A truck underride accident occurs when a passenger vehicle collides with a tractor-trailer and runs under its rear or side. This type of crash can shear off the roof of the passenger vehicle, killing its occupants. The raised design of a big rig’s trailer allows just enough room for a passenger vehicle to slide underneath. Truck underride accidents are rarely survivable, and victims who survive often suffer debilitating injuries.
The attorneys at Sorey & Gilliland, LLP are tough, and never hesitate to go up against large trucking companies. Our clients rely on us to get them the compensation they need and deserve. We take that responsibility incredibly seriously. If you have been injured in an underride accident contact us today for a free consultation, and find out how we can help you.
Why Do Truck Underride Accidents Happen?
Many underride accidents result from rear-end collisions when a passenger vehicle slams into a tractor-trailer. The extra clearance under a trailer allows a standard-height passenger vehicle to slide underneath. Commercial trailers have under-carriage barriers that are there to help prevent underride accidents, but they often fold and fail to serve their purpose. A rear-end collision with a large commercial truck can happen if a truck stops suddenly and the driver behind has no time to stop or swerve out the way.
Drivers of subcompact cars have been known to accidentally drive under a trailer while changing lanes. When this happens, if the driver of the small car panics and brakes, the rear wheels of the trailer can run over and crush the vehicle. While the trailer itself may not hit the vehicle, the wheels do an incredible amount of damage, and can leave the driver of the car in critical condition.
If a truck driver locks the brakes, a big rig can jackknife. When this happens, the trailer slides out to form a 90-degree angle to the cab. If the trailer comes up behind a slow-moving vehicle in its slide, it can collide with the upper portion of the vehicle, decapitating or seriously injuring its occupants.
Trucking companies will sometimes fail to use proper lighting or maintain the taillights and reflective tape on a trailer. This can make the back of the trailer difficult to see at night, or in rainy or foggy weather. This can also happen when a truck is parked on the roadway and the driver fails to meet conspicuity standards, including putting out safety triangles when broken down.
Truck drivers can also make negligent turns. This means that they violate the right-of-way of oncoming motorists. When they do this, they create the risk of cars crashing into the side, and eventually going underneath, the big rig. This sort of underride accident can also happen when a truck driver merges into another lane without properly checking their blind spots.
What Types of Injuries Are Caused by Truck Underride Accidents?
Given the size and weight difference between 18-wheelers and cars, when the two are involved in a collision the passenger vehicle will almost always be the one to sustain the most damage. That includes damage to those inside the car. Underride accidents are among the most dangerous truck accidents. They almost always end in serious injury, if not death, as the place of impact is usually around chest or neck height for passengers. Some of the more common injuries victims of underride accidents may face are:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractures
- Amputation or dismemberment
- Severe lacerations
- Organ damage or loss
- Internal injuries
- Decapitation
Even if an underride accident doesn’t end a victim’s life, it will most likely leave them with catastrophic injuries that will take potentially years to recover. Even then, victims are often left with lifelong disabilities. This translates to high medical debts, lost wages, and a lowered quality of life. Victims may be left with seemingly no way back to normalcy.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Truck Underride Accident
Truck accidents are complex cases involving federal regulations and multiple potentially liable parties. The trucking company is likely to send a team of investigators and adjusters to launch its own investigation. As the cab, trailer, and cargo may be separately insured, there may be several insurance companies involved. Truck underride accidents are typically high-stakes cases that companies will go to greater lengths to fight against. Insurance companies may be contacting you with offers of quick settlements that will not cover your medical treatments or loss of income.
Why Choose Us?
Our Texas truck accident lawyers at Sorey & Gilliland, LLP are tough advocates for truck underride accident victims. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources to thoroughly investigate your accident, determine fault and liability, obtain and preserve evidence to support your claim, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for your rights in court, if necessary.
