidents in the Sooner State inside and out. We stay up-to-date on all regulations on the local, state, and federal levels to ensure our clients’ rights are protected every step of the way. Contact us now for a free consultation and to learn how we can help.