Trucks that jackknife can cause some of the most frightening and potentially damaging accidents on the road. The sheer weight of trucks alone, compared to the weight of cars and other vehicles, should inspire caution in other drivers, even under the best conditions. But when the back end of an 18-wheeler starts to move in a different direction from the cab, the possibility of a catastrophic accident becomes that much greater. 

There are certain circumstances that make it more likely that a truck will jackknife: 

• If the truck is moving at a high rate of speed 
• Slippery road conditions
• Steep curves in the road

No matter the cause, a jackknifed truck has the potential to cause significant and permanent injury to those unfortunate enough to be in its path. But a person injured by such an accident can't automatically assume that the driver was to blame. 

In cases where a big rig is forced to make a sudden stop or a sudden sharp turn, causing the truck to jackknife, the accident may simply have been unavoidable. This can happen when a truck encounters an unexpected patch of ice, or when a truck encounters an unforeseen obstacle in the road, such as a stalled car. 

A full investigation can help reveal the reason for a truck jackknife accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident and are facing the severe injuries and steep medical bills that can follow, contact a lawyer to explore the possibility of a personal injury lawsuit. You may be able to secure compensation to help pay for your medical bills and other costs incurred as a result of the accident.