Few traffic accidents are as terrifying as a jackknife collision involving a massive tractor-trailer. These crashes often occur in seconds, leaving drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles with no time to react.
Because commercial trucks are so much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, the devastation from a jackknife accident can be catastrophic. For Missouri drivers, it’s important to understand what jackknifing is, why these accidents happen, and what legal options may be available if you or a loved one are hurt in such a collision.
Keep reading this article to learn more about serious truck accidents in Missouri and how to fight to ensure negligent parties are held accountable.
What Is a Jackknife Accident?
The term “jackknife” comes from the way a folding pocketknife closes. In a jackknife truck accident, the cab and trailer of an 18-wheeler fold in toward one another at a sharp angle. This often looks like the vehicle is forming a “V” or “L” shape.
This happens when the trailer swings out of alignment with the cab, typically after the driver loses control or brakes suddenly. Because trailers do not have their own independent braking systems, they don’t always slow down at the same rate as the cab.
If the driver brakes hard, the trailer may continue moving forward, sliding out to the side, and creating a dangerous sweeping motion across the road. Once a truck jackknifes, the driver has virtually no ability to regain control until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Why Are Jackknife Accidents So Dangerous?
Jackknife accidents are particularly hazardous because of:
- Size and weight of trucks: A fully loaded trailer can crush passenger vehicles, pushing them into other lanes or off the roadway entirely.
- Multiple vehicle involvement: Jackknifing often causes pileups since the swinging trailer can block several lanes of traffic.
- Secondary rollovers: The momentum of the jackknife can cause the entire truck to tip over, adding further destruction.
- High fatality risk: Smaller vehicles often absorb the brunt of the impact, leaving occupants with life-altering injuries or worse.
The sheer physics of these accidents explain why jackknifing is among the most feared truck collision scenarios. These accidents put multiple parties at risk, including other drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, and others.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Missouri
Jackknife accidents are rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, they often involve a combination of driver behavior, road conditions, and equipment failures.
Some common causes include:
- Sudden braking: When a truck driver slams on the brakes, especially at high speeds, the trailer may swing outward because it cannot decelerate at the same rate as the cab.
- Speeding: Trucks require significantly longer stopping distances than cars. A truck traveling too fast for conditions is more likely to jackknife during sudden maneuvers.
- Slippery roads: Rain, ice, or snow can reduce traction, making it easier for a trailer to slide sideways. Missouri winters make this a recurring danger on highways.
- Sharp curves or downhill grades: Navigating steep hills or sharp curves requires skill. Inexperienced or fatigued drivers may misjudge their speed, leading to a loss of control.
- Driver fatigue: Long-haul truckers often face grueling schedules. Fatigue slows reaction time and makes jackknifing more likely.
- Improperly loaded cargo: If cargo weight is not evenly distributed, the imbalance can destabilize the trailer and increase the risk of jackknifing.
- Mechanical failures: Defective brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning coupling devices can all contribute to loss of control.
Each of these causes reflects a potential point of negligence. These careless actions can be attributed to the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or cargo loaders.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Jackknife Accident in Missouri?
One of the challenges of jackknife accidents is determining liability. Missouri law allows injured victims to hold multiple parties accountable when their negligence contributes to the crash.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver: If they were speeding, distracted, fatigued, or otherwise careless.
- The trucking company: If it failed to train drivers properly, pressured drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, or neglected vehicle maintenance.
- Cargo loading companies: If improper weight distribution contributed to the jackknife.
- Parts manufacturers: If defective brakes or tires caused the crash.
- Other drivers: If their reckless actions forced the truck driver into a sudden maneuver that triggered the jackknife.
A thorough investigation is essential for identifying all liable parties. Your attorney can assist you in examining all electronic logging devices, the truck’s black box data, maintenance records, and witness statements.
What Types of Injuries Result From Jackknife Accidents?
Because of the force and unpredictability of these crashes, injuries in jackknife crashes are often severe. Resulting injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Severe burns (from fuel explosions or fires).
- Wrongful death.
For survivors, recovery may involve months or years of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and permanent lifestyle changes.
Damages Available to Victims Under Missouri Law
Missouri law allows victims of jackknife accidents to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These can include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical needs.
- Lost income: Wages missed during recovery and reduced future earning capacity if you cannot return to work.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal property.
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to engage in hobbies, recreation, or family activities.
- Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was killed, surviving family members may recover funeral costs and the value of lost companionship and financial support.
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of injuries and the degree of negligence involved. This is why working with a skilled Missouri truck accident lawyer is essential.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
For victims and their families, the aftermath of a jackknife accident is overwhelming. These crashes result in serious injuries, financial strain, and emotional trauma, but Missouri law provides pathways for recovery.
With the help of experienced attorneys, victims can restore their lives. We help our clients hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation they need. For more information, contact the best personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers. We proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 600
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
