Mark Anderson | January 15, 2026 | Truck Accident
Jackknife truck accidents are among the most dangerous and serious types of collisions on the road. In these incidents, a tractor-trailer folds in on itself at the hitch point between the cab and trailer, forming a shape reminiscent of a folding pocket knife. Because of the sudden and unpredictable nature of these crashes, they often result in severe injuries, significant property damage, and multi-vehicle involvement.
Understanding the common causes and typical injuries associated with jackknife accidents can help drivers stay alert, avoid high-risk situations, and recognize when to seek medical or legal support after a crash.
Sudden Hard Braking
One of the most common triggers for a jackknife accident is abrupt or excessive braking. When a truck driver slams on the brakes — especially on wet or slippery pavement — the wheels can lock up. With the rear wheels skidding and the trailer continuing forward, the trailer can swing sideways into a jackknife position.
Hard braking is often a reaction to:
- Traffic slowing unexpectedly
- Road hazards
- Animals in the roadway
- Construction zones
Drivers who follow too closely or aren’t anticipating changes in traffic speed can increase their likelihood of needing to brake suddenly.
Slippery Road Conditions
Rain and even loose gravel can significantly reduce tire traction. Semi-trucks are especially sensitive to traction loss because of their size and weight. On slick surfaces, brakes that might work fine on dry pavement can cause tires to lock up. When the trailer loses grip and slides, the tractor and trailer pivot into a jackknife position.
Truck drivers are trained to adjust to conditions, but poor judgment or tight schedules can override caution.
Improper Cargo Loading
A poorly loaded trailer can shift weight during transit. Cargo that’s uneven or unsecured can move when the truck turns, slows, or hits bumps. Weight shifting changes how the trailer responds under braking or sharp maneuvers, making it more prone to swing out of alignment with the cab. Overloaded trucks or trailers with weight distributed too far backward are more likely to jackknife than those balanced correctly.
Driver Error and Inexperience
Human error is a leading factor in most traffic accidents, and jackknife crashes are no exception. Inexperienced or fatigued drivers may misjudge traffic patterns, fail to gauge safe following distances, brake improperly, or accelerate too quickly. Even small mistakes at highway speeds can have amplified consequences for heavy commercial vehicles.
Mechanical Failures
Mechanical issues can contribute to jackknife accidents. A failed brake system, blown tire, or malfunctioning anti-lock braking system (ABS) can compromise a truck’s ability to stop or maintain stability. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial because even minor defects can set the stage for catastrophic events.
Brain Injuries
When a jackknifing truck collides with passenger vehicles, the force can throw occupants forward or side-to-side. Even with seatbelts, heads can strike steering wheels, windows, or other hard surfaces. Traumatic brain injuries range in severity from concussions to long-term cognitive impairment, and they often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The violent jolts of a collision can damage vertebrae or compress spinal disks. In severe cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries frequently result in lifelong disabilities and expensive ongoing care.
Broken Bones
Arms, legs, and ribs are especially vulnerable when a large truck strikes a smaller vehicle. Broken bones can happen from direct impact or from the body being twisted, bent, or crushed as metal deforms during a crash.
Internal Organ Injuries
The dashboard, steering wheel, and even seatbelts themselves can cause significant trauma during high-impact events. Internal bleeding, punctured lungs, and damaged organs might not be immediately obvious after a crash, but can turn life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Contact the Fort Worth Truck Accident Attorneys at Anderson Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Jackknife truck accidents are not only frightening but can also result in devastating injuries for drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians. Understanding the most common causes — from sudden stops and slippery conditions to improper loading and mechanical failure — can help raise awareness and promote safer driving practices.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a jackknifing truck, you may be facing a long road to recovery. It’s important to get not only medical care but also trusted legal guidance during this time. Anderson Injury Lawyers is experienced in handling complex truck accident cases and can help ensure your rights are protected as you pursue fair compensation. For more information, contact us today for a free consultation with a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth, Dallas, or Austin and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.74621197527774, -97.33552733508391
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.86241013538118, -97.30973893918065
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.748815542196404, -96.82524302658787
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Austin Office
811 Nueces Street 6301, Austin TX, 78701
(512) 399-5000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 30.307794623518102, -97.73755898409242
About the Author
Mark A. Anderson is the founder of Anderson Injury Lawyers and a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer—an honor held by only a small percentage of Texas attorneys. He earned his law degree from Baylor University School of Law and has spent more than 20 years helping injury victims across Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin. Mark handles cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, product liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, and more. Click here to view some of the successful case results Mark has achieved for his clients.
Location: Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, Texas
Justia / LinkedIn / Yelp / Facebook / Instagram / X / TikTok / Youtube