Stephen Schultz | July 8, 2026 | Truck Accidents
Trucks play a vital role in transporting goods throughout Missouri, but when something goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating. One of the most dangerous types of truck crashes is a jackknife accident. These accidents often happen without warning and frequently involve several vehicles.
If you were injured in a jackknife truck accident, understanding how these accidents happen and who may be responsible can help you protect your rights.
What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings outward and forms an angle with the cab that resembles a folding pocketknife. Once the trailer begins to slide, the truck driver may lose control of the entire vehicle. A jackknife crash can quickly block multiple lanes of traffic and trigger a chain-reaction collision involving several vehicles.
Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents
Jackknife accidents in Columbia are often preventable. Many result from negligent driving, poor maintenance, or other avoidable safety failures.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Sudden or improper braking: Hard braking can cause the trailer to continue moving forward while the tractor slows down, allowing the trailer to swing outward and fold toward the cab.
- Speeding: Excessive speed increases stopping distance and makes it more difficult for truck drivers to safely navigate curves, entrance ramps, and changing traffic conditions.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog reduce traction and visibility, making it easier for a trailer to lose grip and begin sliding.
- Improperly loaded cargo: Cargo that is unevenly distributed or unsecured can shift during transit, affecting the trailer’s balance and stability. In some cases, the trucking company or cargo-loading company may share responsibility for the crash.
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers who spend long hours behind the wheel may have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced ability to respond to emergencies.
- Mechanical failures: Brake problems, worn tires, steering defects, and other maintenance issues can make it difficult for a driver to control a commercial truck.
Determining exactly why a jackknife accident occurred is one of the most important parts of a truck accident investigation. The underlying cause often helps identify who may be legally responsible for the crash.
Common Injuries Caused by Jackknife Truck Accidents
Jackknife truck accidents frequently cause serious or catastrophic injuries because of the tremendous force involved. Victims often require extensive medical treatment and may face months or years of recovery.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A violent crash can cause concussions or more serious brain injuries that affect memory and thinking.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, or permanent paralysis.
- Broken bones: Jackknife accidents commonly cause broken arms, legs, ribs, hips, pelvises, and facial bones. Many victims require surgery and rehabilitation.
- Neck and back injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other soft tissue injuries can cause lasting pain and limit a person’s ability to work or perform everyday activities.
- Burn injuries: Fuel leaks, fires, or explosions after a truck collision can cause severe burns that require multiple surgeries and long-term treatment.
- Emotional trauma: Many victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a serious truck accident.
Some injuries may not become apparent until hours or even days after a crash. Seeking immediate medical attention can protect both your health and your personal injury claim.
Who May Be Liable for a Jackknife Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties. Depending on what caused the crash, responsibility may rest with:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A maintenance or repair company
- A cargo-loading company
- A manufacturer of defective truck parts
A Columbia truck accident lawyer can review maintenance records, driver logs, electronic data, inspection reports, and other evidence to determine how the accident occurred and who may be responsible.
Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Columbia Truck Accident Attorney
Jackknife truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries and involve complex investigations to determine who is responsible. If you were injured in a jackknife truck accident in Columbia, Missouri, Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue compensation from the negligent parties.
[Practice Area] accidents can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, call Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers now to schedule a free consultation with a Columbia truck accident attorney. We’ll review your case for free and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
Contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
319 N 4th Street, Suite 835, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 702-3285
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 912-3302
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 350-4021
