A truck underride accident lawyer knows all too well the devastating consequences of underride crashes. These catastrophic collisions occur when a smaller vehicle, typically a passenger car, slides underneath the rear or side of a large commercial truck or trailer. The impact often results in severe injuries or fatalities due to the lack of adequate protection and the vulnerability of the smaller vehicle’s occupants. At Tennessee Accident Law, we specialize in representing victims and families affected by these tragedies, holding negligent parties accountable and fighting to secure just compensation.
Call us now at 615-212-9866 to speak with an experienced attorney about your truck accident case.
What Is a Truck Underride Accident?
A truck underride accident happens when a car or smaller vehicle collides with a large truck and becomes trapped underneath the trailer. The most frequent types include:
Rear underride accidents
When a vehicle crashes into the back of a tractor-trailer and slides under.
Side underride accidents
When a vehicle strikes the side of a truck during turns or lane changes and ends up beneath the trailer.
Front underride accidents
Less common, these involve the front of a smaller vehicle sliding beneath a large truck in head-on collisions.
These truck accidents are uniquely dangerous because the vehicle’s safety features, such as airbags and crumple zones, are often rendered ineffective. The rigid frame of the truck trailer can cause catastrophic injuries like decapitation or severe trauma to the occupants.
Common Causes of Underride Accidents
Our experienced truck underride accident lawyer teams identify several common causes behind these deadly collisions:
Insufficient or Defective Underride Guards
While federal law requires rear underride guards on most trailers, many trucks either lack proper guards or have guards that are poorly maintained or improperly installed. Side underride guards are not currently required by federal regulations, exposing motorists to side-impact underride risks.
Poor Truck Visibility
Trucks without adequate reflective tape, lighting, or conspicuous markings are difficult to see, especially at night or in poor weather. This lack of visibility can cause drivers to unknowingly collide with the truck.
Improperly Parked or Stopped Trucks
When trucks stop or park on roadsides without proper emergency lights, cones, or warning signs, drivers may not have sufficient time to react, leading to underride collisions.
Unsafe Driving Practices
Sudden stops, illegal turns, or failure to signal by the truck driver increase the risk of underride accidents. Truck driver negligence such as fatigue, distraction, or intoxication also plays a significant role.
Who Is Responsible in a Truck Underride Accident?
Determining liability in underride crashes is often complex and multifaceted. At Tennessee Accident Law, we investigate all potential parties:
Truck Drivers
If the driver failed to exercise reasonable care—due to reckless driving, fatigue, or ignoring safety protocols—they may be held personally responsible.
Trucking Companies
Trucking firms are responsible for driver training, vehicle maintenance, and compliance with federal safety standards. Negligence in any of these areas can lead to company liability.
Manufacturers and Maintenance Providers
If the underride guards or other truck safety equipment were defective or improperly maintained, manufacturers and maintenance contractors can be held liable under product liability or negligence claims.
Injuries Resulting from Underride Accidents
The injuries in underride accidents are among the most severe encountered in traffic crashes. Common injuries we see include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Severe spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Decapitation and catastrophic skull fractures
- Internal organ damage and severe bleeding
- Compound fractures and disfigurement
- Permanent disability or wrongful death
The extent and severity of these injuries often require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation, underscoring the importance of securing full compensation.
The Role of Expert Witnesses in Truck Underride Accident Cases
Expert testimony is critical to proving liability and damages in these complex cases. At Tennessee Accident Law, we rely on a variety of specialists:
Accident Reconstruction Experts
Analyze crash scene evidence to establish how the accident happened and assess whether safety devices failed.
Mechanical Engineers
Evaluate the truck’s underride guards and other components for defects or maintenance lapses.
Medical Professionals
Detail injury severity, prognosis, and future care needs.
Regulatory Compliance Experts
Determine if trucking companies violated federal safety and operational regulations.
Expert witnesses simplify technical details for juries and courts, strengthening our case and increasing the likelihood of obtaining fair settlements or verdicts.
Federal Regulations and the Need for Improved Underride Safety
Currently, federal law mandates rear underride guards on many trailers, but side guards remain optional. The lack of comprehensive underride protection leaves countless motorists vulnerable. Safety advocates and legislators have pushed for stricter regulations such as the proposed STOP Underrides Act, which aims to require full underride guards on all sides and rear of commercial trucks.
Staying abreast of evolving safety regulations is crucial for our legal team when pursuing liability claims.
Filing a Claim After an Underride Accident
If you or a loved one is involved in an underride accident, immediate and strategic action is essential:
- Get prompt medical care to document injuries.
- Preserve all evidence including photos, witness statements, and police reports.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal counsel.
- Contact a trusted truck underride accident lawyer to protect your rights and build a strong case.
You can start your claim by completing our free case evaluation form or by calling us directly at 615-212-9866.
Why Choose Tennessee Accident Law?
Underride accident claims require specialized legal expertise due to their complexity and the severe injuries involved. At Tennessee Accident Law, our dedicated truck underride accident lawyers have the experience, resources, and determination to hold negligent parties accountable. We understand the technical, regulatory, and emotional challenges victims face and provide compassionate, aggressive representation to secure maximum compensation.
Sources
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Detailed data on underride crashes and federal safety standards.
https://www.nhtsa.gov - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – Research and safety ratings focused on underride guard effectiveness.
https://www.iihs.org - Congress.gov – STOP Underrides Act – Information on legislative efforts to mandate comprehensive underride guards.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/605
