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Jackknife truck accidents are very dangerous and often involve multiple vehicles. They most often happen when there is a truck driver error, a mechanical failure, or severe weather conditions, such as heavy winds.

The Mechanics of a Jackknife Accident

Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers have two portions consisting of a cab and trailer portion. When they begin to move independently and pivot in opposite directions, they end up at a 90-degree angle. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) says the trailer portion of the semi pushes the cab in a different direction, folding at the point where the attached trailer is secured. The driver loses control of the truck, and it may even roll over.

FMCSA says that because large trucks are more difficult to stop and maneuver, if a driver attempts to do so abruptly, the brakes may lock up. Curves may also prove to be difficult maneuvers. Blown tires, empty trailers, hydraulic failures like with the steering system, or driver fatigue are all potential causes of jackknifing.

Requirements for Trucking Companies

Truck drivers working for trucking companies are required to conduct pre-trip, in-transit, and post-trip inspections. These are regular inspections that are in addition to annual inspections that are done by certified inspectors. Trucking companies are also required to ensure that cargoes are properly loaded, and drivers are trained appropriately for the vehicle they are driving. Truck drivers must also have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). (Further information on the definition of a CMV for driver's license purposes can be found in section 322.01 of the Florida Statutes.)

Responsibility for Truck Jackknife Accidents

It depends on the circumstances of the accident when determining responsibility. It could include the truck driver, the trucking company, vehicle parts manufacturers, and/or cargo loading company and personnel.

An accident investigation needs to be conducted to prove liability. The investigation can include video and audio recordings of the accident scene that are used in reconstructing what happened during the crash. Also important could be cargo and maintenance records, driver logs and records, black box data from the truck, and technology, such as GPS devices or onboard computers.

Statements from witnesses and others involved in the accident, along with photos taken at the scene, police reports, and applicable state or federal regulations can provide context for what occurred in the jackknife accident. 

Injuries Suffered in Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents can involve multiple vehicles and multiple accident victims. Accident victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), burns, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and/or soft tissue injuries.

Whether or not a person who has been in an accident feels pain, they should seek medical attention. Florida law requires accident victims to seek medical care within 14 days of the injury-causing accident or accident victims may lose the ability to claim Florida personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.

Waiting to seek treatment could exasperate an unknown injury. Obtaining treatment or beginning rehabilitation promptly can be important for the recovery period to be as short as possible. Also, it is important that once an accident victim seeks treatment, he/she follows the physician’s explicit orders.

Florida Truck Accident Lawyer Aggressively Assists Truck Accident Victims

Should you or a loved one be injured in an accident, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 24/7 immediately after seeking medical attention. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you. While you are receiving medical attention, your treatment can be covered under a letter of protection where the doctor agrees to delay collecting money on your medical care until your case is resolved and you, the accident victim, agree to have your attorney pay the doctor at the closing of your case.

You may contact us at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or online at SpiveyLaw.com.