Michigan Jackknife Truck Accidents

Because of a truck’s size and weight, they often become extremely unstable if they are required to make a sudden stop. When this happens, it is essential that a trucker and their company take the necessary steps to ensure that cargo is secured and properly distributed on the rig.

If not, a failure to do this could result in a truck jackknifing and even rolling over. This can result in severe injuries to the trucker, as well as any vehicles in its vicinity. In fact, the entire roadway might be blocked, potentially resulting in multiple crashes and other hazards on Michigan roadways.

If you were injured in a Michigan jackknife truck accident, you are likely to be traumatized and overwhelmed. However, a compassionate lawyer might be able to help. When a trucker’s careless or negligent behavior causes a crash, you have legal options and might be able to pursue compensation by filing a civil claim. With a dedicated semi-truck accident attorney on your side, you could have help with each step.

• How Does Jackknifing Happen?
• Seeking Damages Following a Wreck
• Common Michigan Jackknife Truck Accident Injuries
• Seeking Legal Counsel After a Michigan Jackknife Truck Accident

How Does Jackknifing Happen?

By their very nature, semi-trucks carrying loaded trailers are always at risk of being—or becoming—unstable, especially if the trailer is overloaded. As a result, federal regulations create weight limits and proper weight distribution patterns that all truckers and their parent companies are obligated to follow. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, a failure to follow these regulations is the leading cause of jackknifing crashes in Michigan.

A jackknife incident is the result of a sudden shift of momentum from the front to the side of a truck. This most often results from a trucker being forced to make a sudden stop, often when moving at high speeds. Performing an abrupt braking maneuver might cause the cab of the truck to come to a stop at a faster rate than the towed trailer—which results in the trailer sliding off the side of the cab.

This often leads to severe injuries and a hazardous area with often widespread damages. When this happens as the result of a truck driver or their company’s neglect, they could be held accountable for any resulting damage in a civil lawsuit. A truck accident attorney familiar with jackknifing accidents in Michigan could help an injured victim seek compensation against an at-fault truck driver and their employer.

Seeking Damages Following a Wreck

After a jackknife truck accident, an injured motorist can request numerous damages in a claim. These include medical bills and associated medical costs—such as rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses—as well as lost wages from missed time at work. These financial losses are claimed under the Michigan No-Fault Insurance laws.

In the event of a fatality, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases demand compensation for the decedent’s pain and suffering after the crash, the loss of society and companionship of family members, and the financial losses and emotional support of the loved ones after the death.

Furthermore, a claimant might also be able to request non-economic damages to account for the physical and emotional trauma they suffered after a jackknifed truck collision. These damages might include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life, as well as scarring and disfigurement. A caring Michigan jackknife accident lawyer could help to assess the scope of a plaintiff’s losses and request full and fair compensation in a civil claim.

Our truck accident lawyers will gather credible evidence, such as the accident reports and download the digital recorder on the vehicle to determine the speed, braking, and other actions of the driver prior to the crash, to win your case and prove you are entitled to a large settlement.

Common Michigan Jackknife Truck Accident Injuries

Like many other types of truck crashes, jackknifing accidents tend to inflict serious injuries on their victims. If a driver of another car comes into contact with the turned-over trailer, for example, it might result in concussions, paralysis, or even death.

The most serious pain and suffering injuries from a Michigan jackknife truck accident include:

• Traumatic brain injuries, closed head injuries, and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Back and neck injuries (e.g., herniated discs and bulging discs)
• Broken bones and fractures
• Cuts and lacerations
• Whiplash
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Death

An injured person will likely have significant psychological and emotional trauma, in addition to the physical injuries suffered by a collision with a truck. This occurs from the physical pain and suffering associated with the injuries and the effects on a person due to life-altering injuries. These emotional injuries affect the victim, spouses, partners, and children.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer?

It does not cost anything to hire our Michigan jackknife truck accident attorneys. We will represent you under our No Fee Promise, which means there are no legal fees unless you win a settlement.

We pay all the case costs and expenses on your case, so you will never pay even a penny. If your case is unsuccessful for any reason, you owe us nothing.

Seeking Legal Counsel After a Michigan Jackknife Truck Accident

While any collision with a truck is often traumatizing, a jackknifing incident, in particular, can lead to severe and widespread injuries. However, a knowledgeable semi-truck accident lawyer could work tirelessly to help you investigate the cause of a Michigan jackknife truck accident to file a claim and get you the maximum possible settlement.

By working to investigate the scene of an accident, gather evidence, and demonstrate liability, a practiced attorney will be a valuable ally throughout the entire claims process. Call a Michigan jackknife truck accident attorney today for a free consultation.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY:

Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D., Lead Trial Attorney at Buckfire Law
Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D. has over 30 years of experience specializing in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended Wayne State University School of Law. Lawrence has been named a Super Lawyer, U.S. News Best Lawyer, and in The National Trial Lawyers-Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Date of Review: June, 2025