Large commercial trucks share the road with passenger vehicles every day, towering over smaller cars as they transport goods across the country. Most drivers give these massive vehicles a wide berth, instinctively aware of the danger they pose. However, even the most cautious motorists can find themselves in a terrifying situation known as an “underride truck accident,” where a smaller vehicle slides beneath a truck trailer. These collisions rank among the most devastating crashes on American highways, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities that leave families forever changed.
What Makes Underride Truck Accidents Different From Other Crashes?
Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle collides with a large truck and slides underneath the trailer, which causes the top of the smaller car to be sheared off or crushed. The trailer often strikes at windshield level, directly impacting where passengers sit. This positioning makes airbags and seatbelts far less effective, as the force enters the vehicle cabin itself rather than the front bumper or hood areas engineered to collapse during impact.
Why Do Underride Accidents Happen on Roadways?
Several factors contribute to these deadly collisions, with rear-end underride being the most common type. Trucks that stop suddenly or travel slowly are a common cause, particularly when visibility is poor or traffic is heavy. Side underride accidents happen when cars slide under trailers during lane changes or at intersections, which often results from blind spots or misjudged turning distances. Other factors include poor lighting conditions that make trucks difficult to see at night, inadequate reflective markings, and mechanical failures such as brake problems or tire blowouts.
What Injuries Result From These Severe Collisions?
The catastrophic nature of underride accidents produces devastating injuries that differ significantly from standard motor vehicle crashes. Traumatic brain injuries occur frequently because the impact zone directly strikes occupants at the head level, causing severe cognitive impairment or permanent disability. Spinal cord damage happens when the roof collapses onto passengers, potentially resulting in paralysis or chronic pain conditions. Crushing injuries affect the upper body, chest, and shoulders as the vehicle cabin compresses around those inside. Many survivors face extensive reconstructive surgeries, prolonged rehabilitation, and lifelong medical needs that dramatically alter their quality of life.
How Do Federal Regulations Address Underride Prevention?
The federal government mandates rear underride guards on most large trucks and trailers, requiring these protective barriers to withstand specific impact forces. Standards were updated in 2022 to require guards that can withstand impacts up to 35 mph, though safety advocates argue these requirements still do not go far enough. Side underride guards, which could prevent lateral collisions, remain largely optional despite evidence showing their effectiveness. Advocates continue pushing for stronger regulations that reflect updated crash testing data, while trucking companies debate the cost and weight implications of enhanced safety equipment.
How Is Liability Determined in an Underride Crash?
This involves examining multiple parties who may share responsibility for the collision. Truck drivers can be held accountable for negligent operation, which includes speeding, distracted driving, or failing to maintain proper lane position. Trucking companies also face potential liability when they provide inadequate training, allow poor maintenance practices, or pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules that compromise safety. Equipment manufacturers may bear responsibility if defective guards or missing safety devices contributed to the severity of injuries sustained during impact. Additionally, maintenance providers could be liable where improper repairs or inadequate inspections left safety equipment in disrepair, creating the dangerous conditions that ultimately led to the accident.
Our Skilled Manasquan Truck Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Fight for Your Recovery
If you or a loved one was affected by an underride truck accident, our Manasquan truck accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC can explain your legal options. To schedule a free consultation, call today at 732-920-8383 or contact us online. With office locations in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout the state.