Underride truck accidents are among the most deadly collisions on Tennessee roadways. These crashes occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a commercial truck’s trailer, often shearing off the top of the vehicle and causing catastrophic or fatal injuries. Despite being largely preventable, underride accidents continue to occur due to inadequate safety measures and negligent trucking practices.
At Tennessee Accident Law, we represent victims and families affected by underride truck accidents across Tennessee. We understand the severity of these cases and fight aggressively to hold negligent trucking companies and manufacturers accountable.
If you have immediate questions, call us at (615) 212-9866 or complete our free case evaluation form now.
What Is an Underride Truck Accident?
An underride accident happens when the front of a smaller vehicle becomes trapped beneath a truck trailer. The height mismatch between passenger vehicles and large trailers makes these collisions particularly dangerous, especially at highway speeds.
Common types of underride accidents include:
- Rear underride accidents, where a vehicle strikes the back of a trailer
- Side underride accidents, often occurring during turns or lane changes
- Front underride accidents, involving oncoming trucks
These crashes frequently result in fatal head and neck injuries.
Why Underride Accidents Are So Dangerous
Unlike other truck crashes, underride accidents offer little protection to vehicle occupants. The force of impact bypasses standard safety features like airbags and crumple zones.
Victims often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Decapitation or severe neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Crush injuries
- Fatal internal organ damage
Many underride accidents result in instant fatalities or life-altering injuries.
Common Causes of Underride Truck Accidents in Tennessee
Underride crashes are often caused by negligence and safety failures, including:
Inadequate or Missing Underride Guards
Rear and side underride guards are designed to prevent vehicles from sliding beneath trailers. When these guards are missing, damaged, or poorly designed, the risk of fatal injury increases.
Poor Visibility
Lack of reflective tape, broken lights, or improper markings make trailers difficult to see at night or in bad weather.
Unsafe Driving Practices
Sudden stops, illegal turns, and lane changes by truck drivers can create unavoidable underride hazards.
Improper Parking
Trucks stopped on roadways, shoulders, or poorly lit areas create deadly underride risks.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Underride Accident?
Underride truck accident cases often involve multiple responsible parties, including:
Truck Drivers
Drivers who fail to operate their vehicles safely or violate traffic laws may be held accountable.
Trucking Companies
Companies may be liable for:
- Failing to install or maintain underride guards
- Ignoring safety regulations
- Poor driver training and supervision
Trailer and Truck Manufacturers
Manufacturers may be responsible for defective or poorly designed underride protection systems.
Maintenance Providers
Contractors responsible for inspections and repairs may share liability.
Our firm investigates all parties to ensure full accountability.
Compensation Available to Underride Accident Victims
Victims of underride truck accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:
- Emergency and long-term medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and future medical care
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability damages
- Wrongful death damages for surviving families
Given the severity of these injuries, compensation often extends far beyond standard accident claims.
Why Underride Accident Claims Are Aggressively Defended
Trucking companies and manufacturers are well aware of the dangers associated with underride crashes. As a result, they often:
- Dispute liability
- Minimize injury severity
- Shift blame to victims
- Fight product liability claims aggressively
We build evidence-driven cases designed to overcome these defenses.
How Tennessee Accident Law Handles Underride Truck Accident Cases
Our firm has extensive experience handling complex truck accident litigation involving catastrophic injuries. When you work with Tennessee Accident Law, we:
- Preserve truck and trailer evidence
- Consult engineering and accident reconstruction experts
- Analyze compliance with federal safety standards
- Prepare every case for trial
- Charge no fees unless we recover compensation
We represent only injured victims and their families.
Speak With a Tennessee Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in an underride truck accident in Tennessee, you deserve experienced legal representation and accountability.
Contact Tennessee Accident Law today by completing our free case evaluation form or calling 615-212-9866 to speak with an experienced Tennessee truck accident lawyer.
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – Research on underride crashes and trailer safety.
https://www.iihs.org - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Underride accident data and safety initiatives.
https://www.nhtsa.gov - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Regulations governing truck trailer safety and visibility.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov
