Jackknife accidents are among the most terrifying and destructive crashes on California highways. In a matter of seconds, a big rig folds in on itself—spanning multiple lanes, crushing vehicles in its path, and shutting down traffic for hours.

For victims, businesses, and trucking companies alike, the legal aftermath is just as chaotic.

Who's liable? Who pays? And how can you protect yourself—physically, legally, and financially—after a jackknife accident?

Let's break it down.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident? 
2. How and Why Jackknife Accidents Happen
3. Who Can Be Held Liable in a Jackknife Crash?
4. What Victims Need to Know
5. Legal Considerations for Trucking Companies & Business Owners
6. California-Specific Laws That May Apply
7. FAQs About Jackknife Accident Claims
8. Talk to a California Litigation Team That Gets Results

What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck's trailer swings out from behind the cab—forming an L or V shape—typically during sudden braking, poor road conditions, or equipment failure.

This kind of crash can:

• Block entire freeways
• Cause multi-vehicle pileups
• Lead to fatalities or life-altering injuries
• Trigger massive insurance disputes and lawsuits

In California, we see jackknife accidents on major corridors like I-5, the 405, and Highway 99, especially in high-speed or downhill zones.

How and Why Jackknife Accidents Happen

Common causes include:

• Sudden Braking – especially on slick roads
• Improperly Loaded Cargo – shifting weight can destabilize the trailer
• Speeding or Reckless Driving
• Driver Fatigue – a major issue in long-haul routes
• Equipment Failure – such as brake malfunction or tire blowouts
• Poor Road Conditions – rain, fog, or debris on California roads

In many cases, multiple factors combine, making liability complex.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Jackknife Crash?

Unlike ordinary car accidents, jackknife cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties:

➤ Commercial insurance policies often exceed $1 million, but getting paid requires strong legal strategy.

What Victims Need to Know

If you were injured in a jackknife accident, you're likely up against a team of corporate lawyers from the trucking company's insurer. They move fast to minimize payouts.

Your best move? Get a legal team involved immediately.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency and ongoing medical care
• Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term rehabilitation or disability

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury is two years, but early investigation is crucial.

Legal Considerations for Trucking Companies & Business Owners

If you operate a fleet or are a business owner involved in a jackknife crash (whether as a contractor, logistics firm, or co-defendant), you'll need counsel to:

• Mitigate risk and liability
• Preserve evidence (e.g., dash cams, logbooks, black box data)
• Respond to claims strategically
• Navigate layered insurance policies

At Kimura London & White LLP we assist both plaintiffs and business clients — and we're experienced in complex transportation litigation throughout California.

California-Specific Laws That May Apply

• Comparative Fault – More than one party can be held partially liable
• Hours of Service Regulations – Federal and state laws govern how long truckers can drive
• Vicarious Liability – Employers can be held liable for employee actions
• California Civil Code §1714 – General duty of care applicable in personal injury cases

FAQs About Jackknife Accident Claims

Q: Do I need a lawyer even if fault seems obvious?
Yes. Trucking companies fight these cases hard and early. Without a lawyer, victims often settle for a fraction of what they're owed.

Q: What if I was driving another truck or commercial vehicle?
You may still have a personal injury claim—plus potential workers' compensation or third-party claims.

Q: How long do jackknife cases take to resolve?
It depends on the severity of injuries and complexity of liability. Some settle quickly, others may go to litigation.

Talk to a California Litigation Team That Gets Results

Whether you were injured in a jackknife accident or you're a business owner navigating liability, we're here to help.

KLW's litigation team has successfully represented clients in high-stakes trucking cases across California — from wrongful death claims to cross-border business liability disputes.

📞 Call Kimura London & White LLP at 949-474-0940
💼 Or schedule a free consultation