Underride Accidents in Tennessee: What Victims Should Know
Underride truck accidents are among the most devastating and life-altering collisions on Tennessee’s roadways. These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into a large truck, sliding underneath the trailer. Due to the significant size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, underride truck accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an underride truck accident, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial. Tennessee Accident Law is here to guide you through the complexities of these cases and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (615) 212-9866.
What Are Underride Truck Accidents?
Underride truck accidents happen when a smaller vehicle, such as a car or SUV, collides with the rear or side of a commercial truck or semi-trailer, sliding underneath it. This type of accident typically occurs due to the lack of underride guards, poor visibility, or driver negligence.
Underride collisions are classified into two main types:
- Rear Underride Accidents: Occur when a vehicle strikes the back of a truck or trailer and slides underneath. This often happens when a truck stops abruptly, has poorly marked reflective tape, or lacks a visible rear underride guard.
- Side Underride Accidents: Occur when a vehicle collides with the side of a truck, often during a lane change or turn. These accidents are especially common at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Due to the design of trucks and trailers, smaller vehicles can be crushed or pinned under the truck, leading to catastrophic outcomes.
Common Causes of Underride Truck Accidents in Tennessee
Several factors contribute to underride truck accidents in Tennessee, including:
- Lack of Underride Guards: Underride guards are safety features designed to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding under trucks. Unfortunately, not all trucks are equipped with properly maintained guards, making accidents far more dangerous.
- Poor Visibility: Insufficient reflective tape, broken lights, or poor weather conditions can make trucks difficult to see, increasing the risk of rear or side underride crashes.
- Sudden Stops or Turns: Truck drivers who make abrupt stops, illegal U-turns, or unsafe lane changes create conditions where underride truck accidents are likely.
- Driver Negligence: Truck drivers distracted by cell phones, fatigue, or impaired judgment may fail to operate their vehicles safely.
- Road and Weather Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, slick surfaces, and reduced visibility from fog or heavy rain can contribute to underride crashes.
Understanding the cause of your accident is critical when seeking compensation. Tennessee Accident Law works with experts to investigate underride truck accidents and identify responsible parties.
Injuries Resulting from Underride Truck Accidents
Underride truck accidents often result in severe and life-threatening injuries. The impact of sliding under a truck can crush the passenger compartment of a vehicle, leaving victims with devastating consequences such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations or loss of limbs
- Severe fractures and broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Fatalities
In addition to physical harm, victims often suffer from emotional trauma, mounting medical bills, and loss of income due to the inability to work. At Tennessee Accident Law, we understand the gravity of these injuries and are dedicated to helping victims and families recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Who Is Liable in Underride Truck Accidents?
Determining liability in underride truck accidents can be complex. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:
- Truck Drivers: If a truck driver’s negligence caused the crash—such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to adhere to safety regulations—they may be held liable.
- Trucking Companies: Companies that fail to maintain their trucks, install underride guards, or comply with federal safety standards can be held accountable for underride accidents.
- Truck Manufacturers: If the truck or trailer was defective, lacked proper underride protection, or had faulty safety equipment, the manufacturer may be liable.
- Other Third Parties: Road maintenance crews, other drivers, or cargo loaders may also contribute to the conditions leading to an underride truck accident.
At Tennessee Accident Law, our team will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and pursue full compensation for your losses.
Federal Safety Regulations and Underride Guards
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial trucks to meet specific safety standards, including installing underride guards. Rear underride guards are mandatory, but side underride protection is still not widely required, despite their effectiveness in preventing side collisions.
Trucking companies that fail to comply with these regulations put everyone on the road at risk. Tennessee Accident Law advocates for victims of underride truck accidents and holds negligent trucking companies accountable for violating safety standards.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Underride Truck Accident?
Victims of underride truck accidents in Tennessee may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical bills related to injuries sustained in the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
- Wrongful Death: Families of victims who have tragically died in underride accidents may recover funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional damages.
Tennessee Accident Law has decades of experience securing substantial compensation for victims and families affected by catastrophic truck accidents.
Why Choose Tennessee Accident Law for Your Underride Truck Accident Case?
At Tennessee Accident Law, as a Tennessee truck accident lawyer, we specialize in handling complex truck accident cases, including underride truck accidents. With over 20 years of experience representing plaintiffs in Tennessee, we have successfully taken on Fortune 500 companies, trucking corporations, and insurance giants. Here’s why victims trust us:
- Proven Results: Our firm has a track record of securing life-changing verdicts and settlements for our clients.
- Client-Focused Representation: We prioritize your needs and provide compassionate legal support throughout the process.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Tennessee Accident Law for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been involved in an underride truck accident, don’t wait to take action. The aftermath of these accidents can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Tennessee Accident Law is here to provide the legal expertise and support you need.
Complete our free case evaluation form today to learn more about your options. Let our experienced team fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Or, call us today at (615) 212-9866.
Sources:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The NHTSA provides critical data and safety regulations regarding underride guards and trucking safety. This government agency works to reduce fatal crashes involving commercial trucks.
Source Link: https://www.nhtsa.gov - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
The FMCSA enforces safety regulations for commercial trucks, including underride guard requirements and visibility standards. They publish statistics and reports on truck-related accidents.
Source Link: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
The IIHS conducts research and crash tests to promote safer vehicles and roads. They provide studies on underride collisions, safety measures, and the effectiveness of underride guards.
Source Link: https://www.iihs.org
