What to Do If You’re Injured in a Jackknife or Rollover Truck Accident

Semi accidents are serious accidents. Contact our jackknife and rollover truck accident attorneys for a free consultation.

Jackknife and rollover truck accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes on Washington roads. These collisions often involve massive commercial vehicles like semis and 18-wheelers, and they can cause catastrophic injuries, widespread road closures, and life-altering consequences for victims.

If you or someone you love has been injured in one of these serious truck accidents, it’s important to act fast—and smart. Below, we’ll walk you through what causes these accidents, what injuries are common, and what steps to take after the crash to protect your health, your rights, and your future.

What Is a Jackknife or Rollover Truck Accident?

• Jackknife accident: Occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out at an angle to the cab, forming an “L” or “V” shape, often blocking multiple lanes.
• Rollover accident: Happens when a truck tips or rolls onto its side, frequently due to high speeds, sudden maneuvers, or shifting loads.

Both types of accidents are incredibly dangerous and often trigger chain-reaction collisions with other vehicles.

Common Causes of Jackknife and Rollover Crashes

Several preventable factors can lead to a jackknife or rollover accident, including:

• Excessive speed, especially on curves or wet roads
• Sudden or improper braking, especially with improperly maintained brakes
• Unbalanced or unsecured loads, which can shift and destabilize the truck
• Driver fatigue, a major issue in the long-haul trucking industry
• Inexperienced or undertrained drivers, who may not know how to handle emergencies
• Poor weather conditions, such as ice, snow, or slick roads
• Mechanical failures, such as tire blowouts or faulty suspension systems

When any of these issues are at play, the risk of a jackknife or rollover increases exponentially.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in These Accidents

The size and force of a commercial truck crash can result in severe, often permanent injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Can lead to long-term cognitive and emotional issues
• Spinal Cord Injuries – May cause partial or full paralysis
• Broken Bones – Especially in the ribs, arms, legs, or pelvis
• Internal Organ Damage – Including bleeding or damage to the liver, kidneys, or spleen
• Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries – Often from shattered glass or debris
• Psychological Trauma – Many victims experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression

In the most tragic cases, these crashes can also result in wrongful death.

What to Do After a Jackknife or Rollover Truck Accident

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   Even if you don’t feel injured right away, some injuries—like internal bleeding or concussions—can worsen over time. Visit a hospital or urgent care as soon as possible.
2. Call 911 and Report the Crash
   Always report the accident to law enforcement. A police report serves as a critical piece of evidence in your case.
3. Document the Scene (If Safe)
   If you’re able, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Collect contact info from witnesses and the truck driver.
4. Avoid Discussing Fault at the Scene
   Keep your statements to the police factual. Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
   Let your insurer know about the crash—but avoid recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
6. Keep All Records and Receipts
   Document medical visits, missed work, repair estimates, and any expenses related to the accident.
7. Speak With a Truck Accident Lawyer
   These cases are highly complex. You may be dealing with multiple liable parties—from the truck driver to the trucking company, maintenance crews, or manufacturers. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Liability in jackknife and rollover crashes is rarely straightforward. At Abeyta Nelson Injury Law, we investigate all angles of your case to identify potentially responsible parties, such as:

• The truck driver, for speeding or negligent driving
• The trucking company, for poor training or pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines
• Cargo loaders, for improperly securing freight
• Truck or parts manufacturers, if mechanical failure played a role

Determining liability is critical to recovering full and fair compensation.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been hurt in a jackknife or rollover crash, you may be eligible to recover damages for:

• Medical bills (including future treatment)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Vehicle and property damage
• Wrongful death benefits (if applicable)

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Decide Your Future

Insurance companies will try to minimize your payout or push for a quick settlement. Don’t go through this process alone. At Abeyta Nelson Injury Law, our experienced truck accident attorneys fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

We’re based in Yakima, WA, and we’ve been helping injured clients across Central Washington for over 40 years. We offer free case evaluations, and you won’t pay a fee unless we win your case.

Injured in a Jackknife or Rollover Truck Accident? Call Abeyta Nelson Today.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious truck accident, don’t wait. Call Abeyta Nelson Injury Law at 509-575-1588 or contact us for your free, no-obligation consultation.

Available 24/7 — No Fee Unless We Win. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.