The Causes of Underride Accidents and How to Prevent Them

What are Underride Accidents?

Underride accidents are a type of vehicle accident involving a large truck, usually a tractor-trailer, and a smaller passenger vehicle. In an underride accident, the smaller passenger vehicle collides with the truck and slides or is forced underneath the truck or its trailer.

Underride accidents often result in severe or fatal injuries to the occupants of the passenger vehicle. The smaller vehicle’s windshield and roof come into direct contact with the truck and can be sheared off upon impact.

The Importance of Preventing Underride Accidents

Drivers must recognize the importance of preventing underride accidents as they pose an increased risk of life-threatening accident injuries and death. The following article highlights the causes of underride accidents and how to prevent them while sharing the road with large trucks.

If you were injured in an underride accident or lost a loved one due to an underride accident, an experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyer may be able to help. Reach out to a truck accident in your area for a consultation and claim review.

The Causes of Underride Accidents

There are many causes of underride accidents in the United States. Some of the most common are:

• Inclement weather: Rain, snow, and fog can decrease visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see large trucks;
• Lack of visibility: Trucks without easily identifiable markings, colors, or reflectors may be hard to see at night or in poor weather conditions;
• Blind spots: Trucks may not see cars that are in their blind spots;
• Sudden starts and stops: Inattentive drivers of trucks or passenger cars may make sudden starts and stops, increasing their chances of an underride accident;
• Tailgating: Tailgating and the inability to brake in time may result in an underride accident; and
• Speeding: Speeding, distracted driving, failure to use turn signals, and disregarding traffic rules and regulations boost the chances of underride accidents.  

Another cause of underride accidents is the lack of or failure to equip a large truck with underride guards. Underride guards or safety bars are designed to slow down or redirect smaller vehicles that drive under the trailer. 

Preventing Underride Accidents

While it is impossible to control the actions of others, you can do your part to prevent underride accidents by:

• Staying alert and sober while driving;
• Obeying all traffic signals and laws;
• Driving according to the weather;
• Maintaining a safe distance from large trucks; and
• Avoiding large truck blind spots.

Truck drivers also have to drive safely and responsibly. If a truck driver’s actions left you or a loved one severely injured, contact an experienced attorney for help today.

Contact an Experienced San Antonio Truck Accident Attorney Today

The San Antonio personal injury lawyers at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, want you to receive the best possible representation for your personal injury case. Call our bilingual staff today to schedule your complimentary consultation with a compassionate, successful truck accident attorney.

The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, is a Texas Law firm dedicated to client satisfaction and personalized legal solutions. Other attorneys and our clients highly recommend us.

You do not have to face your truck accident claim and the insurance company alone. The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, will fight on your behalf for the compensation and justice you deserve!