Jackknife accidents are among the most frightening and destructive types of truck crashes on California highways. A “jackknife” occurs when a large truck’s trailer swings outward from the cab at an angle—often forming an L or V shape—causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. These incidents typically happen during sudden braking, slippery road conditions, or mechanical failure, and they frequently involve multiple vehicles, serious injuries, and major traffic disruptions.
Unlike other truck accidents that might involve a single point of impact, jackknife crashes often lead to chain-reaction collisions, rollovers, or secondary impacts as nearby drivers try to avoid the swinging trailer. The size and weight of commercial trucks make these incidents even more hazardous—particularly on California’s busy interstates like I-5, I-10, and I-15.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife collision in California, you need legal representation that understands the unique complexities of truck accident litigation. From uncovering the cause of the crash to holding large trucking companies accountable, an experienced attorney can make all the difference in your recovery.
In many jackknife accidents, the driver may be directly at fault due to:
Commercial carriers often share liability for jackknife crashes when their policies or negligence contribute to unsafe conditions. This includes:
Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, trucking companies can also be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees while on duty.
Improper loading can drastically alter a truck’s balance and stability. If cargo shifts or is unevenly distributed, it increases the risk of jackknifing during sudden maneuvers. Third-party contractors responsible for loading or securing freight can be held liable if their actions contributed to the crash.
If a jackknife accident was caused by a defective brake system, tire blowout, or mechanical failure, the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty part may be held accountable under product liability laws. Our team consults with engineering experts to determine whether a defect played a role in the crash.
In some cases, poor road design, faulty signage, or lack of maintenance may contribute to a jackknife collision. Dangerous curves, potholes, inadequate drainage, or failure to sand/clear icy roads can make a truck more likely to lose control.
Cities, counties, Caltrans, or private road contractors may be held liable—but claims against government agencies require swift legal action, often within six months.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs nearly all aspects of commercial trucking in the U.S. These regulations include:
Failure to comply with FMCSA standards—such as skipping maintenance checks or ignoring mandatory rest breaks—can serve as compelling evidence of negligence in a jackknife crash.
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of jackknife collisions. Under federal law, most commercial drivers are limited to:
Drivers are required to maintain electronic logs of their driving and rest periods. If a trucker violated HOS rules at the time of the crash—or if the trucking company encouraged or ignored these violations—it may support a finding of gross negligence.
In addition to FMCSA regulations, California imposes stricter standards on trucks operating within the state. These include:
California also requires more frequent commercial vehicle inspections and enforces enhanced oversight through the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commercial Enforcement Program.
Evidence of regulatory violations—such as:
—can establish that the truck driver or their employer failed to meet the legal standard of care. These violations often shift liability squarely onto the trucking company, especially when combined with expert testimony and crash reconstruction analysis.
Most commercial trucks are equipped with Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) or “black boxes” that record critical data such as:
Additionally, drivers are required to keep Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that track their hours of service. These logs can show whether the driver exceeded legal driving limits or falsified rest periods—key evidence in proving driver fatigue or negligence.
Footage from the truck’s onboard dash cam, nearby traffic cameras, or business surveillance systems can provide real-time visuals of the crash, lane positions, and the driver’s behavior just before the jackknife occurred. We act quickly to secure this footage before it’s deleted or lost.
Brake failure, tire blowouts, and axle issues are leading causes of jackknife crashes. Our legal team reviews:
to determine whether the trucking company neglected its duty to keep the vehicle in safe working condition. If the records show missed inspections or ignored mechanical warnings, we may prove corporate negligence.
In many cases, we consult with certified accident reconstruction experts to analyze:
These professionals create detailed reports and, if needed, testify in court to explain how the crash occurred and who is at fault.
When trucking companies are reluctant to cooperate, we issue legal subpoenas to obtain:
These documents often reveal patterns of negligence, pressure to meet delivery deadlines, or a failure to enforce federal safety regulations.
Truck accident injuries often require emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and medication. We help clients recover:
When a jackknife crash leaves you unable to work—temporarily or permanently—you deserve compensation for:
Physical pain, emotional trauma, and mental anguish are real consequences of a severe truck crash. California law allows compensation for:
If your vehicle or personal property was damaged or destroyed in the crash, we pursue full recovery for:
Some victims of jackknife crashes suffer permanent injuries that require home care, nursing support, or long-term rehabilitation. We include:
If your loved one was tragically killed in a jackknife accident, surviving family members may recover:
Jackknife truck accidents are among the most dangerous and complex traffic collisions on California roads. These crashes often involve high speeds, multiple vehicles, severe injuries, and a maze of responsible parties—from truck drivers and cargo loaders to manufacturers and government agencies. Navigating the legal aftermath alone can feel overwhelming.
That’s why having an experienced truck accident attorney by your side is critical.
At Tim Wright Law, we understand the urgency of preserving evidence, identifying every liable party, and pushing back against powerful trucking and insurance companies. We don’t just file claims—we build strong, evidence-backed cases designed to maximize your compensation and protect your future.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife truck crash, don’t wait. Time-sensitive evidence like black box data, maintenance records, and witness accounts must be preserved immediately. Let us help you take the next step toward justice.
📍 Office: 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302, Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Call: (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Visit: www.timwrightlaw.com
