Chris Hammons | September 19, 2025 | Truck Accidents
Jackknife truck accidents are among the most dangerous crashes on Oklahoma City roads. When a large truck’s trailer swings out at a sharp angle from the cab, it creates a deadly situation for other drivers.
These accidents often cause serious injuries and raise complex questions about who is responsible for the crash.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s trailer folds toward the cab, forming an angle like a folding knife. The truck loses control and can slide sideways across multiple lanes of traffic. This creates a massive hazard for nearby vehicles.
These crashes are especially dangerous because of the truck’s size and weight. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When that much weight slides out of control, it can cause devastating damage.
Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents
Weather conditions play a major role in many accidents. Rain, ice, and snow make roads slippery. Trucks need much more distance to stop safely than regular cars. When drivers brake too hard on wet or icy roads, the trailer can swing out and cause a jackknife.
Driver error is another leading cause. Some common mistakes include:
- Speeding, especially in bad weather
- Following other vehicles too closely
- Making sudden lane changes
- Braking too hard or too quickly
- Driving while tired or distracted
Mechanical problems can also cause these accidents. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and faulty coupling systems between the cab and trailer create dangerous situations.
Determining Fault in Jackknife Accidents
The truck driver often bears primary responsibility. Commercial drivers must follow strict safety rules. They need special licenses and training to operate large trucks safely. When drivers speed, follow too closely, or make other dangerous choices, they can be held liable for resulting accidents.
However, the trucking company might also be at fault. Companies must properly maintain their vehicles and ensure drivers get adequate rest. They also need to hire qualified drivers and provide proper training.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets strict rules for commercial trucking. These regulations cover driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and hours of service. When companies violate these rules, they can be held responsible for accidents.
Other Parties Who Might Be Liable
Sometimes other parties contribute to jackknife accidents. The company that loaded the truck’s cargo might be responsible if improper loading caused the crash. Uneven or unsecured loads can make trucks unstable and more likely to jackknife.
Maintenance companies can also be liable. If poor repairs or faulty parts contributed to the accident, the repair shop might share responsibility.
Even other drivers sometimes play a role. If another vehicle cut off the truck or caused the driver to brake suddenly, that driver might bear some fault for the resulting crash.
Oklahoma’s Comparative Fault System
Oklahoma uses a modified comparative fault system for personal injury cases. This means that you can still recover a percentage of compensation as long as you are less than 51% responsible for your accident.
For example, you’d recover 80% of your damages if you were 20% at fault. However, if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any damages from other parties. This makes it crucial to have a thorough investigation of the crash.
Steps To Take After a Jackknife Accident
If you’re involved in a jackknife truck accident, taking the right steps protects your legal rights and strengthens your potential case. You should:
- Call 911, move to a safe spot, and get medical care immediately.
- Photograph the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange license and insurance details, including the truck driver’s CDL.
- Collect witness information and the police report number.
- Avoid admitting fault, apologizing, or signing unnecessary documents.
Avoid common mistakes that can hurt your case. Don’t admit fault or apologize for the accident. Don’t sign any documents except those required by the police.
Building Your Case
Proving fault in a jackknife accident requires strong evidence. Your legal team will investigate the crash thoroughly. This might include reviewing the truck’s maintenance records, the driver’s logbooks, and electronic data from the vehicle.
Multiple parties often share responsibility for these complex truck crashes. Understanding your rights after a jackknife accident helps protect your interests. Quick action to preserve evidence and investigate the crash can make a significant difference in your case outcome.
For more information, please contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Oklahoma City.
We proudly serve Oklahoma County, OK and its surrounding areas:
Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers – OKC
1332 SW 89th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 703-4567