Semi-trucks have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries when they collide with other vehicles. One type of truck accident that is particularly dangerous is the underride truck accident, in which a vehicle slides underneath the body of a large truck.
What are underride truck accidents, and why are they so dangerous? A truck accident lawyer in Charlotte shares more about these accidents and the potential options for seeking compensation.
Underride Truck Accidents Explained
An underride truck accident occurs when a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle collide in a manner in which the smaller car slides under the truck, or the truck drives up and over the smaller vehicle. This can happen when the smaller vehicle is positioned between the truck’s wheels during a collision. The height disparity between a semi-truck and a standard passenger vehicle leaves ample room for the truck to roll up and over the smaller vehicle instead of simply colliding with it.
Underride accidents lead the semi-truck to pin the smaller vehicle beneath it, crushing the vehicle and making escape challenging. While many large trucks are legally required to have rear underride guards to prevent such accidents, they can still occur if the conditions are right. Side underride accidents, which happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the side of a truck, are also prevalent and deadly.
Why Are Underride Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
Underride collisions are particularly dangerous for drivers of passenger vehicles for a few reasons.
- The truck’s height may allow it to shear off the passenger vehicle’s roof, crushing the passenger compartment.
- Rescue efforts can be challenging due to the weight of the truck pressing down on the passenger vehicle, rendering doors and windows ineffective.
- These accidents sometimes do not activate airbags and other safety features due to the point of impact being on the hood or windshield.
Exploring Legal Options After an Underride Truck Accident
If you or a loved one was injured in an underride truck accident, you may be eligible to pursue a compensation claim. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options after establishing truck accident liability.
If the truck driver violated truck safety regulations, they or their company may be held liable for the accident. You may be able to file an insurance claim or take legal action to pursue compensation for medical bills, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
If a loved one passed away in this type of commercial vehicle accident, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. This would allow you to seek compensation for the losses you incurred from your loved one’s death, such as funeral costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
Seek Legal Guidance From Yale Haymond Law PLLC
An underride crash can lead to serious truck accident injuries that alter the course of your life. If you or a loved one was injured in an underride truck accident in the greater Charlotte area, Yale Haymond Law PLLC can help you understand your legal options.
Contact us today at 704-800-4357 for a legal consultation.
