Car Accidents, Truck Accidents Archives

What is an Underride Truck Accident?

Underride truck accidents can lead to serious injuries and damages for accident victims. If you have been injured in an underride truck accident due to a truck driver or trucking company’s carelessness or negligence, you may be in a position to file a claim or lawsuit against the negligent driver and/or the employer trucking company. 

An underride truck accident is a very serious type of accident that occurs when a small motor vehicle collides with the back or side of a large tractor-trailer – and slides underneath the trailer. When this occurs, it is extremely common that the top of the smaller vehicle comes off completely. 

In an underride truck accident, the accident victims can suffer severe and traumatic head injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries. Such injuries can require costly treatment, keep you from working, and might even permanently change your life due to lasting disabilities and impairments. These accidents can also be fatal. 

If you or someone you love was injured or killed in an underride truck accident that occurred because of someone else’s negligence, the experienced Austin truck accident lawyers at Terry & Kelly, PLLC, are ready to assist with pursuing the monetary compensation that you need and deserve. Please talk with us today to discover more about how we could assist you with your truck accident claim or lawsuit.  

Types of Truck Underride Accidents

There are essentially two different types of truck underride accidents. The first type is called a side underride accident, in which case the truck driver is either attempting to make a U-turn or turn onto a street, and the other driver does not seek the truck crossing into his or her path of travel. The second type of underride accident is called a rear underride collision. These collisions happen when a driver collides with the back of a large truck or tractor-trailer, usually because the latter has poor markings and is not visible to other drivers. 

Pursuant to regulations established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tractor-trailers must be equipped with rear safety guards. These guards have proven extremely effective in preventing smaller vehicles from sliding underneath trucks following a rear collision. 

In cases where the cause of a truck underride accident can be traced to a negligent truck driver or trucking company – such as for failing to abide by relevant motor carrier regulations – the accident victim could file a claim or lawsuit seeking monetary compensation and damages for his or her injuries. 

Speak to an Austin Truck Accident Attorney about Your Legal Matter Today

If you or someone you care about has been severely injured in a truck underride accident that occurred in the Greater Austin area, the legal team at Terry & Kelly, PLLC, is ready to help. We can review the circumstances of your accident with you, begin the necessary investigation, and work to ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries and damages. 

For a free legal consultation and case evaluation with an Austin truck accident lawyer, please call today at (512) 910-2000 or contact us online for more information.