According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over 4,862 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents in 2018 alone. Large truck accidents can be devastating, no matter the circumstances. But one of the most serious and often deadly types of truck accidents is a truck underride accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2008 to 2017, about 219 deaths from underride crashes were reported annually.
Those involved in a truck underride accident can suffer severe injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck underride accident, contact William Mattar today. Our accident attorneys represent clients who have been injured in many different types of truck accidents. We can help you file your claim and advocate for you to receive maximum compensation. Call (844) 444 - 4444 to get started.
What is a Truck Underride Accident?
Tractor-trailers are higher off the ground than most passenger vehicles on the road. A smaller vehicle can slide underneath the trailer of a truck and become trapped, resulting in what’s known as an underride accident. These types of accidents can cause severe damage to the smaller vehicle and be detrimental to the driver and passengers inside. In some underride accidents, the collision can cause a passenger vehicle's roof to be crushed or torn off by the truck.
Types of Underride Accidents
There are two main types of underride accidents: rear and side.
A rear underride accident occurs when a vehicle hits a tractor-trailer from behind and slides into the space between the trailer and the ground. These incidents often happen due to poor visibility – if a truck driver brakes suddenly or if the following motorist is inattentive and fails to brake on time. Most 18-wheelers have safety bars, also called "underride guards," to prevent another vehicle from fully sliding underneath and becoming trapped.
In contrast, a side underride accident can occur when a car slides under the side of the trailer of a truck. Side underride crashes may happen if a tractor-trailer makes a right- or left-hand turn or a U-turn, and a motorist does not see the truck. There is an increased risk of underride accidents involving a trailer's side, as trucks are not currently required to have side guards.
Causes of Underride Accidents
In addition to the above, there are many different potential causes of both rear and side underride collisions. These include, but are not limited to:
- Tailgating;
- Poor weather conditions (i.e., fog or rain)
- Speeding;
- Sudden stops and braking;
- Lack of truck guards;
- Poor truck maintenance, such as broken taillights; and
- Failure to be conspicuous when parked on the road.
If you've been injured in a truck accident, don't hesitate to contact William Mattar today. Our legal team is standing by 24/7.
Truck Underride Injuries
Truck underrides can be catastrophic. Occupants in passenger vehicles involved in an underride collision can sustain devastating injuries that may lead to life-long limitations. Some common underride accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Internal organ damages;
- Broken bones;
- Bone fractures;
- Dismemberment;
- Disfigurement; and
- Death.
If you're the victim of an underride crash, you may have medical bills piling up or find that you can no longer work. You may also be experiencing physical limitations that make your usual way of life difficult. After a truck underride accident, the victim may experience immense pain and suffering. Contact a personal injury lawyer to see if you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries.
Who is Liable in a Truck Underride Accident?
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, trailers are required by the DOT to have a rear safety bar to prevent underride collisions. In the event of a rear truck underride accident, if the trailer involved did not have a guard, the vehicle owner (such as the trucking company) may be liable for failing to meet safety standards. If the truck driver was driving negligently, he or she might also be at fault.
If you're unsure who may be liable for your truck underride collision, speak to an experienced accident attorney today.
Call an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you've been injured in an underride crash, contact William Mattar law offices. Our truck accident attorneys can help you with your accident claim and guide you through the legal process. To schedule a free initial consultation, call (844) 444 - 4444, or fill out our online consultation form today.