Why Do Trucks Jackknife?

What is a “Jackknife” Truck Accident?

If you know how a pocket knife works, it will be easy to understand the concept of a jackknife trucking accident. Jackknifing involves the folding of a truck’s cab and trailer into each other at an acute angle. While truck accidents aren’t uncommon on Missouri roads, specific instances can cause a truck to jackknife. Here’s what you need to know.

How Jackknife Accidents Occur

Semi-trucks have a unique structure and weight, making them vulnerable to stability on the road. When tons of cargo are loaded onto trailers, it can cause a weight imbalance, and the slightest obstacle or wrong maneuver can cause a truck to jackknife.

Some of the common reasons for a semi-truck jackknife are:

Sharp Road Curves

Curvy roads can be one of the most dangerous for semi-truck drivers. One sharp turn and the trailer can lose balance and fold into the cab.

Not Enough Weight For The Truck’s Size

When a semi-truck travels at high speeds with light cargo, can cause a disproportion of weight distribution and make it easier for cargo on board to shift to one side, leading to a jackknife situation.

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Bad weather conditions are always a cause for concern no matter what type of accident. Slippery roads and wet conditions with limited visibility can increase a jackknife accident’s risk.

The Force of a Collision

Whether colliding with another vehicle or fixed object, semi-trucks become unstable despite their size after being hit by an outside force. When the power shifts the truck’s weight the wrong way, it can cause the truck to jackknife.

Improper Truck Maintenance

Lack of maintenance can put a truck driver at risk of a jackknife — and the most critical is to ensure the brake system is adequately maintained for safe braking. If a truck has problems when it needs to brake or slow down, it could increase the risk of a jackknife accident.

Involved in a Truck Accident? We Can Help

When driving a large truck, one sudden and quick move can lead to a severe collision causing those involved to sustain life-threatening injuries. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, knowing where to turn for help can help relieve some stressful burdens when filing a personal injury claim after a tragic event.

Serious injuries need strong attorneys. Our team at Strong Law, P.C. is in your corner to protect your rights and best interests. If another party’s negligence caused your injury, we are here to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact today at (417) 887-4300. We are here for you every step of the way for complex legal matters.