Jackknife accidents are some of the most dangerous and chaotic crashes on Arizona roads, often leaving multiple vehicles wrecked in their wake. If you or a loved one were involved in a jackknife accident, you might be wondering who’s at fault and what your legal options are. We’re here to break it all down—what causes these crashes, who can be held responsible, and how you can pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Is a Jackknife Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a semi-truck swings out to the side, forming a sharp angle with the cab—resembling the shape of a folding pocketknife. These crashes often happen when a truck skids out of control due to sudden braking, slippery roads, or driver error, leaving nearby vehicles with little time to react. Because of the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, jackknife accidents can block entire highways, cause multi-vehicle pileups, and result in catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage.
What Does It Mean to Jackknife a Car?
Jackknifing isn’t just a trucker’s nightmare. It can happen to smaller vehicles, too, especially those towing trailers. A jackknife car accident is less common but still serious. It typically involves passenger vehicles towing trailers, boats, or campers. If the trailer sways uncontrollably or shifts weight suddenly due to improper loading, high winds, or excessive speed, the car can lose stability, spin out, or flip. Arizona’s highways, especially during monsoon season or on steep mountain roads, pose a significant risk for these crashes.
This violent motion can cause the car to spin, roll over, or even detach from the trailer entirely. Jackknife crashes often lead to severe injuries, including whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage, as impacted vehicles get crushed or forced off the road.
What Causes an 18-Wheeler Jackknife Accident?
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s 2023 Crash Facts Summary, 2,485 jackknife accidents occurred, accounting for 1.044% of all truck tractor-related crashes in the state. However, jackknife accidents are only part of a larger issue—12,367 crashes involving large commercial vehicles were reported, including incidents with dump trucks, garbage trucks, tanker trucks, and other truck combinations.
In Arizona, jackknife accidents involving 18-wheelers are a significant concern, particularly on high-speed corridors like I-10 and I-40. These incidents often result from sudden braking in congested traffic, leading to severe multi-vehicle collisions. Other common causes of these accidents include driver-related factors such as speeding, fatigue, and aggressive maneuvers. Mechanical issues like brake failures, tire blowouts, and faulty anti-lock braking systems (ABS) also contribute significantly. Trucking companies are legally obligated to conduct regular maintenance checks to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to jackknife accidents.
Common Injuries and Damage in a Jackknife Truck Accident
Jackknife truck accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries and extensive property damage. Victims frequently suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal bleeding, and severe burns, while many also experience long-term psychological trauma such as PTSD. The sheer force of impact from an 80,000-pound truck can crush smaller vehicles, trigger multi-car pileups, or even eject passengers, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic injuries.
Beyond physical harm, property damage in jackknife crashes is often total loss, with vehicles crushed beyond repair and personal belongings destroyed. Multi-vehicle collisions can also block highways for hours, leading to secondary crashes and further risks. Given the severe medical, financial, and emotional toll of these accidents, seeking immediate medical care and documenting all damages is critical for recovery and potential compensation.
How Much Compensation Might You Receive from a Jackknife Accident?
Jackknife accidents can lead to serious financial and personal losses, and the compensation you might receive depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, and the impact on your ability to work and live your life as before.
In Arizona, settlements vary widely, with serious truck accident cases often reaching six or seven figures, especially when long-term medical care or permanent disability is involved. The value of a jackknife accident claim depends on several key factors, which align with the types of damages you might recover:
- Medical Expenses & Injury Severity – The more serious the injury, the higher the medical costs. Compensation might cover ER visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, ongoing treatment, and future medical care if permanent injuries are involved.
- Lost Wages & Future Earnings – If injuries prevent you from working, compensation might include lost wages during recovery and loss of future earning capacity if the accident leaves you permanently disabled or unable to return to the same job.
- Pain and Suffering – The more severe and lasting the physical pain or emotional trauma, the higher the potential settlement for pain and suffering, PTSD, and diminished quality of life.
- Property Damage & Insurance Coverage – Compensation might cover vehicle repairs or replacement, but the final amount depends on insurance coverage limits and whether the at-fault party has sufficient policy limits to fully cover the damages.
- Long-Term or Permanent Disability – If the accident results in lifelong impairments, settlements might include costs for in-home care, mobility aids, home modifications, and other accommodations
Insurance companies often downplay injuries and property damage to reduce payouts. Jackknife accident liability and claims can be complex, but the right strategy can make a significant difference in your financial recovery.
Who Is At Fault For A Jackknife Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a jackknife accident isn’t always straightforward. If negligence, such as speeding, reckless driving, or improper truck maintenance, led to the accident, multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, or maintenance provider, could be held liable.
However, liability doesn’t stop with the driver. If poor truck maintenance, faulty brakes, or improperly loaded cargo contributed to the accident, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or maintenance providers could also be at fault.
Arizona follows comparative negligence laws, meaning even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you can still seek compensation as long as you are not primarily at fault. However, insurance companies often try to shift blame to minimize payouts. That’s why having a skilled truck accident attorney on your side is crucial. We analyze black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records to prove liability and fight for the compensation you deserve. If a jackknife crash left you injured, taking legal action quickly can make all the difference in your case.
What to Do If You Jackknife a Trailer
If a jackknife crash occurs, your first priority is safety. Turn on your hazard lights, call 911, and check for injuries—both your own and others involved. If you can move safely, exit the vehicle and get to a secure location away from traffic.
Once emergency responders arrive, provide an accurate account of what happened, but avoid admitting fault or making assumptions about the cause of the crash. Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any hazards that may have contributed to the accident. Gather contact and insurance information from other drivers involved and, if possible, speak to witnesses and get their statements.
Even if you feel uninjured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show immediate symptoms but can become serious over time. Keep records of medical visits, repair costs, and any lost workdays, as these details can be important for insurance claims or legal action.
If your vehicle is severely damaged, arrange for towing and request a copy of the police report for documentation. Taking the right steps after a jackknife crash can make a significant difference in having a smoother claims process and receiving the compensation you need to move forward.
How to Avoid a Jackknife Accident
Preventing a jackknife accident starts with maintaining control of your vehicle, adjusting for road conditions, and avoiding sudden maneuvers that can cause a trailer to swing out of alignment. In Arizona, where high winds, steep grades, and congested highways like I-10 and I-40 increase the risk of jackknifing, truck drivers must use extra caution. Hard braking, sharp turns, and excessive speed are the leading causes; proper braking techniques and gradual speed adjustments are critical in preventing loss of control.
Regular vehicle maintenance also plays a key role. Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or poorly maintained anti-lock braking systems (ABS) can cause trailers to skid uncontrollably. Federal regulations require trucking companies to inspect and maintain their fleets, but lapses in upkeep still contribute to jackknife crashes. Ensuring cargo is properly loaded and balanced is just as important—uneven weight distribution can shift mid-drive, increasing the risk of a trailer swingout.
For drivers sharing the road with trucks, staying out of a truck’s blind spots, giving semis extra space, and anticipating their braking distances can reduce the chances of being caught in a jackknife accident. While truckers have a duty to drive responsibly, defensive driving techniques can help all motorists stay safer when large commercial vehicles are nearby.
Filing a Jackknife Accident Claim? Here’s What to Expect
Filing a personal injury claim after a jackknife accident isn’t just about getting compensation—it’s about ensuring you receive the financial recovery needed to rebuild your life.
Arizona law limits personal injury claims to two years from the date of the accident, meaning delays can weaken your ability to recover damages. Acting swiftly allows for stronger evidence collection and prevents insurance companies from using time to their advantage.
In Arizona, the process begins with collecting critical evidence, including police reports, medical records, black box data, traffic camera footage, and witness statements. As we’ve mentioned, jackknife accidents often involve multiple liable parties; an in-depth investigation is necessary to determine whether the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, cargo loader, or another party contributed to the crash.
Once liability is established, a formal claim is filed with the at-fault party’s insurance provider, outlining the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any future care needs. Insurance companies frequently try to undervalue claims, arguing that victims share responsibility under Arizona’s comparative negligence laws. This is why negotiation is key—a strong case backed by accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and economic analysts can significantly increase settlement value.
At Esquire Law, our Phoenix trucking accident lawyers are here to fight for you. Our team conducts thorough investigations, works with industry experts, and, if necessary, takes cases to trial to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery. If you’ve been injured in a jackknife accident, don’t face the claims process alone—we are here to help you every step of the way.