A jackknife truck accident happens when an 18-wheeler’s trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, forming a “V.” And though jackknifing isn’t very common, when a truck loses control this way, the consequences are often far more devastating for everyone involved. These crashes routinely lead to multi-vehicle pileups, severe injuries, and widespread roadway shutdowns — injuring at least 1,000 people across the U.S. every year, according to federal safety data.
At Zehl & Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming the aftermath of a jackknife accident is for injured drivers, passengers, and their families. With Billions recovered for crash victims, including the largest 18-wheeler accident verdicts and settlements in Texas and U.S. history, our Undefeated Truck Accident Lawyers know exactly how to secure the justice and full compensation our clients deserve — no matter how big the trucking company or how hard they fight to avoid responsibility.
Below, we break down the most common causes of jackknife truck accidents, the injuries they often lead to, and how our team can help protect your rights and secure your future after a serious crash.
Common Causes of Truck Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, with one of the most frequent being speeding. A trucker driving too fast can lose control of the vehicle much more easily than one traveling at a safer speed. If a hazard appears, they could try to hit the brakes, which can cause the trailer to swing out.
Fatigued driving may also result in these accidents. Truckers must adhere to federal hours of service regulations, which dictate the maximum driving time. Too often, however, trucking companies incentivize their drivers to push past the legal number of hours. A fatigued trucker is likely to have reduced reaction times and struggle to maintain control of the vehicle.
Distracted and intoxicated driving can also cause a jackknife truck accident. However, other parties can also be partially at fault. Those loading the cargo are an example. If the loading company didn’t secure the cargo, it can shift, making a jackknife accident much more likely.
Malfunctioning truck parts could also be to blame. A brake system that doesn’t function as it should or a tire blowout could all result in catastrophic injuries.
Common Injuries in Jackknife Truck Accidents
A jackknifed 18-wheeler can cause injuries that leave you battling for your life, including:
Broken Bones
The weight of a truck exerts such a significant amount of force that broken bones are very likely to occur. Just your airbag’s deployment could break your ribs. Broken bones not only cause serious pain, but they can also require months to heal, along with the potential need for surgical interventions.
Internal Injuries
To keep you from flying forward in this type of accident, your seat belt yanks you back, potentially resulting in organ damage and internal bleeding in the chest and stomach areas. You may not even realize you were hurt until the symptoms become life-threatening. In the most severe cases, you can suffer organ failure from the trauma.
Amputation Injuries
These accidents are some of the most likely to result in amputation injuries. The force on impact can sever vital blood vessels and nerves, requiring the amputation of body parts. Crushing injuries can lead to the same outcome.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries in truck accidents occur when the force causes your brain to shift or twist, or when an object pierces your skull, leading to chemical changes. Although concussions are common, these accidents can also result in some of the most serious traumatic brain injuries, such as diffuse axonal injuries.
Why You Should Talk to a Lawyer After a Jackknife Accident — and Why It Matters
If you suffered any injuries in a truck accident, you may be able to file a claim to recover your losses. Because truckers are often employees of companies and not independent contractors, there may be multiple liable parties, so it’s essential to hire attorneys to assist you as you begin your claim.
With a team of lawyers by your side, you can demonstrate that the other party owed you a duty of care and breached that responsibility. By proving negligence and that you sustained injuries, you can obtain fair compensation. Call Zehl & Associates to set up a free consultation with one of our undefeated Houston truck accident lawyers.
Call Our Undefeated Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Zehl & Associates for a Free Consultation
With Billions won and decades of experience, our Texas Truck Accident Lawyers are undefeated in the courtroom and nationally recognized for repeatedly recovering record-breaking verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients against the largest trucking corporations in the nation. Our recent victories on behalf of truck accident victims include the #1 Largest Truck Accident Verdict in Texas (2024) and the #1 Largest Single-Plaintiff Personal Injury Settlement in Fort Worth History (2025).
Our top priority is ensuring you have the information, guidance, and support you need to make the best decision for your family.
All consultations are free, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
For more information, please contact our Undefeated truck accident attorneys in Houston, Texas, at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours