Passenger Vehicles and the Dangers of Underride Truck Accidents
Underride truck accidents are some of the most damaging commercial truck collisions. These accidents are not usually very harmful for commercial truck drivers and passengers, but they can be catastrophic for people in passenger vehicles. Passenger vehicles face unique dangers in underride truck accidents, including potentially fatal injuries.
Here, truck accident lawyer Daniel D. Moody explains exactly what an underride truck accident is, the most common causes of these types of collisions, and what type of damages accident victims in Lakeland, FL, Winter Haven, FL, and surrounding areas may be due when another person or party is liable for the crash.
What Is an Underride Truck Accident?
An underride truck accident most commonly involves a commercial truck (usually one with a tractor trailer) and a passenger vehicle. Because tractor trailer trucks sit up so high off the road, a passenger vehicle may slide beneath the trailer. This is known as an underride truck accident. There are two types of underride truck accidents: side underride accidents and rear underride accidents.
- Side underride accidents - A side underride truck accident occurs when a passenger vehicle gets caught beneath the side portion of the tractor-trailer. These most often occur when a driver is changing lanes or when a turn is being made.
- Rear underride accidents - A rear underride accident occurs when a passenger vehicle gets caught beneath the rear of the tractor-trailer. These most often occur when the commercial truck slows or stops.
Common Causes of Underride Truck Accidents
There are many different factors that can contribute to an underride truck accident, but most involve one of these common causes:
- Tailgating (a passenger vehicle following the commercial truck too closely)
- Situations with low light or reduced visibility
- Truck driver recklessness or negligence (i.e. sudden stops, illegal turns, etc.)
- Insufficient truck maintenance (i.e. lack of an under rail guard, lack of reflective tape, malfunctioning brake lights, etc.)
Dangers of Underride Truck Accidents
Underride truck accidents are especially dangerous for passenger vehicles. In these accidents, the top of the car can be pulled off, which leaves drivers and passengers vulnerable to catastrophic or fatal injuries. Common injuries in underride truck accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Traumatic neck, back, or spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Partial or complete paralysis
Any of the abovementioned injuries are likely to require extended medical treatment and result in serious pain, as well as physical trauma. In addition, these types of injuries tend to be very costly for our Lakeland clients. Besides the substantial medical expenses that may be associated with underride truck accident injuries, people may miss out on work (and income), or may even be unable to return to their previous line of work.
Compensation for Damages
When another person or party is responsible for an underride truck accident, they should be held liable for the economic and non-economic losses related to accident injuries. Common areas of compensation in these types of accidents include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of wage earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
If a truck driver was reckless, or if a trucking company was negligent regarding truck maintenance, accident victims can pursue compensation from either the truck driver, the trucking company, or both. Attorney Daniel D. Moody considers all liable parties, and all areas of loss, to maximize accident damages for his clients.
Contact Attorney Daniel D. Moody
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, attorney Daniel D. Moody can help you collect financial compensation for your losses. To schedule a consultation with our legal team, contact our law firm online, or call (863) 284-9090 at your earliest convenience.