Commercial trucking accidents are without question some of the most destructive collisions on public roads. Although all truck accidents pose risks of serious injury and death, those where tractor-trailers “jackknife” increase the potential for devastation.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle collision involving a jackknifing truck, determining the underlying cause will be vital to seeking justice and compensation from the at-fault party. With many potentially liable parties, complex trucking regulations, and profit-motivated defendants, these cases make for difficult claims – and they demand attention from proven lawyers.
A Proven Team
At The Becker Law Firm, our Cleveland Trial Attorneys fight for victims and families harmed by negligence, regulatory violations, and preventable accidents throughout Ohio. Clients across the state and the U.S. place their trust in our team for many reasons:
- Millions of Dollars in Verdicts & Settlements Since 1980
- Nationally Recognized Lawyers with 100+ Years’ Experience
- Limited Case Load, Personalized Service & Support
- Proven Results in Complex, Serious Injury & Wrongful Death Cases
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What is Jackknifing?
Jackknifing describes collisions where commercial tractor-trailers fold at the point of articulation (where the cab of the truck meets the trailer) in a way that resembles a folding knife. Jackknife accidents commonly result in trailers swinging across multiple lanes of traffic, road departures, and rollovers.
Due to jackknifing trucks’ wide range of folding, and the imbalance it creates, these crashes are extremely dangerous to anyone nearby. It is not uncommon for jackknifing trucks to trigger multi-vehicle wrecks and pile-ups, rollovers and crushed vehicles, and deadly underride accidents – especially on highways and interstates with higher speeds and more traffic.
Fault & Liability: Who’s Responsible for a Jackknife Crash?
Who’s responsible for a jackknife accident depends on the specific facts of a crash. Generally, these types of wrecks are often caused by negligence, regulatory violations, and other failures committed by those that failed to uphold legal obligations to safely operate a commercial rig. These may include:
- Negligent truck divers;
- Commercial trucking companies;
- Third party vehicle maintenance companies;
- Manufacturers of defective products or auto parts;
- Negligent motorists in nearby vehicles.
Because there are many potential parties that may be at fault for a jackknife crash, meticulous investigations are warranted. With decades of experience handling serious injury and wrongful death suits arising from commercial truck accidents, our attorneys know what to look for, and how to gather and preserve evidence to aid our clients in their fight for justice.
While we tailor investigatory strategies to each unique case, there are some common crash causes to consider. Often, these relate to compromised vehicle stability and balance, and preventable failures:
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Improper cargo securement and weight limit violations
- Unsafe speeds or lane changes
- Distracted driving and truck driver cellphone use
- Truck driver fatigue / Hours-of-Service rule violations
- Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and defective products
- Negligent hiring, training, or retention of unsafe truckers
- Other truck regulation violations
Visit our blog: What Should I Do After a Commercial Truck Accident?
Speak With an Experienced Injury Lawyer About Your Case
Our objective in any serious trucking accident case is to help clients explore their available options for ensuring accountability and recovering full and fair compensation for their damages. Given the complexities of investigating jackknife accidents and the aggressiveness with which trucking companies and commercial insurance carriers dispute, deny, and defend against injury claims, working with a team of professionals can make all the difference as you navigate the legal journey ahead.
To speak with a Cleveland attorney from The Becker Law Firm about your accident and how we can help, call 216-621-3000 or contact us online. Our accident team serves the entire state of Ohio.
