When driving on a highway, there is nothing as worrying as seeing a tractor-trailer going out of control behind or ahead of you. 

Due to their gigantic sizes, auto accidents involving 18-wheelers are often very consequential in terms of damages and casualties. 

Jackknife accidents are especially fatal, as they usually involve multiple vehicles and a lot of momentum force. 

So, How Do Jackknife Accidents Occur?

A jackknife accident is where a trailer truck folds in on itself such that the cab bends at a sharp angle with the trailer, in an apparent “V” shape. The scenario derives its name from the hinging effect of a pocketknife folding into its handle while being closed.

Jackknifes occur when a truck makes a sudden stop or swerves suddenly to avoid hitting something on the road. In that situation, the trailer, which is not linked to the truck’s engine, will remain in motion and potentially head in a different direction from the cab. If the trailer is loaded with goods, its momentum will be powerful enough to drag the cab into an uncomfortable jackknife.

Notably, jackknife accidents are prevalent on wet or slippery roads caused by snow, oil spills, and ice. These roads make it easy for heavier vehicles to skid while swerving, braking, or taking corners. Moreover, if a truck has mechanical defects, the driver may lose control under stressful conditions (e.g., when making swerves or taking corners), leading to jackknife accidents.

What makes jackknife accidents particularly damaging is that it is almost impossible for a driver to regain control of a vehicle once it starts to bend. As such, the trailer will go swinging about and crash violently.  

What Vehicles Can Have Jackknife Accidents?

While 18-wheel trucks are most likely to be involved in jackknife accidents, any regular car or pick-up truck towing a camper trailer, a utility trailer containing trash, or deliveries can also get into such accidents.

What to Do If a Truck Near You is Involved in a Jackknife Accident

Most jackknife accidents are fatal, and the best survival strategy is to avoid getting into one in the first place. It is impossible to predict when a jackknife will happen, so stay as far away from a tractor-trailer as possible.

If you notice the tractor-trailer ahead of you looking like it’s getting out of control, slow down immediately and get out of its path. If the truck is behind you, change lanes if it’s safe, or increase your speed to reduce your chances of getting caught up in a crash.

If everything fails and you are caught up in a jackknife, you should take legal action as soon as possible, as Florida law only gives you a 4-year window. Letting an auto accident attorney work on your case is one way to get a head-start on any case you decide to file.