Matthew Mincone | October 8, 2025 | Truck Accidents
Jackknife truck accidents are some of the most dangerous—and easily recognized—collisions on the road. When a large truck folds in on itself, with the trailer swinging out to form a sharp angle with the cab, it creates a massive hazard for everyone nearby.
While many drivers have seen a jackknifed truck blocking lanes on the highway, fewer people understand why these accidents happen or what to do if they’re involved in one. Below, we answer the key questions drivers should know about jackknife truck crashes.
What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents?
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer loses traction and swings outward, creating an angle with the cab similar to a folding knife. This often happens when the driver:
- Brakes suddenly or improperly
- Drives too fast for weather or road conditions
- Takes a turn too sharply
- Hauls an unbalanced load
The trailer’s loss of control can cause the driver to lose steering ability. If the trailer pushes forward or swings to the side, it may cause the entire rig to spin or roll over.
Why Are Jackknife Accidents So Dangerous?
Jackknife accidents pose unique dangers due to their size and scope. A jackknifed semi-truck can:
- Block several lanes of traffic
- Strike nearby vehicles
- Cause multi-car pileups
- Spill hazardous cargo
These crashes can happen quickly and without warning, leaving other drivers with little time to react. In heavy traffic or poor weather, the results can be catastrophic.
Who Is Liable in a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Liability depends on what caused the trailer to swing out of control. A truck driver may be at fault if they were speeding, distracted, or driving unsafely. However, other parties could be responsible too:
- The trucking company, if they failed to maintain the vehicle or pressured the driver to meet unsafe deadlines
- Cargo loaders, if an unbalanced or shifting load contributed to the crash
- Vehicle manufacturers, if a mechanical defect or failure played a role
An experienced truck accident attorney will investigate the accident thoroughly to determine all potential sources of liability.
Why Are Jackknife Accidents Especially Complex?
Jackknife accidents are rarely straightforward. These crashes often involve large commercial trucks traveling at high speeds, which means the potential for multi-vehicle collisions and significant damage is high.
In many cases, jackknife accidents include:
- Multiple vehicles
- Conflicting witness accounts
- Overlapping insurance policies
- Potential violations of both state and federal trucking regulations
Because of these complexities, determining who is at fault and navigating the claims process can be challenging. Victims often need an experienced truck accident attorney to investigate the crash, handle negotiations, and pursue fair compensation.
What Should You Do After a Jackknife Crash?
If you’re involved in a jackknife accident:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention.
- Take photos and document the scene if it’s safe to do so.
- Exchange information with witnesses and involved parties.
- Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel.
A personal injury lawyer can help preserve evidence, handle communications with insurers, and build a strong claim for damages.
Can Jackknife Accidents Be Prevented?
Many jackknife crashes are preventable. Proper truck maintenance, safe loading practices, and adequate driver training all reduce the risk. When trucking companies cut corners or push unsafe schedules, they put everyone on the road in danger.
If you were injured in a jackknife crash due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A Truck Accident Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been in a Jackknife Accident
Jackknife accidents are serious events with the potential to cause devastating injuries, major property damage, and legal headaches for everyone involved. From mechanical failures to driver error or corporate negligence, the causes can be complex—and so can the path to justice.If you or a loved one has been hurt in a jackknife crash, don’t try to handle the aftermath alone. A skilled truck accident attorney can investigate the cause, identify all liable parties, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, contact our skilled truck accident lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 800-0810
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Tampa
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 27.9593512,-82.4369179
About The Author
Attorney Matthew Mincone is the founder of Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers. He earned his law degree while attending night programs in New York and is licensed to practice in Florida. With over 15 years of legal experience, Matthew focuses on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. His commitment to personally handling each case ensures clients receive dedicated representation. Click here to view some of the remarkable case results that Matthew has successfully achieved.
Location: Tampa, FL
