Any commercial truck accident is dangerous, but underride collisions are especially risky. When your vehicle gets pulled underneath the trailer, your vehicle could get crushed. The rear of the trailer could break through your windshield into the passenger compartment.
Below, we explain what happens in an underride truck accident, including why these collisions occur and who may be held liable for your medical costs and other losses.
Greg Monforton and Partners has been assisting motor vehicle crash victims in Ontario for decades. Our Windsor truck accident lawyers have considerable resources and in-depth legal knowledge. We are prepared to help injured crash victims seek the full compensation they deserve. Your initial consultation is free, and there are no upfront costs to pay.
Request your FREE and confidential consultation today: (866) 320-4770.
What Is An Underride Truck Crash and Why Is It So Dangerous?
These truck crashes occur when a vehicle hits the rear or side of a tractor-trailer or commercial truck and ends up underneath the trailer. Smaller vehicles, like small passenger cars and motorcycles, are especially vulnerable to these types of crashes.
The truck’s larger wheels and axles could shear off the top of a smaller vehicle, or simply rip its windshield. Victims inside these vehicles could get hit with enough force to cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Some commercial trucks have underride guards to help prevent these collisions. Instead of sliding under the truck, passenger vehicles just hit the guards. These guards help slow the forward momentum of vehicles at impact, helping to prevent underride crashes. Unfortunately, however, many trucks do not have these guards.
Causes of Underride Accidents
- Following Too Closely: Sometimes the passenger vehicle driver is the one at fault for an underride crash. He or she may have been following the truck too closely, giving him or her less time to slow down to avoid crashing into the rear of the truck. Tailgating a commercial truck is especially dangerous in bad weather or when there is limited visibility due to driving at night.
- Lack of Underride Guards: Underride collisions are also more likely if a truck does not have underride guards. These metal barriers can prevent an underride collision, although rear-ending a commercial truck could still cause catastrophic injuries.
- Sudden Stops: Truck drivers should try to avoid sudden stops, especially in heavy traffic, as it can catch trailing drivers off guard.
- Drowsy Driving: Truck driver fatigue is often a factor in commercial truck collisions, including underride crashes. Truck drivers log extensive hours on the road, which means they may often be drowsy while driving. Truckers may nod off while behind the wheel. If they drift into another lane, other cars could get pulled under the trailer. Drifting into another lane could also result in a trailing driver getting pulled under the trailer.
- Impaired Driving: Tired truck drivers can be just as dangerous as drunk truck drivers. Alcohol impairs reaction time and judgment, increasing the likelihood of many types of collisions.
- Inadequate Lighting and Reflective Markings: Trucks without proper lighting and reflective markings are harder to see, particularly in low-light conditions. This increases the risk of underride crashes happening.
While each truck crash case is unique, the commercial truck driver is often at fault. Trucking companies may also be liable if they are negligent in some way. For instance, if they failed to hire a qualified driver or allowed a driver with a known drinking problem to continue working.
Common Injuries From Underride Truck Accidents
The force of the impact and the weight of a commercial truck can cause devastating damage to occupants of a smaller vehicle. Common underride truck crash injuries include:
Blunt Force Trauma
The head, neck and chest are the most common areas of the body to suffer blunt force trauma in underride accidents.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord, a complex structure of nerves that extends from the brain down the back, is responsible for the transmission of neural signals between the brain and the body. As a result, injuries to the spinal cord, which are common in underride truck crashes, may result in partial or complete paralysis.
Internal Organ Damage
The force of impact can cause ruptures, lacerations or crushing of internal organs. These injuries could have life-threatening complications, such as if an organ fails. Organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys are particularly vulnerable to injury in these incidents.
Amputations
The powerful impact and crushing forces involved in these collisions can result in the loss of limbs, such as arms, legs or fingers.
Why You Need a Lawyer After an Injury in an Underride Truck Accident
The injuries from underride truck accidents can be life-altering, often requiring extensive treatment and rehabilitation. These injuries also take a tremendous emotional and financial toll on victims and their families.
Given these factors, victims of underride truck accidents should seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer. Truck accident cases are notoriously complex and challenging to navigate. There are many factors to consider, and quick action is needed to gather relevant evidence. Extensive knowledge of truck accident regulations is also required to build a solid case.
Time is of the essence for injured truck accident victims. Trucking companies will quickly mobilize their resources to protect their interests. These are just a few reasons you could greatly benefit from an experienced, compassionate lawyer. An experienced and knowledgeable lawyer will fight for the full and fair compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Contact Greg Monforton and Partners After a Truck Crash
If you have been involved in an underride truck accident, it is important to seek legal representation from a qualified lawyer. At Greg Monforton and Partners, we have a proven track record of success. Our legal team is dedicated to protecting your rights and interests throughout the legal process.
We understand the complexities of the legal system and are here to provide you with the guidance, support and legal help you need during this difficult time.
There are no upfront costs for our services, as we operate on contingency. We only get paid if you do.
Schedule a free initial legal consultation today: (866) 320-4770.