What To Know About Jackknife Truck And 18-Wheeler Accidents

If you’re facing life after a jackknife 18-wheeler accident, you may be scared, lost, or unsure of where to turn.

At Miller & Hine, we’re proud to support jackknife truck accident victims, which includes offering compassionate guidance, helpful information, and winning maximum compensation as the result of your case.

We encourage victims to start our free, no-obligation case review process. In that appointment, we’ll get all your case details and advise you on your next steps.

Statistics On Jackknife Truck And 18-Wheeler Accidents

A jackknife truck accident is a type of accident that largely occurs in articulated or semi-articulated vehicles, like semi-trucks or 18-wheelers.

A jackknife accident happens when “the cab and trailer swivel at the linkage until they form a V shape, as the result of an abrupt stop or accident.” When the cab of an 18-wheeler or heavy truck skids and the trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle, it resembles a jackknife – hence the name.

Jackknife truck and 18-wheeler accidents are dangerous to all parties involved. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 107,000 injury crashes and 4,842 fatal crashes attributable to jackknife accidents in 2020.

Half of the individuals in jackknife accidents were not driving or operating the articulated vehicle, meaning these individuals just experienced the consequences of someone else’s negligence.

Why Do Jackknife Truck Accidents Happen?

Jackknife truck accidents happen for a variety of reasons, including:

Driver Error
Sudden Braking
Tires With A Lack Of Tread
Slippery Road Conditions
Equipment Failure

What Types Of Injuries Occur After Jackknife Truck Accidents?

A jackknife accident involving an 18-wheeler or heavy truck can be severe due to the weight and momentum of these vehicles.

Common injuries include whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, and even fatalities.

How Much Can I Recover In Damages After Being A Jackknife Truck Accident Victim?

While it is impossible to estimate what your case is worth without a free case review, we can explain what damages you may be eligible to receive due to your injuries.

Economic Damages: This type of damages covers the real-world costs associated with your case. Examples of economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, lost future earning potential, property damage, and burial or funeral expenses (if the victim dies).
Non-Economic Damages: This type of damages covers the intangible expenses of your jackknife truck case. Examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, loss of companionship, loss of consortium, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Missouri has no caps on non-economic damages for automobile and truck-related accidents.
Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are not intended to make a victim whole again but to punish the individual liable for the accident.

Why Work With A Lawyer Like Those At Miller & Hine?

A St. Louis personal injury lawyer like those at Miller & Hine can help victims of jackknife truck accidents.

A lawyer can help jackknife truck accident victims:

Gather Evidence
Establish Liability
Negotiate With Insurers
Pursue Compensation
Ensure The Victim’s Rights And Best Interests Are Represented

So get started with our truck accident lawyer in St. Louis by calling (314) 408-5708 or booking your free, no-obligation case review and consultation online today.