December 13, 2025 | Truck Accidents
Jackknife truck accidents are among the most dangerous crashes on Florida roads. Because commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, these incidents often result in catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and multi-vehicle collisions.
Understanding how jackknife accidents happen, why they are so dangerous, and what steps to take afterward can help protect your rights and your recovery.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when a tractor-trailer folds in on itself at an angle, resembling the shape of a folding pocketknife. This typically happens when the trailer swings out to one side while the cab continues forward, creating a loss of control that can block multiple lanes of traffic.
Jackknife crashes most often involve semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles with attached trailers. Once a truck begins to jackknife, it becomes extremely difficult—if not impossible—for the driver to regain control.
Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents in Florida
Jackknife accidents are rarely caused by a single factor. In most cases, a combination of mechanical issues, driver behavior, and road conditions contributes to the crash.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Sudden or improper braking, especially on wet or slick roads
- Speeding, particularly when navigating curves or downhill grades
- Poorly loaded or unbalanced cargo, which can cause the trailer to sway
- Driver inexperience or fatigue, leading to delayed reactions
- Brake failure or mechanical defects
- Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or ice
Commercial truck drivers must adjust their driving based on road and weather conditions. When they fail to do so, the risk of a jackknife accident increases significantly.
Why Jackknife Accidents Are Especially Dangerous
Jackknife accidents are particularly hazardous because of the size and momentum of commercial trucks. When a trailer swings sideways, it can sweep across multiple lanes of traffic, striking nearby vehicles or forcing them into sudden evasive maneuvers.
These incidents often lead to:
- Multi-car pileups
- Rollover crashes involving passenger vehicles
- Severe underride collisions
- Complete roadway blockages
Because of the violent nature of these crashes, injuries tend to be far more serious than those in typical car accidents.
Injuries Commonly Associated With Jackknife Accidents
Victims of jackknife truck accidents frequently suffer life-altering injuries. Even occupants of vehicles that are not directly struck can be injured while attempting to avoid the collision.
Common jackknife accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and crushing injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Fatal injuries leading to wrongful death
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and significant time away from work.
Who Could Be Liable for a Florida Jackknife Truck Accident?
Determining liability for a jackknife accident can be complex. Unlike typical car crashes, multiple parties may share responsibility.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver, for negligent driving behaviors
- The trucking company, for inadequate training, supervision, or scheduling practices
- Cargo loaders, if improper loading contributed to the accident
- Maintenance providers, for brake or mechanical failures
- Manufacturers, if defective parts played a role
Federal trucking regulations impose strict safety standards on commercial drivers and carriers. Exposing violations of these regulations can be key to establishing liability.
How Jackknife Accidents Are Investigated
A thorough investigation is critical in jackknife truck accident cases. Evidence must often be preserved quickly to determine what caused the crash.
Key elements of an investigation may include:
- Reviewing driver logs and electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Analyzing black box information from the truck
- Inspecting brake systems and maintenance records
- Examining cargo loading documentation
- Reviewing surveillance footage or dashcam video
Accident reconstruction experts may also be used to determine how and why the jackknife occurred.
What to Do After a Jackknife Truck Accident in Florida
If you are involved in a jackknife accident in Florida, your actions immediately afterward can affect both your health and any future legal claims.
Important steps include:
- Seeking immediate medical attention, even if your injuries are not obvious
- Calling law enforcement to document the accident
- Taking photos or videos of the scene, if it is safe to do so
- Collecting contact information from witnesses
- Avoiding recorded statements to insurance companies without legal guidance
Prompt medical care and proper documentation can play a crucial role in protecting your rights. Speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer early in the process can also help you understand your options and determine whether legal representation may be necessary.
How Can an Attorney Help After a Jackknife Accident?
Jackknife truck accidents often involve complex legal and factual issues that go beyond a standard car accident claim. A lawyer can ensure that critical evidence is preserved and that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Specifically, your personal injury attorney will help by:
- Investigating the cause of the jackknife accident and identifying contributing factors
- Determining all potentially liable parties
- Preserving and reviewing key evidence
- Communicating with trucking companies and insurance carriers, who often move quickly to limit their liability after a serious crash
- Working with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to understand how the accident occurred and the full extent of the injuries
Jackknife accidents frequently involve severe injuries and high-value insurance policies. An experienced personal injury lawyer can navigate the legal complexities that often arise in these types of cases.
Contact Graves Thomas Injury Law Group for a Free Consultation With a Vero Beach Truck Accident Lawyer
Jackknife truck accidents can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long-term physical and emotional challenges. If you or a loved one was injured in one of these dangerous collisions, it’s important to understand your legal options.
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group represents accident victims throughout Vero Beach and the surrounding areas. We understand the complexities of truck accident cases and are committed to helping injured clients pursue the compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced truck accident lawyers at Graves Thomas Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Florida, including Vero Beach, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie.
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-5735
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 617-8814
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 569-8155
