Jackknifing occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab. This can cause dangerous accidents if the trailer crosses into another lane of traffic and collides with other vehicles. The momentum of a swinging trailer could even cause the entire truck to overturn. Sadly, jackknife truck accidents in Sandusky often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
If you or a loved one has been involved in this type of wreck, a dedicated personal injury lawyer at Tittle & Perlmuter can be a valuable ally. Our legal team is skilled at helping injured victims and their families pursue monetary damages from the responsible parties.
How Do Jackknife Accidents Happen?
Jackknifing typically results from some form of driver negligence, often combined with dangerous conditions. For instance, slippery roads could cause a truck to jackknife if the trucker does not adjust this driving for the weather.
Other reasons a truck might jackknife include:
- Sudden braking
- Driver fatigue or distraction
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Inadequate driver training
- Defective equipment or equipment failure
- Improperly loaded trailer
Liable Parties in a Jackknifing Tractor-Trailer Accident
An experienced accident attorney at our firm can investigate a specific jackknife incident to determine the negligent parties. In addition to the truck driver, potentially responsible parties might include:
- The driver’s employer
- The truck’s owner
- The contractor responsible for maintaining the truck
- The loading company
- The truck manufacturer or the manufacturer of any defective part
- The government entity responsible for maintaining the road where the accident occurred
Common Injuries in Sandusky Jackknife Accidents
Trucks can weigh up to 40 tons, so the force of a trailer colliding with a smaller vehicle often leads to severe injuries. A jackknifed tractor-trailer could crush a car, force vehicles off the road, or create a chain-reaction collision.
Sadly, injuries in these accidents are often catastrophic. Common injuries in jackknifing truck wrecks include:
- Compound fractures
- Severe head and spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Crushing injuries
- Damage to internal organs
These types of devastating injuries typically require intensive medical intervention and months of rehabilitation. In some cases, a victim may never fully heal. Our compassionate local attorneys are here to support families through the recovery process and help them pursue an appropriate amount of compensation for all their losses.
Damages Available for Folding Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Monetary damages are meant to compensate an injured person and his or her family for all the impacts of the accident. Although money cannot fully make up for an injured person’s losses, it can help them pay for the care that they need and hold the negligent person accountable. Damages typically cover all past and future medical expenses. Lost income and future economic opportunities also might be included in an award of damages.
A skilled lawyer will also present evidence of how an injured person’s quality of life has diminished because of the accident. Non-economic damages could include mental anguish, physical pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and other intangible results of a truck crash.
Importantly, Ohio Revised Code § 2315.8 imposes limits on the amount of non-economic damages a person can receive. However, there are certain exceptions to this: if the plaintiff suffered a permanent physical deformity, lost her function of an organ system, or was left unable to care for herself. The attorneys at our Sandusky office can further advise on what damages may be available for a particular jackknife truck accident.
Speak to an Attorney about Jackknife Truck Accidents in Sandusky
Trucking firms and their insurers will aggressively protect themselves from large claims, so it is crucial to seek legal help if you were hurt by a jackknifing tractor-trailer. At Tittle & Perlmuter, our lawyers have extensive experience handling jackknife truck accidents in Sandusky. We understand how to stand up to trucking and insurance companies to pursue the compensation that victims deserve. Call us today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help.