Improper Braking & Jackknife Truck Accidents

When a truck driver brakes too quickly, the trailer can continue to move forward at a faster rate than the cab, causing the trailer to swing out at an angle. This dangerous condition is known as a “jackknife” which creates a diagonal “V” shape between the cab and trailer of the truck which  can block multiple lanes of traffic and strike nearby vehicles without warning.

Because of their size and weight, jackknifing trucks can crush smaller vehicles, push vehicles off the road, cause chain-reaction crashes, and cause serious accidents with catastrophic injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, Rundio Injury Law is ready to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

How Does Improper Braking Cause Jackknife Accidents?

Truck drivers are trained to keep a lookout as they drive, so they can safely stop their truck for traffic or conditions ahead.  If the truck driver is distracted or does not brake with sufficient time to safely stop the truck, they may hit the brakes too heavy which can jackknife the truck. 

Common causes of jackknife truck accidents include:

• Sudden braking on slick roads (rain, ice, or snow)
• Improper brake maintenance or defective braking systems
• Speeding or following too closely to other vehicles
• Driver inexperience or fatigue, which can delay reaction time
• Overloaded or uneven cargo which can increase trailer instability

When a jackknifing trailer swings out of control, motorists near the truck may have little or not time to react which is dangerous for everyone on the road and can cause multi-vehicle pileups and devastating injuries.

What Are Federal Safety Requirements for Braking?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial trucks to maintain proper braking systems and mandates that drivers receive training in:

• Brake lining thickness: The Department of Transportation (DOT) sets minimum thickness requirements for brake pads and linings, which differ depending on the type of brake and axle.
• Air brake adjustment: Air brake pushrod travel must remain below specific readjustment limits to ensure brakes are working correctly.
• Stopping distance: Under 49 CFR § 393.52, vehicles and combinations of vehicles must be able to stop within a specified distance from 20 mph under various load conditions on a hard, dry surface.

Trucking companies that fail to properly train drivers or maintain the truck’s brakes can be held legally responsible for jackknife crashes.

Critical Evidence in Jackknife Accident Claims

Truck accident cases require fast action to preserve key evidence. Rundio Injury Law acts immediately to secure:

• Driver logs to verify hours of service and fatigue
• Black box data from the truck to measure speed, braking force, and stopping distance
• Brake maintenance and inspection records
• Dashcam or surveillance footage of the crash

This evidence is vital to proving negligence by the driver, trucking company, or maintenance provider.

What Are Common Injuries in Improper Braking Accidents?

Jackknife accidents often involve high-speed impacts and multi-vehicle collisions, leading to severe injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Crush injuries and multiple fractures
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Wrongful death

Victims may face long-term medical treatment, lost wages, and significant pain and suffering.

What Should You Do After a Jackknife Accident?

It can be very difficult to think straight after a truck accident, we get that. Even if you suspect that improper braking played a role there is one thing you need to remember. Safety comes first. If necessary, call 911.

1. Seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Document the scene by taking photos and video of the truck, skid marks, and road conditions.
3. Do not speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
4. Contact Rundio Injury Law as soon as possible so critical evidence can be preserved before it disappears.

Rundio Injury Law Protects the Victims of Improper Braking Truck Accidents

At Rundio Injury Law, we have the experience and resources to investigate jackknife truck accidents, preserve critical evidence, and pursue maximum compensation for victims and their families. We understand the complexities of trucking regulations and know how to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.