A “jackknife” truck accident occurs when the truck trailer swings out to the side, creating an almost 90-degree angle between the trailer and the cab of the truck. This creates a “V” shape that is similar to a folding pocketknife.

A jackknife truck accident can be a scary and traumatic event that can cause significant damage and personal injuries to others on the road. These accidents are almost always caused by poor vehicle handling.

If you were hurt in a jackknife truck accident, the truck accident injury attorneys at Robenalt Law can help. Contact our law office today to schedule a free, confidential appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.

What Is a “Jackknife” Truck Accident?

A semi-truck is made up of two parts: the cab (also known as the “tractor”, or “semi-truck”), where the driver sits, and the trailer, which is the long bed in the back that carries the truck’s load. All together, these vehicles have 18 wheels that support the cargo and keep the truck moving. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.

What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents?

Jackknife truck accidents are almost always caused by poor vehicle handling. The more important question, then, is “What caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle?”

Common causes of jackknife truck accidents include:

• Speeding. Driving too fast for the road conditions can cause a driver to lose control and the truck to jackknife. Trucks can be especially difficult to control in wet or slick conditions.
• Braking too hard. Failure to judge an appropriate stopping distance can lead a truck driver to brake too hard, which can cause the trailer to swing to the side and result in a jackknife accident.
• Improperly loaded cargo. A semi-truck load must be carefully balanced to ensure stability. A shifting load can cause the trailer to swerve and eventually swing around, resulting in a jackknife.
• Mechanical failure. If the truck’s brakes or other systems fail, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, causing a jackknife.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

If you or someone you love was hurt in a jackknife truck accident, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Robenalt Law can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Investigate

Our truck accident injury attorneys can investigate the crash to determine what caused it. We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the crash.

Determine Liability

Our investigation will identify who was at fault for causing the crash and may be liable for your injuries. This may include the semi-truck driver, their employer, a broker, shipper, or loader, the truck maintenance company, or others.

Calculate Damages

As part of our investigation, we will determine the extent of your losses. This may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages in some situations.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Our lawyers will negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Take Your Case to Court

If the insurance companies do not offer a fair settlement to resolve your claim, we will take your case to court to protect your rights.

Contact Robenalt Law Today

Jackknife truck accidents can be devastating and can cause severe, catastrophic injuries or even wrongful death. Robenalt Law has offices in Cleveland and Columbus, and handles truck accident claims throughout Ohio and nationwide.

Call our Cleveland office at (216) 223-7535 or our Columbus office at (614) 695-3800 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.