Underride Truck Accidents in Waco
Underride truck accidents are among the most severe and catastrophic collisions on the road. These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with a commercial truck and becomes wedged beneath its trailer or rear. The results are often devastating, with severe injuries and fatalities being common outcomes.
Types of Underride Collisions
There are two types of underride truck accidents:
Side Underride Collisions
A side underride collision occurs when a vehicle slides beneath the side of a large truck. These accidents typically occur during low visibility conditions, such as at night or when the sun is low, or when a truck driver is maneuvering across or turning onto a street, making a U-turn, or reversing.
Rear Underride Collisions
A rear underride collision involves a vehicle sliding beneath the rear end of a truck or trailer during an accident. These collisions often occur when a car follows a truck too closely, when a poorly marked truck is parked on the side of the road, or in conditions of limited visibility.
Common Causes of Underride Collisions
Underride accidents can occur for many reasons, with some of the most prevalent causes including:
Driver Negligence
Negligent actions by truck drivers or other motorists can directly precipitate underride accidents. Examples include driving while distracted, speeding, operating a vehicle while fatigued, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or neglecting to check blind spots.
Lack of or Faulty Underride Guards
Many semi-trucks are equipped with underride guards to prevent cars from sliding beneath the trailer in an accident. However, if these guards are defective, broken, or improperly installed, a car may still end up underneath the side or rear of the trailer in a collision.
Braking Too Abruptly
Sudden braking by a truck driver can result in a car traveling behind not having enough time to stop, potentially causing it to slide underneath the rear of the truck in a crash.
Improper Turns
Improper turning maneuvers by truck drivers, such as making overly wide turns or failing to signal, can lead to collisions where another vehicle ends up impacting the side of the truck, resulting in an underride accident.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Inadequate or substandard maintenance practices can contribute to underride accidents. Instances include brake failures, malfunctions in steering equipment, tire blowouts, and issues with the trailer’s integrity.
Why You Need a Lawyer After an Underride Accident
After an underride accident, securing legal representation is crucial to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and potentially extensive losses. An experienced trucking accident lawyer in Waco can navigate the complexities of your case, determine liability, and hold the responsible parties accountable. They can gather evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to build a strong case on your behalf. Additionally, a lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
By having a skilled advocate on your side, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the legal aspects of your claim, providing you with peace of mind during a challenging time.