We’ve seen how quickly life changes when a trailer swings across a highway
By Attorney Briant G. Mildenhall
Partner, Fried Goldberg, LLC
When an 80,000-pound truck folds in on itself across a busy highway, everything in its path is at risk. Jackknife crashes are among the most catastrophic types of trucking accidents, often leading to chain-reaction collisions, underride crashes, and fatalities.
At Fried Goldberg LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly these incidents unfold and how complex the investigations can be. Understanding why a tractor-trailer jackknifed (and who’s responsible) is the foundation of every successful case.
What It Means When a Truck Jackknifes
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer swings out from behind the cab and forms a sharp angle, often folding across multiple lanes like a pocketknife. Once that motion starts, it’s nearly impossible for the driver to regain control.
These events often result in:
- Head-on collisions: When a jackknifed trailer crosses into opposing lanes.
- Underride accidents: When smaller vehicles become trapped beneath the trailer.
- Pileups and multi-vehicle crashes: When surrounding drivers have no time to react.
The immense weight and length of tractor-trailers mean that even a single jackknife can cause devastation across an entire roadway.
Common Factors Behind Jackknife Accidents
Our attorneys have handled numerous cases where jackknife accidents stemmed from avoidable errors or mechanical failures. The most frequent causes include:
- Hard or Sudden Braking: Quick braking (especially on wet or icy pavement) can cause the trailer to push forward while the cab slows down, forcing it sideways.
- Speeding and Poor Space Management: Excessive speed shortens reaction time and increases stopping distance, making loss of control more likely.
- Weather and Road Conditions: Rain, snow, or high winds can drastically reduce traction, especially for empty or lightly loaded trailers.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: When freight shifts suddenly, it can throw off balance and cause instability during turns or braking.
- Driver Fatigue and Inattention: Long hours and pressure to meet deadlines often lead to exhaustion or distraction—key contributors in many jackknife cases.
- Mechanical Failure: Brake malfunctions, worn tires, or neglected maintenance can all contribute to losing control of the vehicle.
Each of these factors leaves a trail of evidence, if you know where to look.
Investigating the Root Cause
In a jackknife case, the physical scene tells only part of the story. The most powerful evidence is often digital. That’s why we act quickly to secure the truck’s electronic control module (ECM), or “black box.”
This data records what the driver and truck were doing in the moments before the crash, including:
- Speed and braking pressure
- Steering input
- Gear shifts and throttle use
- Sudden deceleration or loss of traction
When paired with maintenance logs, dispatch records, and cargo documentation, ECM data can expose whether the crash was caused by driver error, equipment failure, or company negligence.
Who May Be Liable After a Jackknife Crash
Jackknife cases often involve multiple defendants, and identifying them early can make or break a claim. Depending on the facts, responsible parties may include:
- The Truck Driver: For speeding, fatigue, distraction, or unsafe braking.
- The Trucking Company: For poor maintenance, pushing illegal schedules, or failing to train drivers properly.
- The Shipper or Loader: For unsafe or unbalanced cargo.
- The Manufacturer: If defective brakes or tires contributed to the loss of control.
In many cases, liability extends beyond the driver behind the wheel. Our job is to uncover every contributing factor and hold all parties accountable.
Why Early Action Matters
Timing is everything after a jackknife crash. The physical and electronic evidence that proves liability can disappear within days. That’s why it’s crucial to:
- Preserve black box and telematics data before it’s overwritten.
- Document the accident scene with professional reconstruction.
- Inspect the truck and trailer for brake, tire, or cargo issues.
- Interview witnesses quickly while details are still fresh.
A swift and strategic investigation can mean the difference between a strong claim and a lost opportunity for justice.
Fighting for Victims of Jackknife Crashes
At Fried Goldberg LLC, we bring decades of truck litigation experience to every jackknife case we handle. Our attorneys know how to interpret crash data, cross-examine corporate witnesses, and build compelling stories for juries that expose negligence.
We’ve helped victims and families nationwide pursue justice and accountability from some of the largest carriers in the country. If you or someone you love was injured in a jackknife crash, don’t wait for the trucking company to control the narrative.
Contact Fried Goldberg LLC today to discuss your case with an experienced trucking attorney. We can help you uncover the truth, protect your rights, and demand full compensation for the harm caused.
“I never anticipated that I would ever need a personal injury lawyer and had no clue about how to find a reputable one. I couldn't have found better representation than Briant Mildenhall at Fried Goldberg. He was exactly what we needed to make what could have been a nightmare process as smooth and transparent as possible. I give Fried Goldberg my highest and most sincere recommendation.” – V.B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐