The Different Ways How 18-Wheelers Are Involved in Jackknife Accidents

Among the road accidents involving commercial trucks, jackknife accidents are the most dangerous type of crashes. A jackknife accident is called so when the trailer sways out and forms an acute angle with the cab. The fold resembles a pocketknife.

These accidents result in multi-vehicle pileups, extensive property damage, and serious or fatal injuries. To reduce and prevent the occurrence of these accidents, understanding how jackknife incidents happen is essential. It also helps improve road safety.

If you were ever involved in an 18-wheeler accident, it is crucial that you contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer.

Causes of Jackknife Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers

Factors that contribute to jackknife accidents include loss of traction or control. One of the most common causes is improper braking or sudden braking, particularly on wet or icy roads. This occurs when the driver locks up the drive axle brakes while the trailer brakes are operational, and the trailer swings outward, resulting in a jackknife.

Speeding is another major cause. When the speed of the 18-wheeler is too fast, and suddenly an attempt is made to slow down or move, this sudden movement, including the speed, destabilizes the vehicle. High speeds give very little margin for error and heighten the risk of a loss of control.

Overloaded or improperly loaded trailers can leave a truck more vulnerable to jackknifing. Uneven load disturbs the trailer’s center of gravity, increasing the likelihood of it swinging out of the cab’s alignment due to pressure.

These incidents result in legal disputes about fault and compensation. Individuals injured in such accidents often engage an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer to help navigate the complex legal landscape and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Different Types of Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur under different circumstances, and the following factors lead to such mishaps:

1. Brake-Induced Jackknifing

The most common type of jackknife accident is caused by panic braking. When the force engaging trailer brakes is more than the cab brakes, the trailer may skid and swing around. These accidents occur more on downhill slopes or slippery roads where engaging brakes is more difficult.

2. Downhill Jackknifing

Applying brakes abruptly or excessively when traveling downhill causes the trailer to continue to move at a different speed than the cab. The gravitational pull working with poor brake balance results in the trailer to whip around, jackknifing the truck.

3. Turn-Induced Jackknifing

Sometimes, a jackknife accident occurs at sharp turns, particularly at sharp turns at high speeds, and the load shifts during the turn. These accidents occur at intersections or freeway off-ramps due to excessive speed or poor cargo distribution.

4. Road Condition-Related Jackknifing

Ice, rain, or snow increases the risk of jackknifing significantly. Poor traction, especially during bad weather, makes it difficult to control during deceleration or lane changes for truck drivers. Black ice is notorious for causing unexpected loss of grip, leading to a jackknife.

The Role of Equipment Failure

Mechanical issues with braking systems or electronic stability controls also cause jackknife incidents. Worn brakes, nonfunctioning anti-lock brake systems (ABS), and defective suspension components can all contribute to accidents. These issues can arise from negligence in maintenance, with liability falling on trucking companies or third-party maintenance providers.

ABS systems prevent wheels from locking during hard braking, reducing the risk of jackknifing.

Driver Error and Training Deficiencies

Driver’s behavior has an important role in jackknife accidents. Inadequate training, fatigue, distraction, or impaired driving all increase the risk. A poorly trained driver will not have the required skill to handle a skid or may make abrupt maneuvers, resulting in a trailer swing.

Fatigue is a chronic issue in the trucking industry. It affects decision-making and reaction time. Irrespective of work-hour regulations set by the FMCSA, violations occur, resulting in errors and jackknife scenarios.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver-related factors are responsible for the largest number of large truck crashes, highlighting flouting of rules, and for stricter training protocols and compliance with safety guidelines (NHTSA Truck Safety).

Environmental and Traffic Factors

In urban areas or heavy traffic zones, driver behavior can cause jackknife incidents. Sudden lane changes may force the 18-wheeler truck driver to brake abruptly, increasing the chances of jackknifing. Narrow lanes, construction zones, and poor road signage further complicate navigating large trucks.

On the other hand, in rural or mountainous regions, steep grades and sharp curves necessitate heightened caution. Drivers unfamiliar with the terrain are likely to misjudge speed or braking distances, resulting in trailer instability.

Conclusion

The 18-wheeler jackknife accidents are caused by a wide variety of factors, and a common factor is a sudden imbalance of the trailer and the cab. Irrespective of what the factor may be, poor weather, driver error, mechanical failure, or external traffic conditions, accidents are a serious risk to the public on the road. However, a clear understanding of the mechanism of these events is critical.

Improved safety standards and enhanced driver training can help reduce accidents, and addressing legal responsibility after a crash may help reduce the difficulties surrounding these situations.