When a car slides underneath a large truck, the results can be devastating. These crashes, known as underride truck accidents, often lead to severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants inside the smaller vehicle. The height difference between a tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle creates a dangerous gap that can turn a minor collision into one of the deadliest types of traffic accidents on the road.
In a past year, out of 2,241 passenger-vehicle occupants killed in large truck crashes, 260 died in crashes where the front of their car struck the rear of a truck, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
In many cases, underride accidents happen when a car or smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer, trapping the occupants and crushing the passenger compartment. These accidents can occur in seconds and often leave families struggling to deal with the aftermath.
Legal Help for Victims of Underride Truck Accidents
Victims of underride accidents deserve a strong legal team that understands the unique nature of these collisions. At Temple Injury Law, we fight for injured drivers, passengers, and families who have suffered because a trucking company or truck driver failed to take proper safety steps.
When a collision like this occurs, the force of the impact can cause fatal injuries, leaving families facing medical bills, emotional trauma, and the loss of a loved one. That’s why it’s essential to contact a qualified truck accident lawyer who can help you suffer less by seeking financial compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain.
How Underride Accidents Happen
Underride accidents often occur when a car slides underneath the back or side of a large truck. This happens because the height difference between the two vehicles allows the smaller car to slip under the trailer, crushing the roof of the passenger vehicle. The occupants inside are exposed to the direct force of impact, often resulting in serious injuries or death. The Department of Transportation and safety advocates continue to push for better standards for rear and side guards to improve highway safety. However, not every trucking company installs them, and enforcement varies by state.
Common Causes of Underride Crashes
There are several factors that can lead to an underride crash:
- Poor visibility at night – A truck without reflective markings or proper lights can be nearly invisible in the dark.
- Sudden stops – A truck driver who brakes unexpectedly can leave a smaller vehicle no time to react.
- Improper turns or U-turns – Large trucks that block lanes while turning can cause cars to collide with the trailer.
- Speeding or distracted driving – Both drivers may share fault if one or both were speeding or not paying attention.
- Parked trailers – A truck left parked on the shoulder without warning devices can cause a deadly collision.
Mechanical failure – Faulty brakes or missing guards can make an accident far worse.
Trucking Company Negligence and Liability
A skilled lawyer can help identify which parties are responsible, whether it’s the truck driver, the company, a manufacturer of faulty guards, or a department that failed to enforce regulations.
Many underride accidents could be prevented if trucking companies followed existing safety rules. Negligence can include failing to maintain rear guards, omitting side guards, disregarding higher standards, or failing to properly train drivers.
A responsible trucking company must also ensure that the truck meets highway safety regulations and that reflective tape, lighting, and warning signs are properly installed and maintained. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries, fatalities, and property damage.
After an underride collision, victims should act quickly. Call the police, get medical help, and take photos of the vehicles if possible. Gather the truck driver’s information and contact your lawyer before speaking to insurance companies.
The legal process can be complicated, but an experienced attorney will guide you through it. At Temple Injury Law, our team helps injured drivers, passengers, and their families pursue financial compensation for different damages. We deal directly with insurance institutes and trucking company representatives to ensure your rights are protected.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Recover Compensation
A strong legal claim requires proving negligence and showing how the accident caused your injuries or a loved one’s death. Your lawyer will:
- Gather police and accident reports
- Review dashcam or highway safety footage
- Consult research and transportation data to show patterns
- Investigate guards, trailers, and maintenance records
- Calculate damages for medical care, lost earnings, and emotional harm
Improving Safety and Preventing Future Underride Accidents
While the Department of Transportation and advocacy groups continue to push for improved standards, the most effective way to reduce fatalities is through increased awareness and personal responsibility. Drivers must stay alert, maintain safe following distances, and never assume a truck will stop quickly.
Trucking companies must install side guards and strong rear guards, especially on older trailers. Simple steps, such as brighter lights, reflective tape, and improved maintenance, can save lives.
Highway safety depends on everyone: other drivers, truck drivers, law enforcement, and regulators. Each collision prevented means fewer victims and fewer families left to deal with the tragedy.
Jeff Temple
Personal Injury Lawyer
Call Our Las Vegas Truck Accident Lawyer for Help After an Underride Truck Accident
If you or someone in your family was injured in an underride truck accident, getting legal help quickly is important. These crashes can change lives in seconds. You deserve a lawyer who listens, clearly explains your options, and takes effective action.
At Temple Injury Law, we’ve helped victims, drivers, and passengers hold trucking companies accountable for unsafe trailers, missing guards, and reckless drivers. We work with compassion and transparency, keeping you informed at every step.
Many clients describe their experience as personal and supportive. As one client, Demi Kerlus, shared:
Jeff Temple is great if you’re looking for a one-on-one personal injury attorney who is genuine, responsive, and actually takes the time to answer all your questions. He’s easy to get a hold of, very kind, and knows how to get you the best settlement for the injuries you’ve sustained. Whether it’s a car accident or another type of injury, we’ve used Jeff a couple of times, and he has never disappointed.
That same commitment defines every case we handle. If you’ve been hurt in an underride accident, don’t wait for the insurance institute or the trucking company to decide what you deserve. Call us at (702) 487-4999 for a free consultation. We’ll help you deal with the aftermath, fight for fair compensation, and work to prevent future harm to others.