One advantage of driving on major highways is that they have several lanes, giving you more space to avoid an accident when another vehicle loses control. Unfortunately, a jackknifed 18-wheeler may eliminate that advantage, making it impossible to avoid an accident. This is part of what makes jackknife truck accidents so scary.
The following information on causes and injuries of jackknife crashes may help if you find yourself dealing with a jackknifed vehicle in Florida.
What Is a Jackknife Accident?
The term “jackknife” refers to the shape and movement of a truck in this type of accident. When a truck jackknifes, the cab turns toward the trailer, creating a shape that resembles a jackknife.
A jackknife accident means the driver has lost control of their vehicle. The trailer typically continues in the direction the truck was previously moving while the cab moves perpendicular to the road. This usually causes the truck to turn sideways and block several, if not all, lanes of traffic.
Accidents typically result from other drivers’ inability to avoid the rapidly slowing truck suddenly entering their lane. Crashes may also occur when the flailing cab or trailer strikes a vehicle in another lane.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents
Any number of factors can cause jackknife accidents. You may be able to identify some of these causes and take precautions to avoid being in an accident.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Most jackknife accidents occur when the truck driver is trying to brake. If a truck hasn’t been properly maintained, the brakes may not function as intended. This could result in brakes on some tires exerting more or less force than on other tires. Disparate braking power can result in the truck folding.
Unfortunately, poor truck maintenance is one of the few causes you can’t easily identify. You have to hope that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration adequately enforces safety requirements.
Improperly Loaded Vehicle
Over time, transportation companies have learned the best ways to load trailers to keep them balanced properly. A balanced truck is much easier to control. If a truck is unbalanced, it can shift during travel and braking.
If you see a truck trailer that appears to be shaking or shifting in its lane, it may be unbalanced. If possible, staying away from that vehicle might be a good idea.
Sideswipe Accidents
One of the few common causes of jackknife accidents that doesn’t involve braking is a sideswipe accident. If the truck moves into another lane, hitting a car, or vice versa, the trailer may likely be knocked out of alignment with the cab.
To avoid the danger of a sideswipe accident, you should always ensure you can see a truck’s side mirror when passing in an adjacent lane. If you can’t see the mirror, the driver can’t see you. You should also pass as quickly as possible.
Speeding
Trucks are designed to move at highway speeds, but that doesn’t mean that they can go as fast as most cars. The time it takes for a 40-ton truck to slow down is considerably more than it takes for a two-ton car to slow down. When trucks are driving too quickly, the driver is likely to lose control if they have to brake suddenly.
If you see a truck that is going well above the speed limit for a road, you should stay as far away from it as possible. It may be best to pull over and let it get far ahead of you before continuing your trip.
Road Conditions
Bad road conditions can also affect a truck driver’s ability to brake. When the roads are wet or icy, brakes don’t work as well. Some brakes may function normally while others fail, causing the truck to jackknife.
If road conditions are dangerous enough that you are concerned about your ability to drive safely, you should be very wary of any trucks that are still on the road. They are even harder to control than your vehicle.
Common Jackknife Injuries
Truck accidents are always dangerous types of accidents. A truck may weigh as much as 40 times the average vehicle. Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous because they often involve head-on collisions at high speeds.
These collisions may result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractured or shattered bones
- Internal injuries
- Lost limbs
- Death
Unfortunately, death is a real possibility in any jackknife accident. In 2022, more than 5,000 large trucks were involved in fatal collisions.
The Dangers of Hidden Injuries
One of the frustrating things about truck accidents is that they can typically involve some type of hidden injury. You may think you escaped the accident without any injuries or with only a few bumps and bruises, only to discover months or years later that you were more seriously injured than you initially thought.
These types of injuries usually only get worse if they are not treated quickly. Certain types of brain damage or spinal injuries can show no symptoms at first. But untreated, they may fester and worsen. Non-obvious internal injuries can even be fatal if left untreated.
The best way to protect yourself from common hidden injuries is to seek immediate medical attention after a truck accident. A doctor might find something that the EMT on the scene didn’t. You should also consider a follow-up visit a few weeks after the accident, just to confirm you are fine.
Be Wary of Jackknife Accidents on Florida Highways
Jackknife accidents are typically the result of careless or reckless driving. While you can’t do anything about a negligent truck driver, you can drive safely to limit your danger. If you see any signs that a truck may present a risk, get to safety and then notify the authorities if appropriate.
Contact the Florida Truck Accident Lawyers at Shaked Law Firm, P.A. For More Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a truck collision in Florida and need legal help, contact a Florida 18-wheelers attorney at Shaked Law Firm, P.A.
Shaked Law Firm, P.A.
20900 NE 30th Ave STE 705
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191
*Relocated across the street from Aventura Hospital.
Available 24/7