Many people wonder, What is jack knifing? The term’s literal definition is “to bend or double over like a jack knife.”
When this happens with commercial trucks, jackknifing can wreak havoc on property and life.
In fact, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, jackknifing commercial trucks caused 434,000 crashes in 2022, 4,842 of which were fatal.
But does a jackknife truck accident imply fault? The answer is that it depends. Read on for more information.
What Is Jackknifing a Truck?
Now that we’ve answered the question, What is jack knifing? let’s apply the term to commercial trucks. A moveable joint connects a semi-truck’s cab and trailer.
This joint allows for increased maneuverability but also makes semis susceptible to specific accidents, including jackknifes.
When a commercial truck jack knifes, the truck’s trailer moves in a different direction than the front of the vehicle, causing the truck's cab and trailer to fold into each other.
This configuration resembles an open jackknife. Unfortunately, when the trailer and cab simultaneously move in different directions, the truck driver often loses control of the truck or hits other vehicles in surrounding lanes, leading to accidents.
Who Is Responsible for Jack Knife Accidents?
When it comes to jackknife accidents, Texas is an at-fault state. If you are injured in a jackknife crash in Texas, you must be 50% or less responsible for the crash to collect compensation.
You must also show that the other party acted negligently. Part of proving negligence is showing that another driver or party is at fault for your jackknife accident. Different parties that may be responsible for your accident include:
- The truck driver,
- A third-party driver,
- Trucking companies,
- Maintenance companies,
- Mechanics,
- Cargo loaders,
- Truck manufacturers and designers of faulty truck parts, and
- Governments or municipalities.
An experienced lawyer can investigate your case and help you identify the responsible party. Working with an experienced lawyer to establish liability will help ensure you receive the best settlement possible.
Common Causes of Jack Knife Accidents
Numerous factors can cause a trailer to jackknife, including negligence on the driver’s part. They include:
- Poor road conditions,
- Bad weather,
- Speeding,
- Distracted driving,
- Taking curves or turns too quickly,
- Driving fatigued,
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
- Hauling improperly or poorly loaded cargo, and
- Light trailer loads.
These are just some of the factors that can lead to a dangerous jackknife accident. Speaking with a skilled accident attorney who understands complete trucking rules and regulations will help you identify the cause of your accident so that you can claim the compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact the Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert Today
If you’ve been injured in a jackknife accident, contact the experienced attorneys at the Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert.
We can help you negotiate with insurance companies and are not afraid to use aggressive legal strategies or go to court to pursue your maximum compensation.
As a client-centered law practice with decades of combined experience, the Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert is committed to fighting for the jackknife compensation you’re entitled to.
Our Texas Board Certification and highest possible AVVO rating assure that we take accountability seriously. Call us today at (214) 200-4878 for a free consultation.
We will work tirelessly to ensure that the parties that caused your accident are held responsible, and we won’t take a fee unless we win.