Jackknife accidents can result in some of the most serious injuries seen in truck crashes. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ damage, severe burns, or even loss of a limb. These injuries can need long-term care and may affect a person’s ability to work, move, or handle daily tasks.

A jackknife truck accident can be more dangerous than any other accidents because the trailer can swing across the road and strike nearby vehicles. A passenger vehicle may not be able to withstand the impact caused by the force of a large truck and trailer. The crash can also involve several vehicles, increasing the chance of serious harm to more than one person. 

The effects of these crashes can continue long after the accident scene is cleared. Some injuries may heal with treatment, while others can cause lasting changes to a person’s health and daily life. Knowing the types of catastrophic injuries these crashes can cause helps understand how serious their effects can be.

Spinal cord injuries

The force of a jackknife crash can put heavy stress on the neck and back. This may damage the spine or spinal cord and result in severe pain, weakness, or loss of movement. Spinal cord injuries can sometimes cause partial or complete paralysis. Victims may need surgery, physical therapy, assistive devices, and long-term care. The injury may also impact their ability to work and take part in normal activities.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A sudden truck impact can cause a person’s head to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, window, or another part of the vehicle. This can lead to a concussion, brain bleeding, or a more serious traumatic brain injury. A severe brain injury may affect memory, speech, balance, focus, and movement. Some victims may struggle to return to work or manage daily activities on their own. Severe injuries may require long-term medical care and therapy. 

Multiple broken bones

A jackknife crash can break bones in the arms, legs, ribs, hips, and other parts of the body. A victim may have more than one fracture, which can make it hard to walk, stand, or use the hands. Some broken bones may also damage nearby muscles, nerves, or blood vessels.

Internal organ damage

The force of the crash can also damage organs inside the body. The liver, kidneys, lungs, and spleen may be injured when the chest or abdomen takes a hard hit. This can cause internal bleeding and other serious problems. Since there may be no visible signs, these injuries can be hard to notice at first.

Severe burns

A jackknife crash can sometimes cause a vehicle to catch fire. Leaking fuel or damage to the vehicle can lead to flames after the crash. Victims may suffer deep burns that affect large areas of the body. These burns can leave permanent scars and make it harder to move the affected parts of the body. 

Permanent disability

Some catastrophic injuries from jackknife crashes can lead to permanent disabilities. A victim may lose the ability to walk, work, or handle daily activities on their own. These lasting changes can impact their independence, income, and quality of life and may require ongoing care and support. 

• Hearing loss: The sudden impact, loud crash, or a head injury can damage the ears or the nerves linked to hearing. This may cause partial or complete hearing loss, making communication and daily activities more difficult. 
• Vision loss: A strong impact can injure the eyes, optic nerves, or parts of the brain that control vision. This may result in partial or complete vision loss, making it difficult to drive, work, read, or manage daily activities. 

Amelia Hart, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.