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Houston Truck Underride Accident Lawyer
Truck Underride Collision Analysis
Underride Crash Statistics
In the United States, there are over 4,000 truck underride collisions each year. These collisions often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck underride collision, it is important to understand your legal rights and options.
Our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you investigate the cause of the collision and hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Causes of Underride Accidents
What is an underride collision and how do they occur?
Underride collisions are potentially devastating vehicular crashes which occur when the front or side of a vehicle slides underneath another vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer.
Underride Crash Injuries
This type of crash is especially dangerous because of the higher potential for head and neck injuries caused by the roof panel being sheared off – or in extreme cases entirely crushed – by the truck.
Side Underride Collisions
Even in well-lit conditions, side underride collisions can occur when truck drivers attempt to cross or turn onto a street and oncoming vehicles fail to see the crossing. Target conspicuity – based upon contrast characteristics such as color, movement, brightness shape and size – could be the difference between those involved walking away from an accident unhurt…or suffering serious injuries that require legal action for injury damages with experienced personal injury lawyers like us!
The instability of smaller vehicles under larger ones also leads to an increased risk of rollover, particularly if a side-underride crash occurs.
Generally speaking, these crashes are caused by negligent driving on the part of either passenger car drivers or commercial vehicle operators, but negligence alone is not enough: there must be proof that proximity was a contributing factor in the proximate causation of injury in order for legal action to be taken.
Why are underride collisions so dangerous, and what types of injuries can result from them?
Underride collisions are notoriously dangerous due to the nature of the accident, where a smaller vehicle rides beneath a larger one. There is little protection for those involved in underride collisions, leading to serious injuries including broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries and even death.
It’s important to be aware and cautious around heavy vehicles that could lead to such an accident. As with any motor vehicle accident, victims of these types of crashes may have legal recourse dependent on the cause of the collision.
Prevent Underride Collisions
Underride Guards
Most underride guards fail to stop deadly accidents.
How can you avoid being involved in an underride collision as a truck driver or passenger car driver?
As a truck driver or passenger car driver, you should always be mindful of the risk of an underride collision. In order to avoid such a situation, there are certain precautions that can be taken. For example, you should ensure that the taillights of your vehicle and trailer are properly illuminated at all times in order for other vehicles and drivers to see your presence on the road. You should also consider installing additional reflective materials such as mud flaps or reflective kits that can further increase visibility.
Additionally, both truck and car drivers should drive cautiously and maintain safe distances between vehicles at all times, especially around larger trucks to allow room for proper stop and braking procedures in case of emergency situations. This is not only important for avoiding underride collisions, but also helps reduce the risk of other kinds of collisions and helps promote general safety on roads.
What should you do if you are involved in an underride collision as a truck driver or passenger car driver?
If you find yourself involved in an underride collision as either a truck driver or passenger car driver, it is imperative to remain calm and contact the local police. Additionally, seek out medical assistance if necessary and make notes of what happened during the incident; this includes the weather conditions, other drivers present and any details that may be relevant. In these types of cases, photographic evidence is highly recommended since it can help reconstruct the sequence of events that happened during the collision.
Furthermore, keeping all documents concerning your insurance plans and limits of coverage will be a helpful tool for your legal representation throughout this process.
Who can be held liable for damages caused by an underride collision, and what type of compensation may be available to victims and their families?
Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle, such as a car or motorcycle, slides underneath a larger truck or trailer. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, different parties may be held responsible for injuries and damages. Such parties could include the driver at fault, their employer (vehicle owner), cargo or equipment loader, or a party whose negligence contributed to the accident.
Fortunately, victims and their families are often entitled to various forms of compensation to cover costs related to medical treatment and lost wages, as well as damages due to pain and suffering. If you have been affected by an underride collision and believe someone else is liable for damages incurred, do not hesitate to consult with an experienced attorney right away.
Underride collisions are one of the most catastrophic types of motor vehicle accidents that can occur between large vehicles such as commercial trucks and smaller passenger cars. Their severity is due to the significant injury potential for all occupants involved in these types of crashes. As a truck driver or passenger car driver, there are steps you can take to prevent an underride collision from occurring. Most importantly, drive defensively, be mindful of your surroundings, and always wear a safety belt. However, if you or a loved one is ever involved in an underride collision, it is important to know what your legal rights and obligations are.
An experienced attorney understands that catastrophic injuries often result from this type of incident and will strive to seek justice and fair compensation for victims for their lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, and other losses related to the accident. Seeking gifted legal advice when needed can help ensure victims get the resources they need during a difficult time so they can heal physically and emotionally while helping them get back on their feet financially.