Jackknife Accidents Among Most Dangerous

The headlines are terrifying… “Jackknifed truck closes down I-176” or “Jackknifed truck smashes oncoming traffic on I-90” or “Four injured in jackknife truck accident.” Cleveland newspapers are full of headlines like this. It is chilling to think about a disfigured semi-truck sliding uncontrollably toward you so fast that there is nothing you can do to get out of its way.

Experienced personal injury lawyers understand how dangerous an 18-wheeler can be to a passenger vehicle. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a commercial truck accident, do not torture yourself anymore and contact Cleveland personal injury attorneys at Paulozzi LPA.

What Exactly Is A Jackknifed Truck?

A truck jackknifes when the truck’s cab loses traction and skids sideways. Skilled truck drivers may be able to maneuver and gain control of the truck, but in cases when the driver cannot steer out of the skid, the brakes lock. The trailer being hauled by the truck continues forward on its own momentum and pushes the cab until it swings around backward and crashes into the trailer. The truck appears to be folding in two, folding like a pocket knife, hence the term, jackknife.

Because the driver loses control of the truck and the trailer, the tractor-trailer becomes a giant weapon sliding down the road, creating mayhem and leaving only damage to people and property in its wake.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands suffer serious injuries or are killed by commercial truck accidents on U.S. roads every year.

Why Do Trucks Jackknife?

One wrong turn and a truck can skid out of control and jackknife. Jackknifes occur for various reasons. Some of the most common are:

• Improper braking – When a semi-truck’s brakes are applied too hard, the wheels lock up and trigger the jackknife. Brake malfunctions can also occur because of poor or neglected maintenance.
• Poor driving conditions – When roads are wet or icy, 18-wheelers can lose traction and slide. Extra caution should be taken during inclement weather or when trying to avoid road debris.
• Driver inexperience – More experienced drivers typically equal fewer truck accidents. Unfortunately, trucking companies do not always employ experienced and qualified drivers, resulting in more accidents. These dangers increase when factoring in fatigue, distraction, or intoxication.
• Speeding – The cab/trailer combination on a lot of these semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The trailer accounts for most of that weight. When a truck needs to brake fast, the cab may be able to stop quickly, but the heavier trailer keeps going. The faster the truck is going, the more momentum of the trailer pushing the cab out of control.

Taking Back Control

The roads are full of uncertainty, if you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident caused by a commercial truck, you should not have to feel uncertain about your future. A team of qualified lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case with the goal of uncovering liability and securing the compensation needed to fully recover.

This Compensation May Include:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage expenses
• Lost income
• Household out-of-pocket expenses
• Pain and suffering damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life damages

When you need help, contact Cleveland personal injury attorney at Paulozzi LPA for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 888-710-0040.