While any high-speed highway collision can be deadly, one of the most dangerous kinds of accidents for truck drivers and other motorists is a jackknife crash.
While jackknife accidents frequently occur during inclement weather conditions, e.g., rain, ice or snow (like we experienced just this winter here in Natchitoches), many other factors also contribute. Read on to learn more about these serious kinds of wrecks.
Why are they called “jackknife” crashes?
The reason behind the name is that when the crash happens, the truck and its trailer swing apart and form a V-shape — just like an inverted, open pocketknife. The driver is in peril when this occurs, as well as nearby drivers on the same stretch of road.
You can imagine the destruction that can arise from a collision with a jackknifed semitruck going 70 mph or more.
Other root causes
Besides a spate of bad weather, the following can all cause or contribute to a jackknife accident:
- Overcompensating for quick lane changes
- Equipment failures (brakes, tires, etc.)
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
- Turning too fast
- Load shifts/improper loading
These are just some of the actions and inactions that can lead a semitruck driver to lose control of their big rig and go into a deadly skid across multiple lanes (or ditches).
Were you injured in a jackknife accident?
Unfortunately, jackknife crashes frequently result in unsurvivable injuries. But even if you were lucky enough to survive the initial impact, you could still be left with permanent injuries and disabilities.
Along with the physical damages, you could suffer extensive financial disasters from being unable to work after your serious wreck. Learning more about a path to civil justice is always a good move after an accident leaves you with injuries.