What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents on Cleveland Highways?

Jackknife truck accidents are typically the result of truck driver inexperience or driver negligence. The size and weight of these vehicles, combined with how these crashes occur, typically means catastrophic injuries.

At Friedman, Domiano & Smith, our experienced truck driver attorneys in Cleveland understand the complexity of these cases. We are prepared to fight for the full and fair compensation you need and deserve. Not sure if you have a case? Contact our law offices today for a free case review – there is no risk to you. When we represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.

What Is a Jackknife Crash and Why Is It Dangerous to Surrounding Traffic?

A jackknife crash occurs when a large truck’s trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, resembling the motion of a folding pocketknife. The likelihood of this type of crash increases when a truck’s wheels lose traction or the brakes lock up unevenly. This unexpected motion causes the truck’s trailer to slide sideways while the cab continues to move forward or stop abruptly. The result is an L-shaped or V-shaped configuration that can span multiple lanes of traffic.

Jackknifed trucks pose a major hazard because they can suddenly block multiple lanes or medians, giving other drivers little time to react. The swinging trailer is difficult to control and may slide across lanes, roll over, or strike nearby vehicles. Drivers behind may struggle to stop in time, especially in poor weather. Other drivers may swerve into other cars if they are attempting to avoid hitting a truck. With a weight of up to 80,000 pounds, these trucks can cause devastating damage to smaller passenger vehicles.

How Do Ohio Jackknife Truck Crashes Happen?

In Ohio, jackknife truck crashes happen when road conditions, driver mistakes, or weather cause the trailer to slide and swing out behind the truck. These various scenarios could lead to an accident.

Road Types and Region Factors

Ohio’s roads pose several risks for jackknife crashes. High-speed interstate highways, including I-70, I-71, and I-75, frequently see heavy truck traffic. Sudden braking or lane changes on these roads can cause jackknifing.

Rolling hills increase speed on downhill grades, making braking harder. Rural roads often have sharp curves and narrow shoulders. Both of these situations can lead to a jackknife truck incident, especially with inexperienced truck drivers who are less familiar with how to maneuver commercial vehicles.

Speeding Around Curves

Jackknife crashes in Ohio are more likely when a truck driver takes curves too fast, as the motion causes the trailer to swing out and jackknife. Older highways and ramps with tight curves are not designed for modern trucks. Drivers who fail to adjust their driving to road or weather conditions are more likely to lose control and cause these crashes.

Weather-Related Contributing Factors

Ohio’s weather increases the risk of jackknife crashes. Winter snow and ice reduce traction, especially when trailer wheels slide while the tractor maintains grip. Sudden snow squalls and black ice can catch drivers off guard.

Spring thaw and heavy rains create slippery roads and hydroplaning risks, while summer storms cause standing water. Strong crosswinds, especially in open rural areas, can push empty or lightly loaded trailers sideways, leading to jackknifing.

Inexperienced Drivers

A shortage of experienced truck drivers has put more inexperienced operators on Ohio roads, raising the risk of jackknife crashes. New drivers often lack the skills to recognize and respond to dangerous conditions.

They may misjudge braking distances, react incorrectly when trailers start to slide, or fail to adjust speed in bad weather. Inadequate training and pressure to meet delivery deadlines further increase the chances of mistakes that can lead to jackknifing.

Who May Be Liable if I Am Injured in Cleveland During a Jackknife Truck Crash?

Several parties may be responsible for injuries from a Cleveland jackknife truck crash. Attorneys gather evidence to show how the crash occurred and who is responsible.

Depending on the circumstances of a crash, these parties may be liable for a crash:

Truck Drivers

The truck driver is often held responsible in a jackknife crash. Common forms of driver negligence include speeding, tailgating, sudden braking, or poor handling in bad weather. Drivers may also be liable if they were fatigued, distracted, under the influence, or violated federal driving limits.

Trucking Company Responsibility

The trucking company is often liable in jackknife crashes. Under the rule of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their drivers’ actions on the job. Companies can also be directly blamed for poor training, skipping background checks, or pressuring drivers to break safety rules.

For example, a company can become liable if it pushes drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, ignore weather risks, or skip rest breaks. These behaviors can increase the chances of a crash. Additionally, companies that fail to maintain the truck by not fixing brakes or replacing worn tires can also become liable for mechanical issues that caused the accident.

Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturing defects in trucks, trailers, or component parts can cause or contribute to jackknife crashes. Certain mechanical failures may lead to product liability claims against the manufacturer, including:

• Tire blowouts
• Brake system failures
• Trailer coupling defects
• Steering mechanism problems

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party logistics companies, shipping facilities, and warehouses that load trucks must follow specific weight distribution requirements and secure protocols. Violations of these standards that contribute to jackknife crashes can result in liability for the loading entity.

Companies responsible for loading freight may be liable if they:

• Exceed weight limits
• Distribute weight incorrectly
• Fail to properly secure cargo

Maintenance and Repair Shops

Companies that service commercial trucks may be liable if improper maintenance or repairs contribute to jackknife crashes. Brake adjustments, tire installations, trailer coupling repairs, or other maintenance work performed negligently can create dangerous conditions that lead to loss of vehicle control.

Do Damage Caps Apply to Jackknife Truck Crashes in Ohio?

No, Ohio does not cap damages in jackknife truck crash cases. This means injured victims can pursue full compensation for their actual losses without artificial limits.

Ohio allows you to recover several types of damage without caps, such as:

• Economic Damages: This includes medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. These can be substantial given the severity of truck crash injuries.
• Non-economic Damages: Victims can recover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. Since jackknife crashes often cause life-changing injuries, these damages can be significant.

Why Jackknife Truck Accidents Often Cause Devastating Damages

Jackknife truck accidents consistently produce some of the most catastrophic damages seen in motor vehicle crashes. This type of accident can result in crushing and entrapment hazards. The trailer can trap smaller vehicles underneath, often causing fatal injuries, especially if the underride guard fails.

These crashes could lead to:

• Increase fire risks
• Delay medical care
• Complicate rescue efforts

How You Can Avoid Being Involved in a Cleveland Jackknife Truck Accident

Stay alert and give trucks plenty of space. This is a good tactic for defensive driving against jackknife crashes in Cleveland’s challenging driving conditions.

Other driving tactics that you can include to stay safe are:

Not Driving Beside Trucks

Never linger alongside tractor-trailers. Accelerate to pass the entire truck quickly. During a jackknife, the trailer can swing sideways and sweep across multiple lanes. Passing quickly is especially important on bridges and overpasses, where your vehicle could fall below in the event of a crash.

Watch for Dangerous Weather

Spring and summer storms in Cleveland can create sudden hazards that increase jackknife risks. When conditions worsen:

• Increase your following distance on wet roads
• Avoid driving near trucks during heavy rain or strong winds
• Watch for hydroplaning in standing water
• Be alert to crosswinds, especially in open areas or on overpasses

Know Where High-Risk Areas Are

If you are familiar with where jackknife accidents happen, you can exercise caution when you are on these roads. Under certain circumstances, such as heavy traffic, you may want to avoid specific areas depending on the time of day that you are on the road.

These areas may mean higher risk of jackknife accidents:

• Any construction zones
• Dead Man’s Curve on I-90
• Highway 2 along the lakefront
• I-480’s challenging interchanges
• Downtown approaches on major interstates

Look Out for Warning Signs

If you see a truck, it is a good idea to be vigilant so that you can avoid an accident. Pay attention to these warning signs:

• Braking erratically
• Weaving or swaying
• Struggling in crosswinds
• Making sudden speed changes

Evidence Your Attorney Will Need To Maximize Your Ohio Jackknife Truck Crash Claim

Your attorney will need strong evidence to prove fault, show your damage, and challenge the trucking company’s efforts to avoid blame.

• Electronic Evidence: Truck’s electronic data can provide informative data. Modern trucks have “black boxes” that record habits, such as braking patterns and speed before the crash.
• Scene and Physical Evidence: Crash scenes and physical evidence are any type of data collected immediately after the accident happens and can consist of police reports, citations, and photos of vehicle damage and positions.
• Truck Driver Records: This documentation can help to reveal whether the driver was properly trained.
• Company Safety Records: Federal safety ratings, previous crashes and violations can show patterns of poor safety.
• Vehicle Maintenance Evidence: Truck maintenance records help establish causes of mechanical failures such as brake inspection and repair records.
• Medical and Damage Documentation: Victims of a jackknife truck accident need immediate medical attention to rule out serious internal damage, including punctured lungs, crush injuries or internal bleeding. The resulting documentation from the initial treatment and follow-up care provided evidence that links your injuries to the crash that caused them.

Key Steps To Take Right After a Crash With a Jackknifing Semi-Truck

The moments immediately following a crash with a jackknifing semi-truck are critical for your safety, legal protection, and future claim. Your actions during this chaotic time can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation and protect your rights.

• Immediate Safety Actions: Move away from jackknife trucks, if possible, do not move seriously injured victims, watch out for spills, and call 911.
• Protect Your Legal Right: Do not admit fault or blame yourself, especially when speaking with the insurance company.
• See a Doctor Immediately: Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can hide serious injuries, causing symptoms to appear later.
• Contact a Truck Accident Attorney: Reach out to an attorney as soon as you can after an accident. They will need to gather evidence, so it is important to consult an attorney to preserve evidence and move your potential case forward.

Call Friedman, Domiano & Smith if You Are Unsure What Steps To Take After a Jackknife Accident

No amount of money can undo the trauma of a jackknife truck accident. However, fair compensation helps families rebuild their lives, pay mounting medical bills, and hold negligent parties accountable.

At Friedman, Domiano & Smith, we have successfully represented countless Cleveland families who have been devastated by various types of accidents, including crashes with big rigs and other trucks. When you need legal help, FDS is here to fight for you.

We take injury cases on contingency, so there are no upfront costs to pay. Your initial consultation is also free. Call today to get started.