Sharing the road with large commercial trucks is something American drivers do every day without giving it much thought. And, while many trips end safely, certain types of truck accidents can have devastating consequences when they occur.
The size and weight of tractor-trailers make collisions particularly dangerous for occupants of smaller vehicles. Some crashes are especially dangerous because of the way the vehicles impact one another, often leaving little protection for those involved.
Why underride collisions are so dangerous
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)F explains that an underride truck accident occurs when a smaller passenger vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a large commercial truck or trailer during a collision. Because the truck’s trailer sits much higher than the front end of most cars, the upper portion of the passenger vehicle can be crushed or sheared away during impact. These accidents often happen when a truck suddenly stops, slows unexpectedly or is difficult to see due to poor lighting or weather conditions.
To help reduce the risk of these collisions, many commercial trailers are equipped with underride guards. These metal barriers are mounted beneath the rear of a trailer and are designed to prevent smaller vehicles from traveling underneath the truck during a crash. While rear underride guards are required on most trailers, safety advocates have long argued that stronger standards and additional side underride guards could help prevent more serious injuries and fatalities.
Underride crashes are often catastrophic because they impact areas of a passenger vehicle that are not designed to withstand such forces. Occupants may suffer severe head, neck or traumatic brain injuries. In many cases, the damage is so extensive that these accidents result in fatal outcomes, making underride collisions one of the most dangerous types of truck accidents on the road.
After a serious truck accident, understanding your legal options can be difficult, especially when you’re already dealing with injuries, medical bills and uncertainty about the future. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can help you better understand your rights and whether compensation may be available to you.