Houston Jackknife Accident Lawyer

Houston Jackknife Accident Attorney

Jackknife accidents are some of the most catastrophic situations that can occur with commercial trucks. Often, they happen with little to no warning, causing the drivers of smaller vehicles to sustain serious injuries. In the split second it takes for a trailer to swing out at a sharp angle and across multiple lanes of traffic, lives can change in the blink of an eye. If you have been injured in a jackknife accident, a Houston jackknife accident lawyer from Stevenson & Murray can help you review your options.

Hire a Jackknife Accident Lawyer

The lawyers at Stevenson & Murray have over 80 years of collective legal experience handling truck accident cases. Our firm has recovered compensation for injured victims in high-value transportation cases throughout Texas and nationwide. We have the knowledge of industry insight, meticulous investigative techniques, and decades of trial experience needed to take on commercial carriers and their insurance companies.

We approach every case with a commitment to thorough preparation and personalized care, providing injured victims with a dedicated legal team that they can trust. With a background in catastrophic vehicle accidents, we have the specific experience needed to handle jackknife cases with the level of care and precision these matters require.

Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Houston

A jackknife accident can happen in an instant, with the most common cause being a loss of control between the tractor and trailer. As the two sections of the tractor-trailer rig move independently of each other, a sharp “V” shape can form as the trailer swings out and away from the cab.

Identifying the cause is critical to determining who is liable and to preventing similar incidents from happening in the future. Common factors that may lead to a jackknife accident include:

• Abrupt or improper brake balance between the tractor and trailer
• Speeding while turning or on steep downward grades
• Wet or uneven road surfaces that contribute to loss of traction
• Improperly secured or unbalanced cargo
• Mechanical failures with tires, brakes, or coupling systems
• Driver error, including oversteering, fatigue, or distraction

In some cases, multiple parties such as the driver, the carrier, the loading crew, or maintenance contractors may be at fault. Holding all liable parties accountable is important for ensuring full compensation.

Why Jackknife Accidents Tend to Cause Extensive Damage

Jackknife accidents leave a much larger trail of destruction than most truck collisions. Once the trailer swings across lanes, it can obstruct traffic flow, collide with other vehicles, or force them into guardrails and curbs. High truck traffic and limited space to maneuver make some Houston roadways especially prone to jackknifes that spread into larger crashes, including on U.S. 59, I-45, the North Loop, and Beltway 8. Some common injuries from these accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Crush injuries
• Permanent mobility issues

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2020, there were 169 fatal crashes involving large trucks classified as “jackknife” events. Jackknife accidents can be highly injurious because they often block multiple lanes and create multi-vehicle collisions.

Key Evidence That Could Support Liability in a Jackknife Accident

Jackknife accident cases depend on the evidence that can be preserved after a crash. Because large trucks have significant electronic data storage and carriers keep detailed safety and driver information, it is important to take legal action promptly. The following information and data can be key evidence in a jackknife accident case:

• Electronic control module (black box) braking and stability control information
• Cargo weight and distribution information
• Driver’s training, qualification, and Hours-of-Service records
• Dash-cam or roadway surveillance video
• Maintenance and inspection records for the truck and trailer
• Weather reports and roadway surface evaluations
• Collision reconstruction analyses that show how the trailer swung

The materials may help determine whether the driver overreacted, if the trailer was loaded or secured properly, and whether truck or trailer mechanical problems caused or worsened the jackknife. The quality and weight of evidence can affect the strength of a settlement or case.

FAQs

How Does a Jackknife Accident Differ From Other Truck Crashes?

Jackknife events are unique because the control loss does not happen at a single point of impact. The trailer swings out, creating an extended area of risk that can affect multiple lanes of travel. As a result, it is necessary to review the mechanical systems, trailer articulation, and stability controls to see what caused the tractor and trailer to separate in their movement. The movement pattern differs from that of most truck accidents and requires a professional investigative process.

Can a Jackknife Accident Involve Multiple Liable Parties?

A jackknife accident can involve multiple liable parties because jackknife crashes can show deficient safety practices in multiple areas of operations. A driver might have made an improper response to a hazard, a trucking company might have neglected to correct maintenance problems, or cargo handlers might have improperly prepared an unstable load. Determining liability can require looking at corporate safety practices, training records, and maintenance workflows, in addition to the driver’s actions.

What Compensation Might Be Available After a Jackknife Accident?

Medical bills, income losses, property damage, and associated costs of long-term recovery are all forms of compensation that might be available after a jackknife accident.  If injuries have permanently affected mobility or earning capacity, additional damages may be recoverable. Evaluating the full scope of medical needs, household accommodations, and work limitations early on helps to ensure that the claim accounts for the long-term impact of a jackknife collision.

How Often Do Truck Accidents Occur?

In 2023, 5,472 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents. Multi-vehicle damage is frequent in these crashes because the trailer can block lanes and pose a sudden hazard to other drivers. Their complexity makes it important to review roadway conditions, vehicle mechanics, and driver behavior to determine the cause of the incident.

Contact a Houston Jackknife Accident Lawyer

Stevenson & Murray represents individuals injured in jackknife truck accidents throughout Houston, offering guidance and skilled advocacy. Our team can review your circumstances, explain your legal options, and help you determine the next steps forward. Book a consultation today and hire a jackknife accident lawyer.