In today's fast-paced world, commercial trucks play a vital role in transporting goods and services. However, truck-related accidents are also rising with an increasing number of trucks on the road. According to statistics from the IIHS, in 2021, 4,714 fatalities occurred from large truck crashes, representing a 17% rise from 2020. Underride truck accidents, in particular, are a nightmare that can come true on the road. These kinds of collisions happen when a smaller car crashes into the back or side of a big truck and gets stuck beneath it. The outcomes can be disastrous and frequently result in serious injury or even death. In such cases, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from the experienced truck accident lawyers at The Champion Firm to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The firm, founded in 2014 by Darl Champion, has helped hundreds of clients get over $90 million in compensation. Their team also focuses on car accidents, slip and fall cases, and medical malpractice on top of truck accidents.

Understanding Underride Truck Accidents

When a smaller car collides with a huge truck's side or back and becomes jammed underneath it, the result is an underride truck collision. These accidents are hazardous as they can cause severe damage, injuries, and fatalities. In many cases, the smaller vehicle's roof is crushed or ripped off, resulting in severe head and neck injuries to the occupants. The majority of fatalities in big truck collisions occur to passengers. Packed with weight, large trucks are frequently 20–30 times heavier than cars. This statistic highlights the severity of these types of accidents and the need for proper safety measures to prevent them.

Causes of Underride Truck Accidents

There can be several factors that contribute to underride truck accidents, including:

• Poor visibility: Drivers of large trucks find it challenging to notice smaller vehicles on the road due to their enormous blind areas.
• Driver fatigue: Long hours of driving without breaks or rest can lead to driver fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Poor lighting: Inadequate or malfunctioning lights on trucks can make it challenging for other drivers to see the truck's presence on the road.
• Brake failure: Truck drivers rely heavily on their brakes to control and stop their vehicles. If the brakes fail, it can result in a severe accident.
• Driver error: Truck drivers who are distracted, speeding, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause accidents.
• Defective truck parts: Poorly maintained trucks or defective truck parts can contribute to underride accidents.

Both trucking companies and drivers need to take proactive measures to avoid these types of accidents. Image source - https://unsplash.com/photos/black-car-on-brown-sand-during-daytime-WM5WRBl-EZ8

Preventing Underride Truck Accidents

Underride truck accidents can have devastating consequences, and taking the necessary measures to prevent them is essential. Some ways to do so include: Installing underride guards: These metal barriers are attached to the sides and rear of trucks to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath them in an accident. Proper maintenance: Regular maintenance and inspection of large trucks can help identify any issues that could lead to accidents. Driver training: Truck drivers should be trained to handle their vehicles safely, especially when encountering smaller cars on the road. Visibility aids: Installing additional mirrors, cameras, and warning signs on trucks can improve visibility and reduce the risk of underride accidents.

Conclusion

On the road, underride truck accidents are a nightmare come true that can result in serious injuries and fatalities. Adequate safety precautions can help avert these kinds of mishaps, but when they do happen, it is imperative to have legal counsel. Skilled attorneys specializing in truck accidents can assist you in obtaining just compensation. Safety should always be a top priority when sharing the road with large trucks. Stay vigilant and stay safe! By Chris Bates