Georgia Jackknife Accident Lawyers

What Causes Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer of a tractor-trailer swings out to form an acute angle with the cab, resembling a folding knife. This happens when the drive wheels lock up or lose traction while the trailer’s momentum pushes it forward and to the side. Common causes include sudden hard braking on wet or icy roads, excessive speed for conditions, improper braking technique (using the trailer brake alone), worn brake components and deferred maintenance, and shifting cargo that alters the trailer’s center of gravity.

On Georgia’s busy interstates, a jackknifing truck can sweep across three or four lanes of traffic in seconds, striking multiple vehicles before coming to rest. The resulting multi-vehicle crashes produce catastrophic injuries and complex liability scenarios.