Madisonville Tractor-Trailer Jackknife Accident Lawyers
Helping Crash Victims and Families Deal With the Devastating Effects of Jackknifed Semi-Trucks
Few types of traffic accidents are as terrifying—or as dangerous—as a jackknife accident involving a tractor-trailer. In the blink of an eye, an 80-foot-long vehicle can fold in on itself, skid across lanes of traffic, and cause a multi-vehicle pileup that injures or kills innocent drivers.
At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we represent people who have been injured or lost loved ones in jackknife crashes on Kentucky’s highways and interstates. We know that these accidents are almost always preventable, and we work hard to hold negligent truck drivers and freight companies accountable for the harm they cause.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a jackknife accident, contact our firm today to learn how our Madisonville tractor-trailer jackknife accident lawyers can help you recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
What Is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife occurs when the trailer of a semi-truck swings out to the side of the cab at an angle, forming an L or V shape—much like a folding pocketknife. When this happens, the driver typically loses all control of the vehicle. The truck may slide sideways, block multiple lanes, or collide with vehicles in adjacent lanes.
Jackknife accidents often cause chain-reaction crashes, especially when they occur on interstates or in poor weather conditions. Passenger cars that collide with the trailer or are caught in the path of the skidding truck may be crushed, pushed off the road, or trapped under the trailer.
Because of the size and weight of tractor-trailers, these accidents can be catastrophic. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, amputations, or fatalities. Survivors are often left facing a long road to recovery, significant financial hardship, and lifelong impairments.
What Causes Tractor-Trailers to Jackknife?
Jackknifing is often the result of sudden or unsafe braking, loss of traction, or poor driver control. While slick roadways can contribute, human error is the leading cause of jackknife accidents. In many cases, driver negligence, vehicle defects, or company policies that prioritize speed over safety play a role.
Common causes of jackknife crashes include:
- Sudden or improper braking, especially at high speeds or on slippery roads
- Speeding, particularly on curves or in adverse weather conditions
- Driver fatigue or distraction, which slows reaction times and impairs judgment
- Inadequate driver training, especially for handling emergency maneuvers and braking
- Worn or poorly maintained brakes and tires
- Unbalanced or improperly secured cargo, which affects trailer stability
In some situations, a jackknife is triggered when a driver slams on the brakes to avoid hitting something—a stalled vehicle, debris in the road, or traffic that has suddenly slowed. But if the truck was speeding or following too closely in the first place, the driver may bear full responsibility for creating the danger.
Holding Truck Drivers and Companies Accountable for Jackknife Accidents in Madisonville
When a jackknife accident causes injuries or death, it’s critical to investigate all possible sources of negligence. While the truck driver may be at fault for failing to control the vehicle, the company that employs the driver or owns the truck may also bear legal responsibility. For example, trucking companies can be held liable when they hire drivers who lack proper training or a safe driving record or push drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules that lead to speeding or fatigue. Trucking companies can also be liable for failing to properly inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles, or for allowing or encouraging violations of federal safety regulations.
Unlike typical car accident cases, jackknife crashes involve complex evidence, including black box data, GPS records, driver logs, maintenance records, and dash cam footage. At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we move quickly to preserve this evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
We often work with accident reconstruction experts and industry professionals to determine the exact cause of the crash and who was at fault. Our goal is to uncover every contributing factor and pursue compensation from all responsible parties.
Federal Trucking Safety Rules and Jackknife Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets national standards for commercial truck operation, including rules about driver hours, equipment maintenance, and cargo loading. These regulations are designed to reduce the risk of crashes, but they are only effective when companies and drivers comply.
When a jackknife accident occurs, one of the first things we investigate is whether the driver or trucking company violated any FMCSA regulations. Violations of hours-of-service limits, brake inspection requirements, or cargo securement rules can all contribute to a loss of control that leads to a jackknife.
We know how to identify these violations and use them to strengthen your claim.
Recovering Compensation After a Jackknife Crash
Victims of jackknife accidents often suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. If someone else’s negligence caused your crash, you may be entitled to compensation for legal damages such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages, if a loved one was killed
At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we fight for every dollar our clients are owed. We understand the toll these accidents take—not just physically, but emotionally and financially—and we are committed to helping you get the support and recovery you deserve.
Speak With a Madisonville Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Jackknife accidents are terrifying, violent events that can change lives in an instant. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash involving a jackknifed tractor-trailer in Madisonville, don’t face the trucking company and their insurers alone.
Call Whitfield Crosby & Flynn today for a free consultation. We’ll investigate your case, explain your rights, and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable. There’s no fee unless we win compensation for you.