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.
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.
Understanding why jackknife crashes happen is critical to establishing liability in a personal injury claim. Common contributing factors include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Establishing fault in a truck accident involves examining multiple factors. In jackknife cases, potential liable parties may include:
If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or failed to follow weather or road safety guidelines, they may be held personally liable.
Companies may be responsible if they failed to properly train their drivers, encouraged unsafe schedules, or neglected vehicle maintenance.
Third-party service providers may be liable for faulty brake work or inadequate mechanical inspections.
If defective brakes, tires, or components contributed to the jackknife, the manufacturer may share liability under product liability laws.
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.
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:
In extreme cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior, Ohio courts may award additional damages to punish the at-fault party.
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.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, here’s what to do:
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:
We’re proud to fight for clients across Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, Toledo, and Cincinnati—helping truck crash victims get justice and move forward.
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.
