Apr 30th, 2025
Paulozzi Joseph

Jackknife accidents are among the most terrifying and dangerous collisions involving commercial trucks. One moment a semi-truck appears to be moving normally, and the next, it folds in on itself, sweeping across lanes and crushing anything in its path. These crashes can cause catastrophic injuries, multi-vehicle pileups, and loss of life—especially for occupants of passenger vehicles. At Paulozzi LPA, our experienced Ohio truck accident attorneys represent victims of serious collisions involving 18-wheelers, including jackknife accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck crash, we’re here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident?

A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a truck swings outward and forms a sharp angle with the cab, resembling a folding pocket knife. This typically happens when the tractor (cab) loses traction or control, and the trailer continues moving forward under momentum—causing the entire vehicle to fold or skid across multiple lanes.

Because the driver can no longer control either the cab or the trailer, the truck becomes an uncontrollable and dangerous object on the roadway—often leading to devastating multi-car collisions.

Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents in Ohio

Understanding why jackknife crashes happen is critical to establishing liability in a personal injury claim. Common contributing factors include:

1. Improper Braking or Brake Failure

When a truck’s brakes are applied too aggressively, especially on slippery roads, the wheels can lock and trigger a skid. Brake failure caused by poor maintenance or manufacturer defects can also result in catastrophic loss of control.

2. Hazardous Road Conditions

Ohio roads can be slick from rain, ice, or snow—particularly on highways like I-90, I-71, and I-76. When truck drivers fail to adjust their speed in these conditions, loss of traction and jackknifing can occur in seconds.

3. Driver Inexperience or Error

Maneuvering an 80,000-pound commercial truck requires training, experience, and calm decision-making. Unfortunately, some trucking companies cut corners when hiring or fail to train drivers properly. Inexperience in responding to road hazards or brake emergencies is a leading cause of jackknife crashes.

4. Speeding or Sudden Stops

The heavier the truck and trailer, the longer it takes to stop. At highway speeds, if a driver brakes suddenly or swerves, the momentum of the trailer can push the cab sideways, creating the classic jackknife shape.

5. Driver Fatigue or Distraction

Long shifts, tight delivery windows, and inadequate rest contribute to drowsy or inattentive driving—a major cause of jackknife and other commercial truck accidents.

How Dangerous Are Jackknife Accidents?

Jackknife crashes are uniquely dangerous due to their unpredictability and scale. The trailer can slide into adjacent lanes, roll over vehicles, or even sweep cars off the road. Victims often suffer:

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), thousands of people are injured or killed in large truck crashes annually—many involving jackknifes.

Who Is Liable for a Jackknife Accident in Ohio?

Establishing fault in a truck accident involves examining multiple factors. In jackknife cases, potential liable parties may include:

The Truck Driver

If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or failed to follow weather or road safety guidelines, they may be held personally liable.

The Trucking Company

Companies may be responsible if they failed to properly train their drivers, encouraged unsafe schedules, or neglected vehicle maintenance.

Maintenance Contractors

Third-party service providers may be liable for faulty brake work or inadequate mechanical inspections.

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers

If defective brakes, tires, or components contributed to the jackknife, the manufacturer may share liability under product liability laws.

Other Negligent Drivers

Sometimes, a passenger vehicle may cut off a truck or brake suddenly, causing the trucker to swerve and jackknife. In such cases, the third-party driver could also be partially at fault.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Jackknife Crash?

If you’ve been injured in a jackknife accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation under Ohio personal injury law. At Paulozzi LPA, we fight to recover damages such as:

Economic Damages

  • Emergency medical care and hospitalization
  • Ongoing rehabilitation, therapy, and medication
  • Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Long-term care expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Punitive Damages

In extreme cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior, Ohio courts may award additional damages to punish the at-fault party.

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Ohio?

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident date. However, evidence in trucking accidents can disappear quickly. Black box data, maintenance logs, and dashcam footage are often destroyed or overwritten within weeks.

The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence and building a strong case.

What to Do After a Jackknife Truck Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, here’s what to do:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, documentation is key.
  2. Call Law Enforcement – An official report will support your claim.
  3. Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicles, injuries, and road conditions, if safe.
  4. Get Contact Information – Gather info from the truck driver, their employer, and witnesses.
  5. Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters Alone – They may try to minimize or deny your claim.
  6. Contact an Experienced Ohio Truck Accident Lawyer – Let a legal team protect your rights and pursue full compensation.

Why Choose Paulozzi LPA for Your Jackknife Truck Accident Case?

At Paulozzi LPA, we’ve earned a reputation as one of Ohio’s leading personal injury law firms, with extensive experience in complex commercial vehicle litigation. We provide:

  • Free consultations and case evaluations
  • No legal fees unless we win your case
  • Immediate investigations to preserve evidence
  • Access to accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists
  • Personalized representation and clear communication from start to finish

We’re proud to fight for clients across Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, Toledo, and Cincinnati—helping truck crash victims get justice and move forward.

Get Legal Help After a Jackknife Truck Accident in Ohio

A jackknife truck accident can change your life in an instant—causing devastating injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term emotional trauma. You shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Paulozzi LPA, our experienced Ohio truck accident attorneys are committed to standing up to negligent drivers, reckless trucking companies, and uncooperative insurers. Contact Paulozzi LPA to schedule a free consultation or call us today. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through every step of the recovery process with compassion and clarity. We’ll fight to secure the maximum compensation you need to heal and move forward.

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