Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | October 31, 2025 | Truck Accidents
Jackknife truck accidents are among the most dangerous types of collisions that can occur on Florida roads. These crashes happen when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a sharp angle with the cab, resembling a folding pocketknife. The results can be devastating, often involving multiple vehicles and causing serious injuries.
Understanding what causes these crashes and the types of injuries they lead to can help victims protect their rights and take the right steps after an accident.
Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents
A jackknife accident typically occurs when a truck’s trailer loses traction, causing the driver to lose control. Several different factors can contribute to this kind of crash, and in many cases, multiple causes are at play.
Speeding or Sudden Braking
Large commercial trucks need far more time and distance to stop than passenger cars. When a truck driver is traveling too fast for traffic or weather conditions, they may have to slam on the brakes suddenly. The momentum of the trailer can then push it sideways, creating a jackknife effect.
Even at moderate speeds, braking too hard can cause the trailer to skid, especially if the road is wet or slippery.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Cargo that is unevenly distributed or not properly secured can shift while the truck is moving. This imbalance makes it harder to maintain control, particularly during braking or turning. When the load shifts forward suddenly, the trailer can swing out, triggering a jackknife accident.
Truck drivers and loading companies have a legal responsibility to make sure that cargo is evenly balanced and within weight limits.
Poor Weather or Road Conditions
Rain, fog, and debris on the road are common hazards in Florida, particularly in Fort Lauderdale’s coastal climate. Slippery or uneven roads reduce tire traction and increase the likelihood of a skid. When a truck loses grip, the trailer can slide independently from the cab, leading to a jackknife.
Drivers should slow down and maintain extra distance when weather conditions or visibility are poor.
Driver Fatigue or Inattention
Long hours on the road can lead to fatigue, slowing a driver’s reaction time and impairing judgment. A moment of distraction—such as glancing at a phone, adjusting controls, or eating—can be enough to cause a critical loss of control.
Federal trucking regulations limit how long a driver can stay on the road without rest, but violations of these rules are common and frequently contribute to serious accidents.
Equipment Failure or Mechanical Defects
Trucks rely on complex braking and steering systems that must be maintained regularly. If brakes are worn out, tires are underinflated, or the coupling between the trailer and tractor is defective, the risk of jackknifing rises sharply.
In some cases, maintenance companies or manufacturers can be held responsible if their negligence leads to mechanical failure.
Common Injuries in Jackknife Truck Accidents
Because jackknife accidents often involve multi-vehicle collisions, the resulting injuries can be severe. The size and weight of tractor-trailers mean that smaller vehicles and their occupants are at particular risk.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
The violent impact of a truck crash can cause head trauma ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can lead to lasting cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Helmets and airbags can reduce the risk, but they can’t always prevent damage in high-impact collisions.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Victims of jackknife accidents often experience damage to the spinal cord, which can cause partial or total paralysis. Even less severe spinal injuries may lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term rehabilitation needs.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a truck accident can easily break bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Some fractures require surgical intervention and extensive recovery time, particularly if they involve crushed or displaced bones.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding and organ damage are common in jackknife collisions due to the intense pressure from seat belts, airbags, and impact forces. These injuries are not always immediately visible, which makes it critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Sudden jolts can cause the neck and back to snap violently, resulting in whiplash, sprains, and muscle tears. While these injuries might seem minor, they can cause persistent pain and limit mobility for weeks or months.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical harm, many victims experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a serious truck accident. Psychological injuries can be just as debilitating as physical ones and should be treated with professional care.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Jackknife Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale
Truck accident cases are often more complex than regular car accident claims. They may involve multiple parties—such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, or even a parts manufacturer—all of whom could share responsibility.
To recover damages, you must typically prove that another party acted negligently. This can include showing that they:
- Failed to follow traffic or safety laws
- Neglected to maintain the truck or its components
- Violated federal hours-of-service regulations
- Improperly loaded or secured cargo
If successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future care
- Lost wages and loss of earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Because of the complexity of truck accident investigations, it’s essential to consult an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence like electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, and cargo manifests can be crucial in building a strong case.
Contact the Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Attorneys at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you suffered injuries in a jackknife truck crash, Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Early action often strengthens your claim because evidence can disappear quickly. Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers know how to preserve crucial records, contact witnesses, and work with investigators before those details fade.
For more information, please contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Fort Lauderdale, Clermont, and its surrounding areas:
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
633 S Andrews Ave Ste 401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 361-3997
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
1655 E Hwy 50 ste 316, Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 77-33866