Jackknife Truck Accident Attorney in Maryland

Jackknife accidents are among the most dangerous crashes on the road. They can result in devastating injuries, costly medical bills, and long-term financial hardship. If you have been injured in a jackknife accident, a Maryland truck accident attorney can protect your rights and help you seek compensation.

At Zirkin & Schmerling, our accident lawyers know how stressful the truck accident claims process can be. Insurance companies often try to minimize claims, and trucking companies have legal teams working to protect their interests. You need a truck accident lawyer who will fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation: 410-753-4611.

What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

A jackknife accident happens when a tractor-trailer folds in on itself, forming a 90-degree angle. This usually occurs when the driver becomes unstable, causing the trailer to swing out to the side. These truck accidents are especially dangerous because they can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to rollover accidents, underride accidents, and severe injuries.

Jackknife accidents occur for many reasons. Sudden braking, slippery roads, or driver negligence can all play a role. Large trucks take longer to stop than smaller vehicles, so when a driver brakes too hard or too quickly, the trailer may swing out of alignment. Poor road conditions, sharp turns, and improper cargo loading can also contribute to a truck accident.

These truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles, making liability complicated. A trucking company, the driver, or even a manufacturer may be responsible. If you have been injured in a jackknife accident, seeking legal guidance from an experienced lawyer can help you understand your options and pursue fair compensation.

Injuries Caused by Jackknife Truck Accidents

A truck accident can leave victims with life-threatening injuries. The sudden loss of control from a tractor-trailer often results in high-impact collisions, putting accident victims at serious risk.

Common injuries include:

Catastrophic injuries: Can cause permanent disability and lifelong medical needs.
Head trauma: May lead to concussions, cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, or skull fractures.
Spinal cord injuries: Can result in chronic pain, nerve damage, or paralysis.
Crush injuries: Often occur when a smaller vehicle is caught under a big rig.
Internal organ damage: May require emergency surgery and ongoing care.
Leg and arm fractures: Can limit mobility and require rehabilitation.

Recovery from truck accident injuries can be overwhelming. Many injured victims face high medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. The trucking company and its insurance company may attempt to deny or reduce claims, leaving victims without the support they need.

At Zirkin & Schmerling, our Maryland truck accident attorneys fight to hold negligent parties accountable for major and minor injuries.

Truck Driver Errors That Can Cause Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents are often caused by driver mistakes. A moment of misjudgment or reckless behavior can put other drivers at risk, leading to serious injury and significant damage.

Common truck driver errors that lead to jackknife accidents include:

Sudden or excessive braking
Speeding on wet or icy roads
Improperly loaded cargo
Failure to follow federal regulations
Distracted or drowsy driving
Lack of proper training

When a driver makes a mistake, the consequences can be severe. Accident victims often suffer sustained injuries that require ongoing medical attention. At Zirkin & Schmerling, our Baltimore truck accident attorneys fight for injured victims. Contact our accident lawyers today to achieve fair compensation.

How Brake Failure Increases Jackknife Accidents

Brake failure is one of the most dangerous mechanical issues a big rig can experience. When the brakes fail, the driver may lose control, causing the trailer to swing out and form a sharp angle with the cab. This can lead to devastating crashes, including head-on collisions, rollovers, and multi-vehicle pileups.

Causes of Brake Failure

Several other factors can contribute to brake failure, increasing the risk of a jackknife accident. Some of the most common causes include:

Worn-out brake pads: Regular wear and tear can reduce braking efficiency, making it harder to stop in time.
Overheated brakes: Constant braking, especially on steep inclines, can cause the system to overheat and fail.
Faulty brake components: Defective parts, such as air compressors or brake drums, can lead to sudden malfunctions.
Improper maintenance: Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for keeping brakes in working order. Neglecting inspections and repairs increases the likelihood of failure.
Excess weight: Overloaded trucks put more strain on the braking system, making it harder to slow down safely.

Who Is Liable for Brake Failure?

When brake failure causes a jackknife accident, determining liability can be complex. These parties may be responsible for truck accidents:

The trucking company: Responsible for regular inspections and maintenance, failure to keep the brakes in proper working order can make them liable.
The truck driver: If a driver ignores warning signs or fails to conduct routine safety checks, they may be found accountable.
The manufacturer: If a defective brake part contributed to the accident, the company that produced it may be liable.
An independent contractor: If a third-party mechanic or repair service failed to properly maintain the truck’s brakes, they could be responsible for the failure.

Brake failure can cause catastrophic injuries and extensive damage. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by faulty brakes, Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers can help. Our legal team investigates mechanical failures, determines liability, and fights for maximum compensation.

Proving Liability Using a Black Box

Many large trucks are equipped with black boxes, also known as event data recorders (EDRs). These devices track critical information about the truck’s operation before, during, and after an accident. In jackknife accident cases, black box data can provide key evidence to determine what caused the crash and who should be held accountable.

What Information Does a Truck’s Black Box Record?

A truck’s black box captures essential data that can help reconstruct the moments leading up to an accident. This information often includes:

Speed at the time of the crash: Determines whether the driver was exceeding speed limits.
Braking patterns: Shows if and when the brakes were applied before the accident.
Sudden acceleration or deceleration: Helps identify reckless driving behavior.
Steering inputs: Provides insight into the driver’s actions.
Hours of service: Confirms if the driver exceeded federal regulations for time spent on the road.
Mechanical issues: Can reveal if factors such as brake failure contributed to the crash.

Why Is Black Box Data Crucial?

Black box data serves as unbiased, factual evidence in truck accident investigations. Unlike witness statements, which can be inconsistent, black box data provides a clear timeline of events, similar to video footage.

This information is especially useful when following parties—such as the driver, trucking company, or independent contractor—dispute liability. The black box can prove whether driver negligence, mechanical failure, or violations of federal safety regulations played a role in a truck crash.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Use Black Box Data

A thorough investigation of black box data can strengthen a legal case against negligent parties. However, accessing this information quickly is critical. Trucking companies may delete or withhold data to protect themselves from liability. An experienced jackknife truck accident attorney in Maryland can issue legal requests to preserve and retrieve the black box data before it is lost.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, you need legal services and representation that knows how to uncover the truth. The accident lawyers at Zirkin & Schmerling have the experience and resources to analyze black box data, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical bills and other damages.

Trucking Laws That Help Prevent Jackknife Accidents

Maryland enforces strict trucking laws to reduce the risk of truck accidents and protect other drivers. These regulations ensure that commercial trucks are properly maintained, operated safely, and comply with federal and state safety standards.

Key Maryland Trucking Laws

Weight Limits and Cargo Securement: Semi-trucks must not exceed 80,000 pounds, and cargo must be properly secured to prevent shifting.
Brake Inspection Requirements: Regular brake checks help prevent brake failure, a major cause of jackknife accidents.
Hours of Service Limits: Truck drivers must take mandatory rest breaks to prevent drowsy driving.
Speed Restrictions: Speeding increases the risk of skidding and losing control.
Commercial Driver Training: Drivers must hold a CDL and receive proper training to handle emergency situations.

Who Is Responsible for Violations?

When a trucking law violation causes a jackknife accident, the following parties may be at fault:

Trucking companies that fail to maintain vehicles or enforce safety rules.
Truck drivers who ignore regulations or drive recklessly.
Independent contractors responsible for faulty truck maintenance.

How a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

A thorough investigation can reveal violations that led to a crash. An attorney will review accident reports, obtain medical records, and analyze truck logs to build a strong case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife accident, Zirkin & Schmerling injury lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

How Truck Drivers Can Prevent Jackknife Accidents

Truck drivers play a critical role in preventing jackknife accidents. Safe driving practices, proper vehicle maintenance, and adherence to commercial truck regulations can reduce the risk of truck accidents.

Ways truck drivers can help prevent jackknife accidents:

Brake gradually
Adjust speed in poor conditions
Check cargo loading
Perform routine maintenance
Follow hours of service laws.
Keep a safe distance and anticipate traffic patterns.

Even with these precautions, other factors like mechanical failures or reckless other drivers can still lead to truck accidents.

Contact a Maryland Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife accident, legal help is available. The Maryland truck accident lawyers at Zirkin & Schmerling have extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing in attorney fees unless we win your truck accident case. Contact us today to discuss your legal options and get the justice you deserve: 410-753-4611.