Traffic on I-75 through Dayton can turn chaotic in an instant when the semi ahead of you loses control and its trailer slides across the lanes, leaving you only a moment to react. That is a jackknife accident, which happens when an articulated truck’s trailer swings out to the side and forms an L or V shape, much like a pocket knife folding shut. When a crash like this was not your fault, the medical bills and missed work that follow should not fall on you alone.
At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, our Dayton truck accident lawyers can help you understand what went wrong, who is responsible, and what Ohio law allows you to recover.
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Investigators use the word “jackknife” with a specific meaning in mind. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration describes it as a loss of control in which the trailer yaws, or twists, out of its straight-line path behind the tractor while the truck is moving. At that point, the back half of the truck is no longer following the front half.
A loaded semi weighs far more than your car, and a trailer turned sideways can block several lanes at once. Drivers behind it have almost no time to stop, which is how one jackknife accident on a busy interstate can become a pileup with serious injuries.
Most of the time, it comes down to the truck and the trailer moving at different speeds. When the cab slows or turns faster than the heavy load behind it, the trailer keeps going and starts to swing.
You have probably seen every one of these conditions on Dayton-area highways:
Each of these conditions also raises a question about who should have prevented the crash.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, don’t hesitate to seek legal counsel with us right now!
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The truck driver may not be the only one responsible for your injuries. Liability may extend to:
Driver logs and maintenance records often show which of these failures played a part. What if the trucking company says you were partly at fault? Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33, you can still recover damages as long as your share of fault is not greater than the combined fault of everyone else involved, although the court reduces your award by your own percentage. Recovery is only barred once your fault goes past 50%.
The first hours after a crash matter. Your health comes first, so get medical care even when the pain seems minor, and ask for a police report. If it is safe, photograph the vehicles, the trailer’s position, and the road.
Trucking companies often send their own investigators to the scene quickly. When you contact us early, our team can send a preservation letter asking the carrier not to repair or scrap the jackknifed semi-truck before its black box data and driver logs are reviewed. Before you give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer, talk with us.
Ohio law also limits how long you have to act. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10, a bodily injury lawsuit must be filed within two years after the injury occurs, which for most people means the date of the crash.
If you’ve faced injustice at work, reach out for legal guidance without delay!
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You should be focused on healing, not battling a trucking company after a jackknifed semi-truck crash. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we can help you preserve the evidence, identify everyone responsible, and seek compensation for your medical bills and lost income while you recover. Contact us at 1.937.222.2222 for a free consultation.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., the top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need. Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Super Lawyers | Avvo | Justia
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 30 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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