Jackknife Truck Accidents in Fresno

What Is a Jackknife Accident?

A jackknife accident occurs when a large truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab—resembling a folding pocket knife. This typically happens when the trailer loses traction and begins to slide, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

These accidents are particularly dangerous because the truck can sweep across multiple lanes of traffic, blocking the roadway and causing multi-vehicle collisions. When a fully loaded semi jackknifes, it becomes nearly impossible for the driver to regain control.

Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents don’t just happen—they’re usually the result of specific conditions or driver errors:

• Excessive speed in turns – When a truck driver enters a curve too fast and hits the brakes mid-turn, the cab can lose traction while the trailer continues forward, causing the vehicle to fold.
• Sudden braking – Hard braking, especially on wet or icy roads, can lock the wheels and send the trailer sliding.
• Wet or slippery road conditions – Rain, ice, or oil spills reduce tire grip, making it easier for trailers to slide out of control.
• Improper braking technique – If a driver applies too much brake pressure to one set of wheels, it can cause uneven traction and lead to jackknifing.
• Equipment failure – Worn brakes, faulty brake systems, or tire blowouts can all contribute to loss of control.
• Improper cargo loading – Unevenly distributed or unsecured cargo shifts the truck’s center of gravity, making it more prone to jackknifing.

While commercial drivers receive extensive training on how to prevent and respond to jackknife situations, that training doesn’t always prevent these accidents—or protect innocent drivers nearby.

Injuries Caused by Jackknife Accidents

Because of their size and the violent nature of these crashes, jackknife accidents often result in serious injuries. Every accident is different, but some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Head trauma from impact can range from concussions to permanent brain damage. TBIs are especially dangerous because symptoms like confusion, headaches, and mood changes may not appear immediately. If you suspect a brain injury, seek medical attention right away.
• Spinal cord injuries – The force of a jackknife collision can damage the spine, potentially causing paralysis, chronic pain, or loss of mobility.
• Broken bones and fractures – The impact can break bones throughout the body, requiring casts, surgery, and lengthy recovery periods.
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries – When your vehicle is struck, your head can snap forward and back rapidly, tearing muscles, ligaments, and disks in the neck. While whiplash may seem minor, it can cause long-term pain and require extensive treatment.
• Internal injuries – Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, leading to internal bleeding and other life-threatening complications.
• Lacerations and burns – Broken glass, crushed metal, and vehicle fires can cause deep cuts and severe burns.

The medical bills from these injuries can pile up quickly, especially when you’re unable to work during recovery. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney who can help you recover full compensation.

Fighting Commercial Trucking Insurance Companies

Here’s something you need to know: trucking companies carry large insurance policies—often worth millions of dollars. And those insurance companies will do everything in their power to protect that money by minimizing your claim or denying it altogether.

They have teams of lawyers and adjusters whose job is to pay you as little as possible. You need someone equally skilled and aggressive on your side. At Grossman Law Offices, we’ve been standing up to powerful insurance companies for over 50 years. We know their tactics, and we know how to fight back.