Jackknife Accidents
When a massive semi-truck jackknifes across an Iowa highway, the damage is instant and devastating. One moment you’re driving, and the next, you’re trapped in a pile of wreckage caused by a trailer that swung out of control. These aren’t small accidents, they rip through traffic, crush vehicles, and change lives forever. Victims are often left with serious injuries, overwhelming bills, and hard questions about what comes next. That’s when having the right truck accident attorney matters. You want someone who won’t back down, who knows how to hold trucking companies and drivers accountable under Iowa law.
Iowa Jackknife Accident Lawyer
McCarthy & Hamrock represents people injured in commercial truck jackknife accidents Des Moines, Polk County, and throughout the state of Iowa. Call our firm at 515-279-9700 to request a free consultation to discuss your injuries and potential claims for compensation. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, which means you don’t pay us any legal fees. Instead, our firm gets a percentage of the settlement or verdict or “contingency fee” upon achieving a victory in your case. Learn more important information about Iowa jackknife accidents, including how they happen, the legal options available to victims, and how an experienced Iowa jackknife accident attorney can advocate for the victim to secure fair compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Overview of Jackknife Accidents in Iowa
- Major Types of Jackknife Truck Accidents in Iowa Roads
- Common Injuries Caused by Jackknife Truck Crashes
- Common Places Where Jackknife Truck Accidents Happen in Des Moines
- Possible Liable Parties in an Iowa Jackknife Accident Case
- What an Iowa Jackknife Accident Lawyer Does for Victims and Families
- Most Common Questions People Ask After a Jackknife Crash
- Resources
Major Types of Jackknife Truck Accidents in Iowa Roads
Trailer Swing-Out on Slick Roads — When Iowa roads are icy or wet, especially in winter months, trailers can lose grip and swing out to the side of the cab. This often happens when the trucker brakes suddenly or turns too sharply on a slick surface. The trailer swings out, forming an L-shape or V-shape with the cab. These types of crashes are common on highways where weather changes fast and long-haul trucks travel at high speeds.
Brake Lock Jackknife Crashes — Trucks that slam their brakes too hard or use brakes unevenly can cause the trailer to stop moving at a different rate than the cab. This mismatch causes the trailer to swing out and jackknife. These types of crashes happen more often on downhill slopes or when trucks come to a sudden stop in traffic.
Downhill Jackknifes from Weight and Speed — Gravity plays a major role when trucks carry heavy cargo downhill. If the driver doesn’t downshift properly or relies too much on braking, the trailer can push forward faster than the cab, leading to a jackknife.
Unsecured Cargo Load Shift Jackknifes — Sometimes, it’s not the road or the brakes—it’s the cargo inside the trailer. When heavy loads aren’t tied down correctly, they can shift suddenly during turns or stops. That movement changes the balance of the trailer and causes it to swing out uncontrollably.
High-Speed Evasive Maneuver Jackknifes — Not every jackknife accident involves poor driving. In some cases, truckers try to avoid sudden road hazards, like a car that cuts them off or an animal crossing the highway. Swerving quickly can throw the trailer off-balance, especially at highway speeds.
Multi-Vehicle Jackknife Pileups — A jackknife accident often turns into a chain-reaction crash. When a trailer swings across multiple lanes, it can hit or block other cars, causing pileups. This can lead to serious injuries for people not involved in the initial truck maneuver.
Common Injuries Caused by Jackknife Truck Crashes
Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries — Victims of jackknife crashes often suffer head trauma due to the force of impact or secondary collisions. These can lead to concussions, brain bleeding, memory loss, or permanent cognitive damage. The brain may be injured even without a direct blow if the head is violently shaken during the crash. Recovery can take months or even years, and in some cases, the effects are lifelong.
Crush Injuries from Vehicle Collapse — When the trailer of a truck folds in or swings across traffic, smaller vehicles can get pinned or trapped underneath. This can cause chest or leg compression injuries, crushed bones, or internal bleeding. These injuries are common when a trailer folds onto a car’s passenger compartment, and they often require emergency surgery and long-term care.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries — A sudden blow from a swinging trailer or a chain reaction crash can cause damage to the spinal cord or vertebrae. Victims may suffer herniated discs, fractures, or paralysis, depending on the severity of the impact. These injuries can leave a person with limited mobility, chronic pain, or permanent disability.
Burns from Fire or Explosions — Some jackknife crashes involve trucks carrying flammable cargo, or fuel tanks that rupture during the crash. If the vehicle catches fire, drivers and passengers can suffer first-, second-, or third-degree burns. Burn injuries can lead to infection, scarring, or the need for skin grafts.
Amputations or Limb Loss — The force of a jackknife accident can cause traumatic amputation if a limb is caught in crushed metal or pinned during the collision. In other cases, surgical amputation becomes necessary due to severe tissue damage. Victims face lifelong physical and emotional effects, including mobility limitations and the need for prosthetics.
Common Places Where Jackknife Truck Accidents Happen in Des Moines
I-80 and I-35 Merge Points Near the East Mixmaster — The convergence of I-80 and I-35 northeast of Des Moines is one of the busiest and most complex highway interchanges in Iowa. Heavy truck traffic, constant lane changes, and sudden slowdowns make this area a frequent site for jackknife accidents. The mix of high speeds and sharp curves gives trucks little room for error when road conditions change or drivers misjudge spacing.
I-235 Through Downtown Des Moines — This stretch sees consistent weekday congestion, especially near exits for 63rd Street, 7th Street, and Easton Boulevard. Trucks passing through during peak hours often deal with stop-and-go traffic, quick merges, and narrow lanes. Sudden braking or swerving in these conditions can lead to jackknife accidents involving both the truck and nearby cars.
U.S. Route 65 Exit Ramps and Interchanges — Route 65 serves as a bypass around eastern Des Moines but includes several entrance and exit ramps that create tight turns and rapid deceleration zones. Trucks exiting too fast or trying to reenter traffic during winter weather are at higher risk of skidding or jackknifing, especially in poorly maintained areas.
Highway 5 Near Trucking Terminals and Logistics Hubs — South of Des Moines, Highway 5 passes through industrial zones and trucking depots. The mix of local delivery trucks, semis leaving distribution centers, and passenger vehicles creates high-risk interactions. Trucks turning across multiple lanes or entering the highway with a full load can lose control if their speed or steering isn’t carefully managed.
Douglas Avenue and Second Avenue Corridors — These urban truck routes are common paths for freight entering Des Moines from the northwest. The combination of tight intersections, stoplights, and pedestrian traffic can force drivers into sudden moves. Jackknifing may occur when a trailer shifts or a cab has to brake too quickly near traffic lights or busy side streets.
Possible Liable Parties in an Iowa Jackknife Accident Case
The Truck Driver — Drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their truck at all times, including when facing bad weather or traffic. Iowa Code § 321.285 requires drivers to adjust their speed for conditions. If a driver fails to do so, or if they are distracted, tired, or speeding, they may be held liable for the accident.
The Trucking Company — Employers who pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines or skip maintenance checks can be held legally responsible. Iowa Code § 321.430 mandates that all commercial vehicles be maintained in safe working order, especially the braking systems. If a company fails to properly inspect or repair a truck before sending it out, that negligence can result in liability under Iowa law.
The Cargo Loader — Third-party shipping companies or warehouse employees sometimes load cargo that is unstable or improperly secured. If a load shifts and causes a trailer to jackknife, the party responsible for loading may be held accountable. Iowa Code § 321.460 requires that all cargo be secured so it doesn’t shift or fall during transport. Violations of this statute may be used to prove fault.
The Truck or Parts Manufacturer — In rare cases, jackknife accidents happen because of brake failure or other equipment defects. If a brake system or coupling mechanism fails, and the part was defective or poorly designed, the manufacturer might be liable. Iowa law allows injured parties to seek damages when a product defect leads to an accident.
Other Drivers — Not all jackknife accidents are solely the trucker’s fault. If another driver cuts off a truck, brakes suddenly in front of it, or otherwise triggers the crash, that person may share in the liability. Iowa Code § 668.3 allows for fault to be shared among multiple parties.
What an Iowa Jackknife Accident Lawyer Does for Victims and Families
A jackknife truck accident case requires a lawyer who understands Iowa’s trucking regulations, vehicle codes, and commercial liability rules. These crashes involve multiple layers of investigation, including the truck’s maintenance records, driver’s logs, black box data, cargo weight and balance, and even road conditions. An Iowa truck accident lawyer examines every one of these details with expert investigators to find out exactly why the trailer swung out and who failed to prevent it. This level of analysis goes far beyond what’s typical in a standard car crash.
The role of the lawyer becomes even more critical when it comes to negotiating with insurance companies or filing a lawsuit. Jackknife accidents usually result in serious injuries or even wrongful deaths. Insurers may try to minimize payouts, blame the victim, or deny liability entirely. A jackknife accident lawyer in Iowa builds a case from the ground up to demand full compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and property damage. In wrongful death cases, they pursue damages for loss of companionship, funeral costs, and long-term financial losses to surviving family members under Iowa’s wrongful death statute (Iowa Code § 633.336). Whether through settlement or trial, this type of attorney pushes for outcomes that reflect the full cost of what the victim and their family have lost.
Most Common Questions People Ask After a Jackknife Crash
What is a jackknife accident?
It’s when a truck’s trailer swings out and forms an angle with the cab, usually during braking or a skid.
How is a jackknife crash different from a normal truck wreck?
The trailer moves sideways instead of staying behind the cab, often causing multi-vehicle collisions.
Who can be sued after a jackknife accident?
The truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or others—depending on what caused the crash.
How long do victims have to file a claim in Iowa?
Two years from the date of the accident, under Iowa Code § 614.1(2).
What if someone died in the crash?
The victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit under Iowa law.
Can the truck driver be blamed even if the weather was bad?
Yes. Iowa Code § 321.285 requires drivers to adjust speed based on road conditions.
Does the trucking company have to follow Iowa laws?
Yes. Iowa’s commercial vehicle laws apply to all trucks operating in the state.
Will insurance cover all medical costs?
It depends on the policy, liability, and how damages are negotiated or awarded.
What if the victim was partly at fault?
Iowa follows comparative fault law—if the victim was 50% or less at fault, they can still recover.
Is a lawyer really necessary in a jackknife accident case?
Yes. These cases are complex and involve unique laws, multiple parties, and serious damages.
Resources
FMCSA — Large Trucks in Crashes by Jackknife —This table from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows data on large truck crashes where jackknifing occurred. It breaks down crash numbers by type and severity, including fatal, injury, and property damage incidents. The table helps users see how often jackknifing happens and how serious the results can be.
Pride Transport — What Is a Jackknife and How to Avoid It — This article explains what jackknife accidents are, how they happen, and what truck drivers can do to avoid them. It covers causes like weather, sudden braking, and equipment failure. It also offers guidance on pre-trip planning, safe driving, and reacting during a jackknife.
WHO 13 — I-80 in Eastern Iowa Re-opened After Multiple Semis Jackknife —This news article reports on a specific incident involving several semi-trucks that jackknifed on I-80 in Iowa. It describes the road conditions at the time, the response by local authorities, and the temporary closure of the highway. The article offers a real-life example of how weather and road factors can lead to jackknife accidents.
Hire a Jackknife Accident Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa
If you were injured in a Jackknife accident in Des Moines, Iowa, hire a skilled, experienced personal injury attorney to fight for you. The lawyers at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. have more than seven decades of combined legal experience. We represent accident victims the Des Moines area, including Polk County and Dallas County, Story County, Warren County, Marion County, Mahaska County, Adair County, Madison County, and throughout the state of Iowa.
We will seek just compensation for your injuries and help you recover what you have lost. We are not afraid to take on trucking companies and their insurance companies in order to obtain a satisfactory settlement. We are also experienced trial attorneys and we are prepared to go to court if necessary to get justice for you. Call us today at (515) 279-9700 to schedule a consultation.