Dangerous jackknife truck accidents: can they be prevented on Texas highways?

We’ve all seen the pictures: an 18-wheeler jackknives blocking highway traffic and causing a multi-vehicle pile-up with many casualties. The amount of wreckage is mind boggling. Sometimes cargo is strewn all over the highway making it difficult for emergency crews to help the injured. One can’t help but wonder, can this type of large truck accident be prevented?

A jackknife refers to an accident that occurs when a large truck goes into a skid and the trailer swings out and stops to form a 90 degree angle with the tractor. Jackknife accidents are most commonly caused by the sudden application of brakes during the skid. However, improperly adjusted brakes and brake failure can also cause jackknife accidents.

Other causes of jackknife accidents include:

• Down shifting

• Accelerating on a slippery surface

• Driving too fast

• Engine retarders

• Entering a curve to quickly

Improperly adjusted brakes and brake failure are among the leading causes of large truck accidents on American highways.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and the University of Michigan’s Transportation Institute conducted a study on large truck handling and stability in situations that lead to rollover and jackknife accidents. They found that jackknife accidents were most likely to occur when trucks were empty or only partially loaded. Truck brakes are designed to work with fully-loaded trailers. They do not take into account the way a trailer moves if it is empty or if the load is shifted from the rear axles to the forward axles.

The researchers suggested that improvements in brake proportioning and in anti-lock systems could reduce the number of jackknife accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a jackknifed tractor-trailer in a crash on a South Texas highway, contact the Cowen Law Group. You have rights, and we are here to protect them. Our lawyers can investigate the 18-wheeler accident and help you get fair compensation for all your injuries and losses. Call our attorneys in San Antonio, Brownsville, Laredo or Rio Grande City today to learn more. The initial consultation is always free.