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Last Modified on Dec 03, 2025
Jackknife truck accidents can be some of the most serious crashes because they happen in an instant, provide little time to react, and affect multiple lanes, leaving drivers with few options. Whether you are visiting or are a native to the area, you may wonder, “What are the most dangerous roads and intersections in Houston for jackknife truck accidents?”
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
Experiencing a jackknife truck accident can be terrifying. The possibility of sustaining serious injuries is high, and you are likely to be left with high costs to repair or replace your damaged property. When you hire a truck accident lawyer, you gain an ally during a difficult time.
At Stevenson & Murray, we understand the challenges you may face when trying to negotiate a fair settlement for your truck accident claim. Truck accident laws are complicated, and you’ll have to deal with multiple companies trying to settle for as little as possible. With over eight decades of combined experience, you can trust our team to guide you through the legal process with ease.
Truck Accidents in Texas
Truck accidents become more common in areas where commercial and passenger vehicles have to share roadways. In the Houston area, many roads see heavy commercial and passenger traffic throughout the day.
Crashes involving large trucks are monitored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and information is provided to the public through their Motor Carrier Management Information System.
In 2024, Texas saw a total of 18,112 truck crashes. Of those crashes, there were:
- 699 vehicles involved in fatal crashes
- 636 fatal crashes
- 702 total fatalities
- 18,967 vehicles involved in injury crashes
- 17,476 injury crashes
- 10,655 total injuries
It can be difficult to negotiate a fair settlement amount following a jackknife accident. If you have to file a claim to seek fair compensation in Houston, you should know that civil claims are filed with the Harris County District Clerk’s Civil Courts.
Cases are heard at the Harris County Civil Courthouse. Small claims are heard in the Civil County Courts at Law, while larger claims are heard in the Civil District Courts.
Houston’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections
Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer of a semi-truck swings away from the cab at an angle, making the truck look like a partially opened pocket knife. When this happens, the trailer can block several lanes of traffic.
A jackknifed trailer can cause a chain reaction, affecting other commercial and passenger vehicles across several lanes. In Houston, high traffic volumes combined with a large commercial vehicle presence make jackknife accidents a more common occurrence.
Some of Houston’s most dangerous streets and intersections include:
- The intersection at Westheimer Road and Fondren Road, due to the busy commercial area, heavy traffic, and a high number of pedestrian crossings
- The intersection of Bellaire Boulevard and Beltway 8, located in Chinatown. A tollway and railroad crossing make this intersection difficult for drivers to navigate.
- The intersection at Gessner Road and Westheimer Road features multiple lanes and heavy traffic in this commercial area.
- The intersection of Hillcroft Avenue and Southwest Freeway is one of Houston’s busiest. Heavy traffic flow and congestion lead to increased accident risks.
- The intersection of Shepherd Drive and Westheimer Road features heavy pedestrian traffic.
In addition to these intersections, jackknife accidents are possible on any road where commercial vehicles frequent. Beltway 8, I-45, the I-610 West Loop, Southwest Freeway, and Katy Freeway have high volumes of commercial traffic.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident can happen quickly, and there is not always a chance for drivers to react in time to avoid a collision. Some of the most common causes of jackknife accidents include:
- Improper braking or sudden stops
- Brake failure
- Driving at unsafe speeds
- Fatigued drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Improperly loaded cargo or shifts in the cargo load
- Equipment failure
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Road conditions
FAQs
What Type of Attorney Do I Need After a Jackknife Accident in Houston?
When you’ve been involved in a jackknife accident in Houston, you need a Houston truck accident attorney who can ensure your interests and rights are being met. Truck accident attorneys are personal injury attorneys with experience in truck accident claims.
Truck accident claims can be complicated, involving multiple companies and insurance agencies. Truck drivers are also bound by local, state, and federal regulations, all of which could have an impact on your truck accident claim.
What Kinds of Injuries Are Most Common After a Jackknife Accident?
Jackknife accidents can cause serious injuries to the truck driver, as well as the drivers and passengers in other vehicles. The size and weight of commercial vehicles make truck accidents more damaging.
Common injuries after a jackknife accident include head, neck, and back injuries; bone fractures; internal injuries; crush injuries; amputations; burns; and soft tissue damage or lacerations. Victims of a jackknife accident can also suffer from a variety of psychological conditions as a result of the accident.
How Is Liability Determined After a Jackknife Accident?
After a jackknife accident, it is important to determine liability and uncover how the accident occurred. Commercial vehicles store electronic information about the vehicle and the driver. This information can be assessed following an accident.
Additionally, collision reconstruction analyses can be performed to examine the events of the accident. Any available audio or video files are examined, as are weather reports and road condition reports. Cargo reports can also be examined.
What Types of Compensation Can I Get After a Jackknife Accident in Houston?
When you are involved in a jackknife accident, you are entitled to seek damages for your losses. You can seek economic damages for the cost to repair or replace your damaged property, as well as for medical expenses, lost wages, and other tangible losses.
You can also seek non-economic damages for any intangible losses you have suffered. Intangible losses could include pain and suffering, emotional or psychological harm, loss of enjoyment of life, or loss of consortium.
Contact Stevenson & Murray, Attorneys at Law
Don’t face the difficulties of negotiating a truck accident claim alone. Our team knows how the trucking industry works, with extensive experience in litigation and investigating jackknife accidents. Contact Stevenson & Murray today to schedule your initial consultation.
