Large commercial trucks are a common sight on highways around Minneapolis. While these vehicles are essential for transporting goods, they can also be dangerous in the event of an accident. One of the most serious types of truck accidents is a jackknife accident. These crashes can involve multiple vehicles and often lead to severe injuries.
Understanding what it means for a truck to jackknife can help drivers stay safer on the road and recognize when a trucking company or driver may be responsible for a crash.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife accident happens when the trailer of a semi-truck swings out to the side and forms an angle with the cab. The truck folds in on itself, much like a pocketknife closing. In many cases, the trailer slides across several lanes of traffic, creating a major hazard for nearby drivers.
Jackknife accidents often occur suddenly, leaving little time for other motorists to react. Because tractor-trailers are so large and heavy, these crashes can block entire roadways and cause chain-reaction collisions.
What Causes a Truck to Jackknife?
Several factors can cause a truck to jackknife. In many cases, accidents result from driver error, poor weather, or mechanical problems.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Sudden braking
- Speeding
- Slippery roads caused by snow, ice, or rain
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Equipment failure
- Driver fatigue
- Taking turns too quickly
When a truck driver brakes too hard, the trailer may continue moving forward even as the cab slows down. This can cause the trailer to swing outward and lose alignment with the truck.
Minnesota winters can make these accidents even more dangerous. Ice-covered roads and reduced visibility increase the risk of losing control of a large commercial vehicle.
Why Are Jackknife Accidents So Dangerous?
Jackknife truck accidents are especially dangerous because they often involve multiple vehicles. A swinging trailer can hit nearby cars, force drivers off the road, or completely block traffic lanes.
Victims of these crashes may suffer serious injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Severe cuts and burns
In the worst cases, jackknife accidents can lead to fatal injuries. Smaller passenger vehicles usually absorb the greatest impact in a collision with a large truck.
Who May Be Liable for a Jackknife Accident?
Determining who is responsible for a jackknife accident is not always simple. Several parties may share liability depending on how the crash occurred.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A cargo loading company
- A maintenance provider
- A truck manufacturer
For example, if a trucking company failed to properly maintain its vehicle’s brakes, it could be held accountable for the crash. If cargo was loaded incorrectly, the company responsible for loading the trailer may also share fault.
An investigation may involve reviewing driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and witness statements to determine what happened.
How Can Drivers Reduce the Risk of a Jackknife Accident?
Although truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to operate safely, other motorists can also take steps to reduce their risk around large trucks.
Drivers should try to:
- Avoid lingering in a truck’s blind spots.
- Leave extra following distance behind semi-trucks.
- Slow down during poor weather.
- Avoid cutting in front of large trucks.
- Watch for signs that a truck may be losing control.
If you notice a trailer beginning to swing outward, move away from the truck carefully if possible. Sudden swerving or braking can increase the risk of another collision.
What Should You Do After a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife accident can leave victims overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps after a crash can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
After a truck accident, you should:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Take photos of the accident scene if you can do so safely.
- Exchange information with the truck driver.
- Speak with witnesses if possible.
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene.
- Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
Truck accident cases are often more complex than ordinary car accident claims because they may involve federal trucking regulations and multiple insurance policies.
Contact the Minneapolis Truck Accident Lawyers at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys for Help
Jackknife truck accidents can cause devastating injuries and major financial stress for victims and their families. If you were hurt in a truck accident in Minneapolis, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
For more information, please contact an experienced Minneapolis truck accident lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina.
We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and its surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.97514068188609, -93.27349979814521
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – St. Cloud
1010 W St Germain St # 320
St Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 45.55903612908877, -94.16420517306956
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Edina
5200 Willson Rd #203
Edina, MN 55424
(952) 697-5560
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.90963991439301, -93.34937342327198
