The Dangers of Truck Underride Accidents

The Dangers of Truck Underride Accidents

The Dangers of Truck Underride Accidents

It’s common to experience some level of anxiety while driving beside or around a commercial truck or semi-truck on the highway. The large size alone can be daunting compared to the size of a regular vehicle. Unfortunately, the fear of big commercial trucks is sometimes justified. Truck accidents are some of the most deadly accidents because their weight and size are extreme compared to the other vehicles on the road. Any accident between a regular car and a large truck or tractor-trailer will likely result in immense damage. 

Individuals in passenger vehicles suffer significant losses. While no amount of money can make up for those losses, they may be able to obtain monetary compensation through a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit. Compensation can provide relief for individuals who suffered injuries during a truck accident or individuals who lost someone in a truck accident. Contact a skilled truck accident attorney who can help you fight for your rights and provide guidance and support through this difficult situation. Truck accident claims are complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone. 

What Is a Truck Underride Accident?

Commercial trucks and tractor-trailers are higher off the road than the average passenger vehicle, meaning that their rear bumpers and side frames do not come close to matching up in a crash. When a passenger vehicle collides with a large truck, the car may slide partially or entirely under the truck—this is known as a truck underride accident and often result in catastrophic injury or death. 

During an underride accident, the first point of contact with the side or rear of the truck is typically the smaller vehicle’s windshield. When a car’s windshield collides with the side or rear of the truck, the car’s safety features, such as the front and rear crumple zones, don’t even come into play during the accident, meaning even low-speed underride crashes can be fatal for those in the passenger vehicle. 

Type of Truck Underride Accidents

There are three types of truck underride accidents: rear, side, and front. 

Rear

Rear truck underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle hits and slides under the rear of a large truck. These accidents typically occur because the smaller vehicle followed too closely and the truck ahead of them slowed down or stopped abruptly. 

Side

Side truck underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the side of the truck and slides partially or entirely underneath the truck. These accidents tend to occur at night when a truck is making a U-turn, and the other driver in the smaller vehicle cannot see the truck due to reduced visibility. Another typical instance of this accident occurs when the truck crosses or turns in front of the smaller vehicle believing the other driver saw them. This accident can also occur on the highway when the truck makes a lane change but does not see the other vehicle. 

Front

Front truck underride accidents happen when a truck drives over a smaller vehicle and causes the smaller vehicle to lodge under the front of the truck. A common cause of these accidents involves poor truck maintenance, specifically brake system maintenance. These accidents can also occur due to the truck driver being distracted.  

Contact a Colorado Truck Accident Lawyer Today 

At Mintz Law, we are dedicated to helping injured individuals and surviving family members throughout Colorado recover from a truck accident’s debilitating and even life-changing effects. Truck accidents can lead to injuries that impact a victim’s health and livelihood. That’s why we strive to help you understand your rights and help you fight for justice. Whether it’s the truck driver or a trucking company, whoever is liable for your injury or the death of a loved one, Mintz Law will work tirelessly to hold them accountable and recover the compensation you deserve. 

Schedule a consultation today at (303) 462-2999, or fill out our contact form

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