In commercial trucking, jackknife accidents stand out as one of the most hazardous incidents that can occur on our roads. These accidents happen when a truck towing a trailer experiences a loss of control, causing the trailer to swing out and form a sharp angle with the truck, resembling a folding pocketknife.
Our Houston truck accident lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm has won numerous multi-million-dollar cases when a big rig jackknifed and caused an accident. Since 1985, we have helped truck accident victims get full compensation. And are UNDEFEATED in truck accident cases.
What is Jackknifing?
Jackknifing is the trailer traveling at a different speed and direction from the truck and can occur due to sudden stopping, improper lane changes, inadequate load securement, and other factors.
When a trailer moves, the crash scenario begins.
Once the Jackknife Starts, It Turns Deadly
When the truck jackknifes, it may lead to a multiple-vehicle collision because cars behind the truck cannot stop and quickly get blocked by the considerable tractor-trailer. Sometimes, the force of the accident causes the truck to tip or roll onto its side. In almost every case, a jackknife of a big rig involves driver error or negligence.
Speed Difference
Jackknife accidents happen when the speed difference between the tractor and the trailer. Usually, this is in a braking application, and often, when traffic ahead slows down or stops, the driver has not allowed a safe distance between the traffic ahead.
A crash can also occur with a steering application that slows down the cab but not the trailer. Once a sufficient angle is created, it can quickly reach the point of no return. At that point, it does not matter what the truck driver does; he is along for the ride.
Road Conditions
The condition of the roads can be a factor in a tractor-trailer jackknife accident mainly because anything that can lead to a disparity in speed between the truck and trailer can start a jackknife.
Rain or slick highways and highling braking differences between the big rig and trailer.
We Have Won Many Truck Jackknife Cases
We have won numerous jackknife truck accident cases and recovered millions for our clients in those cases. We have been undefeated in trucking accident cases for over three decades. Put our experience to work on your case!
Commercial trucks are regular in the Houston area. We need large semi-trucks to deliver goods across the country. Unfortunately, sharing the road with 18-wheelers can be dangerous. When fully loaded, big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making the vehicles difficult to control during an accident.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, about every two minutes, a person is injured in a vehicle accident. About every two and a half hours, a person is killed on our roadways. Many of these accidents involved large commercial trucks that jackknifed.
Causes of Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents are often the result of several contributing factors, each playing a pivotal role in the unfolding of these dangerous situations. Key causes include:
Sudden Braking -Abrupt stops can force the trailer to swing out if the truck’s momentum continues forward.
Poor Road Conditions– Slippery or uneven surfaces can compromise a truck’s stability and traction.
Improper Loading– Incorrectly balanced or secured cargo can shift, leading to loss of control.
Driver Error– Inexperience, fatigue, and not adjusting to road conditions can lead to critical mistakes.
Common Big Rig Accident Injuries
The impact of a jackknife accident extends far beyond immediate physical damage. Victims may face:
Severe Injuries– The most common injuries in truck accidents include neck and back injuries, such as whiplash, brain injury, broken bones, crush injuries, spinal cord injury, internal organ damage, wrongful death, and more.
Economic Losses– Medical bills, loss of income, and rehabilitation costs can financially burden victims and their families.
Psychological Effects– The trauma of being involved in such an accident can lead to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Required Preventative Measures
Preventing jackknife accidents is crucial for ensuring the safety of all road users. Effective measures include:
Regular Maintenance– Ensuring that all components of the truck are in optimal condition can prevent mechanical failures.
Proper Loading Techniques– Adhering to guidelines for cargo loading and securing can maintain balance and stability.
Advanced Training– Equipping drivers with the skills to navigate adverse conditions and emergency situations can reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Use of Technology– Implementing stability control systems and anti-lock braking systems in trucks can significantly mitigate risks.
Our truck accident lawyers have represented families of loved ones killed in jackknife accidents, individuals severely injured, and about everything in between. Our truck accident experience in collecting multi-million-dollar 18-wheeler accident settlements is exceptional. If you can find a better attorney for your case- hire them!
Recent Examples of 18-Wheeler Jackknife Cases Baumgartner Law Firm Has Handled
- Multi-million-dollar settlement- Baumgartner Law Firm represented an injured truck driver who lost control in a jackknife and crossed the roadway killing two innocent people. Our truck accident attorneys got more money for the truck driver who caused the crash than the other “truck accident lawyers” got for their wrongful death cases.
- Multi-million-dollar results- Baumgartner Law Firm represented the family of a victim who was killed when the truck jackknifed across the roadway.
See some of our exceptional trucking accident recent results
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Who May Be Liable for a Jackknife Truck Crash?
The Driver
Most jackknife accidents that our Houston jackknife accident lawyers have handled involve driver errors. While some of the crashes we have litigated involved very experienced truck drivers, others were new and inexperienced drivers.
Motor Carrier or Trucking Company
Trucking companies must train their drivers and follow the trucking regulations designed to protect the public. Jackknife accidents are preventable, and a driver’s prudence should prevent the jackknife collision.
We will Investigate the Company and the Truck Driver
One of the first steps in investigating a big rig crash where the tractor-trailer jackknifed is to obtain the driver’s qualification file and examine the training given to the driver. Early investigation of a truck crash is vital.
Other Practice Areas Our Truck Accident Attorneys Handle
At Baumgartner Law Firm, our personal injury attorney in Houston, TX, helps clients throughout Texas maximize their damages to get the compensation they deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars and represented thousands of accident victims.
Since 1985, our firm has limited the practice to serious injury cases and produced exceptional results in the following areas:
- Auto & Car Accidents
- Catastrophic and Severe Injuries
- Construction Site Accidents
- Truck & 18-Wheeler Accidents
- Daycare Negligence & Child Injury
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Dram Shop Lawsuits
- Wrongful Death
Our founder attorney, Greg Baumgartner, has over 35 years of experience and has been peer-reviewed preeminent for decades.
We only get paid if you get compensation!
Get a Free Consultation with a Leading 18-wheeler Accident Attorney!
Jackknife accidents are complex and devastating events that require a multifaceted approach to prevention, response, and recovery. By understanding the causes, impacts, and legal frameworks surrounding these accidents, we can work towards a safer future for all road users. If you or someone you know has been affected by a jackknife accident, it is essential to seek professional legal advice to navigate the aftermath and secure the compensation you deserve.
Since 1985, we have won truck crash cases. Our expertise in commercial vehicle crashes is unmatched in Houston. Contact us for a FREE consultation about your rights, options, and next steps.
Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
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Related FAQs
Do you make house calls or hospital visits?
What kind of cases do you accept?
We are very selective in the cases that we agree to handle to provide the best possible service to our clients. By limiting the number of cases that we accept, we can provide the time attention, and resources required to maximize compensation for our clients.
Accordingly, our practice is limited to cases involving substantial injury or a family who has lost a loved one. We have gained a reputation for handling 18-wheeler truck accidents, car and drunk driving crashes, daycare injury cases, and other serious injury and wrongful death matters. To learn more about the cases we cover, visit our practice areas page.
Do I have to pay money out of my pocket to hire you?
Do you handle all types of personal injury cases?
No, we are very selective in the cases that we agree to accept. We intentionally limit the number of cases that we handle and the practice areas for the cases we take to provide the best possible personal service for our clients. To learn more about the cases we cover, visit our practice areas page or you can contact us for individual consultation about your case. (281) 587-1111.
What is the best way to contact you?
We prefer to be contacted by telephone and also respond to our online consultation requests. You can call us 24/7 at (281) 587-1111. We offer Zoom consultations as well.
How successful have you been with your cases?
We are a personal injury law firm with over three decades of experience and are extremely proud of our winning track record of success. Our founder is nationally recognized as among the best personal injury lawyers in the USA. We are undefeated in truck accident cases, wrongful death cases, and daycare negligence and invite you to check out our results page for recent results in cases we won.
For the last 35 years, we have concentrated on maximizing our client’s compensation in serious injury and wrongful death cases. If you are looking for the best personal injury lawyers in Houston – Call us! (281) 587-1111.
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"I can never express how grateful me and my family are to Greg Baumgartner and his team of truck accident lawyers in Houston. He took care of our injury case and got us a great settlement. Thank you for a job well done!"
- R. G. Client
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"I was hit in the rear by an 18 wheeler and was lucky enough to have found Greg – I was overjoyed with the results and highly recommend him."
- Raymond
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