Jackknife accident about to happen.

It starts with a sudden screech. Tires lose grip. A massive trailer swings sideways across the road like a closing pocketknife. Traffic halts, hearts pound, and lives change in a flash.

Jackknife accidents are among the most terrifying and dangerous collisions on the road. If you’ve ever seen the aftermath of one, you know the devastation they can leave behind. But what causes them—and more importantly, what are your rights if you or someone you love is caught in one?

At Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, we’ve spent decades helping Nebraskans through some of their most difficult moments. Let’s walk through what you need to know about jackknife accidents, in plain language—no legal jargon, no scare tactics. Just honest guidance.

What Is a Jackknife Accident?

Picture a tractor-trailer cruising down I-80. When the trailer suddenly swings out to the side, forming a sharp angle with the cab—like the blade of a folding knife snapping shut—that’s a jackknife. It’s a loss of control that can turn a big rig into a wall of steel across multiple lanes of traffic.

Often, it happens in seconds. And when it does, the consequences are rarely minor.

What Causes a Truck to Jackknife?

There’s no single cause. It’s usually a combination of factors that come together at just the wrong moment. The most common include:

  • Sudden or improper braking: When a trucker slams the brakes too hard—especially on slick pavement or when the trailer is light—it can cause the trailer to lose alignment with the cab.
  • Speeding and aggressive driving: The faster a truck moves, the more difficult it is to stop or control. A jackknife becomes much more likely when speed and urgency take the driver’s attention off caution.
  • Weather and road conditions: Snow, ice, and even heavy rain can reduce traction. If drivers don’t adjust for weather conditions, jackknifing becomes a real risk.
  • Driver fatigue or distraction: Long hours, tight delivery schedules, and not enough rest add up. A drowsy or distracted driver may not react in time—or may react improperly—to changing road conditions.
  • Poor truck maintenance: If brakes are worn out or the tires are bald, even a small swerve can lead to a big problem. Sometimes, it’s not the driver’s error—it’s the company cutting corners.

How Can Jackknife Accidents Be Prevented?

Jackknife accidents don’t “just happen.” Most of them are preventable with the right precautions:

  • Proper driver training. New and seasoned drivers alike need ongoing safety education to handle emergency situations effectively.
  • Slower speeds, especially in bad weather.
  • Use of advanced braking systems, such as anti-lock brakes (ABS), to maintain traction.
  • Rigorous truck inspections before each trip.
  • Allowing adequate rest for drivers to avoid fatigue.

And for everyday drivers on the road:

  • Give trucks plenty of room to maneuver.
  • Avoid sudden lane changes near semis.
  • Stay out of a truck’s blind spots.

Everyone on the road plays a role in prevention.

The Aftermath: Injuries and Emotional Toll

Jackknife crashes are rarely minor. Because of the size and force involved, injuries are often severe:

The healing isn’t just physical. Many of our clients describe flashbacks, sleepless nights, or fear of driving—even if they’ve been on the road for years. The emotional weight can be just as heavy as the physical injuries.

And then come the bills—medical treatments, physical therapy, counseling, missed work. It can all feel overwhelming.

What Are Your Legal Rights After a Jackknife Accident?

If you were injured in a jackknife accident caused by a truck, you may be entitled to compensation. This isn’t about “suing for the sake of it.” It’s about holding the responsible parties accountable and helping you rebuild your life.

Depending on the case, you might be able to recover:

  • Medical expenses (including future treatments)
  • Lost wages or lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage

In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may also pursue compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Jackknife accidents can be legally complex because multiple parties may share responsibility:

  • The truck driver, for speeding, fatigue, or failing to adjust for weather.
  • The trucking company – for unsafe practices, lack of training, or faulty maintenance.
  • Parts manufacturers – if a mechanical failure contributed to the accident.
  • Cargo loaders – if an unbalanced load played a role.

That’s why a thorough investigation is critical. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, review maintenance logs and driver records—all to get a clear picture of what really happened.

Don’t Rely on the Insurance Company to Tell You What’s Fair

Here’s something we see far too often: victims receive a quick call from an insurance adjuster offering a settlement. It may sound like a good deal—especially when the bills are stacking up—but it rarely covers the full cost of recovery.

Insurance companies work for their shareholders, not for you. They’re trained to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line.

Before you sign anything, talk to someone who’s firmly in your corner. At Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, LLC, we’ll help you understand whether an offer is fair, and if it’s not, we’ll fight to get you what you truly deserve.

When Should You Call an Attorney?

As soon as you can.

The earlier we’re able to start investigating and preserving evidence, the stronger your case can be. Trucking companies move fast after accidents, and their teams are focused on one thing: limiting liability.

You deserve someone focused on you—your health, your future, your peace of mind.

We offer free case evaluations, and you won’t pay a dime unless we win for you. No pressure, no obligation—just a conversation about your rights and options.

We’re Here When You Need Us

Jackknife truck accidents are chaotic, sudden, and deeply disruptive. But you don’t have to go through the aftermath alone. At Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, LLC, we’ve walked alongside hundreds of clients just like you—helping them heal, recover, and move forward with dignity.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife accident, let’s talk. You can call us at (402) 241-5020 or request a free case review online. We’re available 24/7—because when life takes a sharp turn, we want to be there to help steady the wheel.

Stay safe, Nebraska. And remember: when the unexpected happens, we’ve got your back.

by Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop
Published on

Posted in: Truck Accidents