Jackknife truck accidents are often some of the most dangerous, causing extensive damage and serious injuries in many cases. When a truck gets involved in this type of accident, drivers or other parties could be liable for resulting damages that victims sustain. Understanding jackknife truck accident risks in the Cincinnati Metro area could help you determine whether you qualify for compensation with the help of an attorney.
For help with a jackknife truck accident claim or lawsuit, call Young, Reverman & Bolotin at 513-400-0000 to schedule a free consultation with a motor vehicle accident attorney in Cincinnati.
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What Is a Jackknife Truck Accident, and How Does It Happen?
A jackknife truck accident occurs when a tractor-trailer swerves on the road, causing the trailer to swing out to the side and form the shape of a jackknife with the cab of the truck as they fold in together. Both the cab and trailer can cause severe injuries and extensive property damage when they reach that 90-degree angle, with the cab capable of rolling over and the trailer detaching and, through momentum, hitting surrounding objects and people.
There are actually two primary types of jackknife accidents that can occur, including:
- Spin Outs: These accidents take place when a trailer starts spinning out of control due to loss of traction on the road. Meanwhile, the cab proceeds forward as the trailer moves side to side.
- Plow Outs: In other cases, the trailer will slide out and “plow” beyond the tractor part of the truck, causing the entire tractor-trailer to move sideways on the road and sweep across.
Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents in the Cincinnati Metro
There are several reasons a spin out or plow out jackknife truck accident might occur. Here are some of the common causes of an Ohio truck crash involving jackknife collisions:
Oversteering or Understeering
Many jackknife crashes result from a driver either understeering or oversteering at certain points. Understeering tends to lead to plow outs as drivers fail to turn tightly enough at a turn or curve in the road, while oversteering at a turn or curve tends to cause the trailer to spin out.
Speeding
Another common cause of truck accidents in the Cincinnati Metro area is speeding, as drivers might neglect to comply with posted speed limits or fail to accommodate for changes in weather conditions. When a semi-truck speeds, the momentum of the vehicle could cause it to lose control, especially if the driver suddenly needs to stop or turn.
Braking Problems
Various issues with braking could also cause jackknife accidents. For example, a driver may not properly apply the brakes as needed to safely bring the entire truck to a stop. The brake pads of semi-trucks also require sufficient maintenance, as they’re prone to developing worn brake pads that could render braking systems less effective.
Malfunctioning Systems
Issues with steering, brake malfunctions, and other equipment problems could also increase the risk of an accident. These issues are why it’s crucial for trucks to undergo maintenance and repairs to keep them in working condition on the road.
Inclement Weather and Poor Road Conditions
Sometimes, bad weather and generally poor road conditions cause an accident. Drivers must adjust their speed and general behavior on the road if ice, snow, or rain poses a hazard. Other times, drivers may not spot potholes or other hazards on the road in time to safely maneuver around them or stop.
Unbalanced Loads
Truck drivers and loaders need to ensure that loads are secured and balanced in the trailer of a semi-truck before driving. Otherwise, the load could cause the trailer to swerve or roll over on the road. In fact, this is one of the top causes of truck rollover accidents as well as jackknife accidents.
How Jackknife Accidents Impact Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana Roads
Truck accidents are common occurrences in the Cincinnati Metropolitan area, with an average of around 1,690 truck accidents per year in Hamilton County over a five-year period, according to data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s OSTATS Crash Dashboard.
The size of tractor-trailers make these vehicles particularly dangerous when accidents take place. They have the ability to cause catastrophic injuries and severe damage to other vehicles and property on and off the road, and the risk of fatal injuries is often far greater with these collisions. As a result, a jackknife truck accident can lead to lifelong hardships for victims and their loved ones.
Many of the roads in the Cincinnati Metro area are heavily populated with trucks, which is why this area faces a particularly high risk for jackknife and other types of truck accidents.
Legal Options for Victims of Jackknife Truck Accidents in Cincinnati
Many jackknife accidents result from negligence or even malicious intent on the part of truck drivers and other parties. Depending on the nature of the accident, trucking companies, mechanics, other motorists, or other parties might be liable.
Victims and their loved ones may be able to recover compensation from these parties with the help of motor vehicle accident lawyers in Cincinnati. Specifically, they may file truck accident claims in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana against liable parties for all damages sustained, from economic damages like medical expenses to wrongful death damages following the death of a loved one. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help file a lawsuit if a claim with insurance companies fails to result in a favorable outcome.Ultimately, having the right truck accident lawyer could help you succeed in holding various parties accountable following an accident. To schedule a consultation with an attorney to discuss a jackknife accident case, contact us here at Young, Reverman & Bolotin, and we’ll connect you with one of our experienced lawyers.
