Who Is Likely at Fault in a Jackknife Truck Accident in NJ?

A jackknife truck accident can turn a routine drive into a nightmare within seconds. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, these accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, multi-vehicle crashes, and even fatalities. Understanding who is liable in a jackknife accident is critical for those seeking compensation in New Jersey.

At Rosengard Law Group, we have extensive experience representing truck accident victims in New Jersey. Below, we break down the causes of jackknife crashes, who may be at fault, and what legal options are available to victims under New Jersey law.

What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

A jackknife truck accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings uncontrollably toward the cab, forming a sharp angle—much like a folding pocketknife. This can cause the truck to block multiple lanes of traffic, collide with nearby vehicles, or even overturn.

Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous because they often lead to chain-reaction crashes. A swinging trailer can crush smaller vehicles, push cars off the road, or even cause hazardous cargo spills, increasing the risk of fire or toxic exposure.

Jackknife truck accidents most commonly occur on highways and high-speed roads, where truckers may need to make sudden maneuvers to avoid obstacles or react to other drivers. The force and speed at which these trailers swing make it difficult, if not impossible, for truck drivers to regain control in time to prevent a crash. Depending on the size of the truck and the load it is carrying a jackknife accident can stretch across multiple lanes, bringing traffic to a standstill and causing a domino effect of collisions.

What Causes Jackknife Crashes?

Several factors can contribute to a jackknife truck accident, including:

• Sudden or Hard Braking – When a truck driver brakes too abruptly, the trailer may lose traction and swing sideways. This often happens when drivers attempt to avoid unexpected traffic stops, animals crossing the road, or other unpredictable hazards. Trucks equipped with improperly maintained brakes are especially prone to this issue.
  
• Speeding – Traveling too fast, especially on curves or during lane changes, increases the likelihood of a jackknife incident. Large trucks have a much longer stopping distance than passenger vehicles, and if they attempt to brake suddenly while speeding, the trailer can swing out of control.
  
• Adverse Weather Conditions – Rain, ice, and snow can reduce tire grip, making it easier for a trailer to skid. New Jersey winters bring frequent snowstorms and icy roads, increasing the risk of jackknife accidents in the state. Even light rain can make roads slick enough to reduce traction.
  
• Poorly Loaded Cargo – Unevenly distributed or unsecured cargo can cause weight shifts that destabilize the truck. Cargo that is top-heavy or improperly balanced can change a truck’s center of gravity, making it more susceptible to skidding and jackknifing when making sharp turns.
  
• Driver Fatigue – Truckers who are drowsy or overworked may react too slowly to prevent a crash. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations on how many hours truckers can drive in a shift. Still, some trucking companies push drivers to exceed these limits, leading to exhaustion and delayed reaction times.
  
• Mechanical Failures – Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other maintenance issues can make the truck harder to control. Regular inspections and repairs are required under New Jersey and federal laws, but some trucking companies cut corners to save money, putting everyone on the road at risk.
  
• Road Conditions – Potholes, steep inclines, and sharp turns can increase the risk of a jackknife accident. New Jersey’s highways are some of the busiest in the country, and poorly maintained roads create additional hazards for truckers trying to navigate safely.

Who May Be Liable in a Jackknife Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a jackknife accident requires a thorough investigation. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties could be held responsible:

The Truck Driver

Truck drivers are expected to follow New Jersey’s traffic laws and federal trucking regulations. If a driver was speeding, fatigued, or engaged in reckless behavior, they might be held liable for the crash.

Additionally, a driver may be responsible if distracted, such as using a cell phone, adjusting the GPS, or eating while driving. Distracted driving is a significant factor in many trucking accidents, and even a momentary lapse in attention can cause a disaster.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can be liable if they:

• Push drivers to exceed legal hours of service limits
• Fail to maintain their vehicles properly
• Do not provide adequate driver training
• Hire inexperienced or unqualified drivers

Some trucking companies prioritize profit over safety, pressuring drivers to make deliveries faster than is legally safe. If a company’s negligence contributed to a jackknife accident, they could be liable for the damages.

Cargo Loaders

If improperly loaded cargo causes the truck to become unstable, the company or workers responsible for loading the vehicle may be held accountable. Improperly loaded cargo can shift unexpectedly, throwing off the truck’s balance and making a jackknife crash more likely.

Truck or Parts Manufacturers

If a truck’s brakes, tires, or other critical components fail due to a manufacturing defect, the company responsible for producing those parts may be liable. Defective parts can turn a minor issue into a major disaster, and manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products meet safety standards.

Other Drivers

Sometimes, a passenger vehicle cutting in front of a truck or driving recklessly can cause a truck driver to brake suddenly and lose control. They could share liability if another driver’s negligence contributed to the accident.

Government Entities

If poor road conditions (such as unmarked hazards, potholes, or lack of proper signage) contributed to the accident, the government agency responsible for road maintenance could be held responsible.

Compensation Available in New Jersey Jackknife Truck Accident Claims

Victims of jackknife truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses – Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages – Compensation for time missed from work and future lost earnings.
• Pain and Suffering – Non-economic damages for emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
• Property Damage – Costs to repair or replace damaged vehicles.
• Wrongful Death Damages – If a loved one was killed in a jackknife accident, their family may seek compensation for funeral costs and loss of financial support.

Get Legal Help After a Jackknife Truck Accident in New Jersey

A jackknife truck accident can leave you dealing with painful injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, Rosengard Law Group is here to help.

Our experienced New Jersey truck accident attorneys will fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Call (856) 284-6446 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case review today.