Underride Truck Accidents

The term “underride accidents” is not commonly heard by the average person during their lifetime. Underride truck accidents involve an 18-wheeler accident and another car becoming pinned underneath the trailer from behind or in the middle. Many of these accidents occur as rear-end collisions when a driver slams into the tractor-trailer combo. The extra height and clearance underneath the trailer make for a deadly combination when a standard-height automobile collides with the back of a cargo carrier.

Some are fortunate enough to walk away from such tragic semi-truck accidents, but it means almost instant death for most. Trucking companies and the Department of Transportation are continually developing new methods to prevent and mitigate the risk of pinning vehicles, utilizing enhanced safety lighting and reflectors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights that underride accidents account for many truck-related fatalities.

The undercarriage barrier that exists on the back of every commercial trailer does not always do its job during a rear-end collision. More times than not, the barrier will fold like it is made of recycled soda cans or tin foil. The problem is that this safety feature is never tested, which could indicate that the trailer maker is cutting corners.

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What Causes Truck Underride Crashes in Texas

Truck underride crashes are some of the most dangerous accidents on Texas roads. These collisions happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a large truck. Because of the size difference and the space beneath a trailer, the people in the car are left almost completely unprotected. Sadly, underride crashes often cause life-changing injuries or even death. Knowing the common causes of these wrecks can help families understand what went wrong and who may be responsible.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Tractor-trailers have massive blind spots that can completely hide a passenger vehicle. If a truck driver changes lanes without carefully checking, they may sideswipe a car or force it under the trailer. When this happens, the car often gets trapped beneath the truck, leading to devastating injuries for everyone inside.

Wide and Improper Turns

Big trucks need plenty of room to turn. If a driver misjudges the space or cuts a corner too closely, nearby vehicles can get caught in the path of the trailer. In crowded intersections or city streets, these mistakes often cause cars to collide with the trailer and end up wedged underneath.

Sudden Stops

If a truck slams on the brakes without warning, cars behind may not have time to stop. When that happens, the smaller vehicle can slide under the rear of the trailer. Rear underride guards are supposed to prevent this, but many are poorly designed, damaged, or not strong enough to do the job.

Weak or Missing Underride Guards

Trucking companies are required to have underride guards, but the law does not always guarantee that the guards are effective. Some are too flimsy, installed incorrectly, or not maintained at all. When guards fail, cars that crash into the back or side of a trailer can end up crushed underneath.

Speeding and Tailgating

A truck traveling too fast or following too closely leaves little room for error. When traffic slows or a car changes lanes, a speeding or tailgating truck can cause a sudden impact that forces smaller vehicles into dangerous positions—sometimes under the trailer.

Weather and Road Hazards

Texas roads can be unpredictable, with sudden rain, heavy fog, or congested construction zones. Trucks that don’t slow down or adjust to conditions put everyone around them at risk. Poor visibility or slick pavement makes it much easier for underride accidents to happen.

Fatigued or Distracted Driving

Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, often under pressure to meet strict delivery deadlines. Fatigue sets in, slowing reaction times and clouding judgment. Distractions—like texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS—can take a driver’s eyes off the road for just a few seconds, which is more than enough time to cause a deadly underride crash.

Common Causes of Underride Truck Accidents

Understanding the causes of underride truck accidents is crucial for prevention. Key factors include:

1. Lack of Proper Truck Equipment

Many trucks lack appropriate underride guards. These guards prevent vehicles from sliding underneath the truck during a collision. Regulations stipulate that trucks manufactured after certain dates must have these safety features, but many older trucks are not compliant.

2. Driver Error

Human error remains a leading cause of underride car accidents. Distractions, fatigue, and impairment can lead to critical mistakes. Truck drivers, in particular, may experience fatigue due to long hours on the road, increasing the risk of an underride situation. Truck drivers can also fail to yield the right-of-way, causing an underride crash.

3. Road Conditions

Poor road maintenance, such as potholes, debris, and inadequate signage, can contribute to driver errors. Furthermore, adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and increase stopping distances.

The Consequences of Underride Truck Accidents

The impact of underride truck accidents can be devastating. Victims often face:

Severe Injuries

Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and multiple fractures. The design of many vehicles offers little protection in an underride scenario, leading to life-altering conditions.

Financial Burdens

Medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages can lead to significant financial strain on victims and their families. The cost of care for severe injuries can run into the millions, necessitating legal action to secure Compensation.

Emotional Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, victims often experience psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional burdens can impact relationships and overall quality of life.

Legal Help After an Underride Accident

Victims of underride accidents often face catastrophic injuries such as brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or multiple fractures. Families may also be left grieving the wrongful death of a loved one. These cases demand a full investigation to determine whether the truck driver, trucking company, or equipment manufacturer was at fault.

An experienced Texas truck accident lawyer can collect critical evidence—like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records—and build a strong case for compensation. Victims and families may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, or funeral costs.

Contact a Top-Rated Texas Truck Accident Attorney in Texas for Help

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an underride crash, don’t wait to get help. Texas law gives you only a limited time to file a claim. Our truck accident attorneys are here to fight for your rights, hold negligent companies accountable, and help you recover the financial support you need.

Call today for a free consultation and let us guide you through the next steps toward justice and recovery.

Get a FREE Consultation – (281) 893-0760

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