Jackknife Truck Accidents

Understanding the Risks and Seeking Legal Help

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we are proud to serve Nashville, Davidson County, and communities throughout Middle Tennessee. Our team is committed to providing outstanding legal support to victims of catastrophic truck accidents, including those caused by jackknifing. These types of crashes are some of the most dangerous on the road, often resulting in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and, tragically, loss of life.

While jackknife truck accidents can unfold in a matter of seconds, their consequences can be long-lasting and deeply traumatic. Our legal team, led by experienced trial attorney John Day, understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents can take. We offer thoughtful guidance, detailed investigations, and aggressive legal representation designed to help our clients pursue justice and secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

A jackknife accident typically involves a large commercial truck, such as a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, losing control in such a way that the trailer swings out from behind the cab. As the trailer moves off its intended path, it forms a sharp angle with the truck’s cab, resembling the shape of a folding pocket knife. This sudden motion can cause the trailer to cut across multiple lanes of traffic, putting nearby vehicles in harm’s way and leading to devastating multi-vehicle collisions.

These accidents are especially dangerous on highways and interstates where trucks travel at high speeds. When a jackknife occurs on roads like I-24, I-40, or I-65, the results can be particularly destructive. The sheer size and weight of the truck, combined with the force of impact, often make it impossible for other drivers to avoid being caught in the wreckage.

How Do Jackknife Accidents Happen?

There are several reasons why a truck may jackknife, and in many cases, multiple factors combine to cause such an incident. One of the most common causes is sudden or excessive braking. When a driver abruptly slams the brakes—often in an attempt to avoid another vehicle or road hazard—it can cause the tractor to slow or stop while the trailer continues moving forward. This imbalance in motion often causes the trailer to swing sideways out of control.

Weather and road conditions also play a major role. Rain, ice, and snow reduce traction between a truck’s tires and the pavement, making it easier for the vehicle to skid. Even debris or oil on the road can contribute to a loss of control. On Tennessee’s winding roads and interstates, slick surfaces are a constant concern for large vehicles.

Speed is another significant factor. When trucks are driven at excessive speeds, particularly in bad weather or heavy traffic, their ability to brake or turn safely is reduced. In many cases, speeding increases the likelihood of a jackknife during evasive maneuvers or sudden stops. Unfortunately, time pressure and tight delivery schedules often lead truckers to drive faster than conditions allow.

Improper loading of cargo can also cause or contribute to jackknife accidents. If cargo shifts during transit or is loaded unevenly, it can throw off the truck’s center of gravity. A sudden lane change or stop may result in the trailer becoming unstable and swinging out of alignment with the cab. In such cases, it’s not only the driver who may bear responsibility, but also the loading crew or freight company.

Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or coupling device defects, are also common culprits. If a truck’s brakes are poorly maintained or unevenly applied, they may lock up or fail entirely. Similarly, defective tires or poorly maintained suspension systems can reduce traction and handling. In some accidents, component failures stem from neglect by maintenance providers or the trucking company’s failure to follow federally required inspection protocols.

Finally, human error—including distracted or fatigued driving—often contributes to jackknife accidents. Drivers who are tired, under the influence, or using cell phones are far more likely to make poor decisions behind the wheel. Improper downshifting on steep grades or overcorrection during turns can also cause the rear of the truck to swing out uncontrollably, triggering a jackknife crash.

Legal Responsibilities and Federal Oversight

Trucking is a highly regulated industry, and when a jackknife accident occurs, it often involves violations of federal safety rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) outlines a comprehensive set of safety requirements for commercial vehicles operating across state lines. These include hours-of-service regulations that restrict how long drivers can be on the road without rest, maintenance rules that require regular inspection and repair of trucks, and cargo securement standards to ensure freight is properly loaded and tied down.

Violating any of these safety standards may constitute evidence of negligence in a personal injury case. For example, if a trucking company allowed a driver to exceed legal driving limits or failed to fix worn brakes, these actions—or failures to act—may be used to prove legal fault.

In addition to federal oversight, Tennessee personal injury law provides victims with the ability to recover damages when another party’s negligence causes an accident. To succeed in a lawsuit, the injured party must demonstrate that the defendant owed them a duty of care, that this duty was breached, that the breach caused the accident, and that the accident led to identifiable damages.

Tennessee also follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that if the injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover compensation as long as their share of fault is less than 50%. However, any award they receive will be reduced in proportion to their share of the blame. This legal nuance underscores the importance of a thorough investigation and skilled legal representation, especially in cases where fault is disputed.

Types of Injuries Resulting from Jackknife Accidents

Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, jackknife accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries for those involved. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, which can cause cognitive deficits, memory loss, and permanent personality changes. Spinal cord injuries are also common and can result in partial or complete paralysis, profoundly affecting a person’s independence and mobility.

Fractured bones, crush injuries, and soft tissue damage frequently occur, especially when vehicles are struck at high speeds or when occupants are pinned or ejected. Internal injuries may go unnoticed at first but can become life-threatening if not treated immediately. In more severe cases, fires or fuel leaks may cause burns, lacerations, or disfigurement, leaving victims with both physical and emotional scars.

The recovery process is often long and painful. Many victims face multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and long-term psychological effects. They may be unable to work, care for family members, or enjoy the activities they once loved. The emotional toll—combined with mounting medical bills and lost income—can be overwhelming.

What Our Law Firm Does for Jackknife Accident Victims

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we understand that every client’s case is personal. That’s why we take a comprehensive and hands-on approach to every jackknife truck accident we handle. From the first call, our team focuses on collecting crucial evidence that can make or break a claim. This includes police reports, photos of the accident scene, dash cam footage, black box data from the truck’s onboard computer, and maintenance logs. We also work with accident reconstruction experts and investigators to build a clear timeline and determine exactly how the crash occurred.

Identifying all responsible parties is a critical step in this process. Liability may rest not only with the truck driver but also with the trucking company, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, or even manufacturers of faulty vehicle parts. Our legal team takes the time to evaluate each entity’s role and responsibility in the accident.

Dealing with trucking companies and their insurers can be difficult, especially since they often move quickly to shift blame and minimize payouts. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who push back against lowball offers and delay tactics. We build strong, fact-based cases that demand full compensation—and we are fully prepared to go to court if that’s what it takes to get justice for our clients.

Throughout the process, we remain deeply committed to client care. We help accident victims access medical treatment, manage ongoing care, and navigate insurance claims. We also assist with financial planning resources and provide consistent, clear communication so our clients always know what’s happening in their case.

The Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you’ve been injured in a jackknife accident, Tennessee law allows you to pursue a wide range of damages. Economic damages can include your current and future medical bills, lost wages from time off work, reduced earning capacity, and the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. These are concrete, measurable losses that have a direct financial impact.

Non-economic damages are also available and are meant to address the emotional and psychological consequences of the accident. These may include compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. In the case of severe disfigurement or scarring, these damages can also account for the long-term personal toll these injuries inflict.

If the accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. These claims can provide compensation for funeral and burial expenses, the loss of companionship and support, and the income the deceased would have contributed to the household.

To ensure our clients receive full compensation, we work closely with medical experts, life-care planners, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and economists, as appropriate. These professionals help us calculate the true value of each case, taking into account both current needs and future costs.

Don’t Wait to Take Legal Action

Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations for personal injuryand wrongful death  claims in the country. In most cases, you have only one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long to act can mean losing your right to compensation altogether.

Early legal involvement is critical. It allows your attorney to preserve key evidence, locate witnesses while their memories are still fresh, and file the appropriate legal claims in a timely manner. Trucking companies will begin building their defense almost immediately after an accident—it’s essential that you have someone working just as hard for you.

Why So Many Tennesseans Choose Our Firm

With decades of experience in personal injury and wrongful death law, our team has earned a reputation for excellence, compassion, and results. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in commercial truck crashes and have handled some of the most complex and high-stakes cases in the state.

Our firm has the resources to take on powerful opponents, including national trucking companies and major insurance carriers. But what truly sets us apart is our client-centered approach. Every person who walks through our doors is treated with respect, compassion, and unwavering advocacy. We understand how difficult this journey can be—and we are here to walk it with you.

Contact the Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife truck accident, now is the time to take action. Don’t try to face the trucking company or their insurer alone. Let our experienced legal team protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call 615-742-4880 or visit www.johndaylegal.com today. We proudly serve clients in Nashville, Davidson County, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and communities across Middle Tennessee.

You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help you reclaim your future—one step at a time.