Jackknife Truck Crashes In Sandusky: How Trucking Companies Are Often To Blame
Jackknife truck accidents in Sandusky are one of the most catastrophic types of crashes. The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, sweeping across multiple lanes, causing potentially life-threatening injuries for nearby motorists.
These aren’t freak accidents. They’re almost always the result of choices made long before the truck ever hit the road. Our experienced Sandusky truck accident lawyers explain common reasons jackknife crashes happen and how trucking companies may be responsible.
How Jackknife Crashes Happen On Ohio Roads
According to the Ohio Department of Safety, nearly 250 truck crashes in Erie County happen each year. Jackknife crashes occur when a truck’s trailer loses traction and swings outward relative to the cab, folding the rig into a V or L shape.
Unfortunately, jackknifes are among the most dangerous types of collisions, as they can cause multi-vehicle pileups, injuring drivers, passengers, and others nearby. Common ways they happen include:
- Brake failure or improper braking.
- Going over posted speeds or too fast for road, traffic, or weather conditions.
- Uneven or unsecured cargo, which shifts during transit and destabilizes the trailer.
- Drowsy driving, tailgating, and other reckless behaviors.
- Worn or defective tires, which reduce grip and make it harder to control the trailer.
Major highways in the area, including US Route 6 and other roads connecting to the Ohio Turnpike, see heavy commercial traffic year-round. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of jackknife crashes and the threat to other drivers.
When Trucking Companies Are to Blame for Sandusky Jackknife Crashes
Jackknife crashes can happen due to the reckless behaviors of truck drivers, but trucking companies often share a portion of the blame. Actions on their part that may be directly or indirectly responsible include:
- Failing to inspect and replace worn tires and brakes as needed.
- Failure to maintain couplers or other parts connecting the trailer to the rig.
- Failure to properly train and supervise truck drivers.
- Hiring without checking a driver’s CDL license.
- Improper cargo loading practices.
- Fatigued drivers, a common problem due to hours-of-service violations.
- Speeding and other driving violations due to trying to keep up with unrealistic trucking company schedules.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules and regulations trucking companies must follow. When a carrier disregards them or otherwise refuses to make safety their top priority (rather than profits), they can be held liable when a Sandusky truck accident happens and the injuries that result.
Injured in a Jackknife Crash? Contact Our Experienced Sandusky Truck Crash Lawyers
Jackknife crashes in Sandusky are common on busy highways and can cause devastating injuries to other motorists nearby. When trucking company negligence plays a role, you have the right to hold them accountable.
At Murray & Murray, our experienced Sandusky truck accident lawyers provide the trusted, experienced legal representation you need when filing an injury claim. We investigate what really caused the crash, pursue every liable party, and help you get the maximum amount you need to recover. To request a consultation, contact our office today. We protect clients throughout Sandusky, Ohio, and the surrounding areas.
Source:
ohtrafficdata.dps.ohio.gov/CrashStatistics/Home/GeneralStats