When a small passenger vehicle collides with the back of a large commercial truck and actually drives partially under the tractor trailer, authorities label this an underride accident. This type of accident can be extremely dangerous for the motorists in the passenger car for many reasons. First, underride accidents usually happen at highway speeds of 60 miles per hour or more, and occasionally may result in the car actually getting stuck underneath the truck. Since the back of the truck is at windshield height, victims often suffer fatal or life-threatening injuries. If the accident was caused by another person’s negligence, injured victims deserve to be compensated for their losses and should contact an experienced truck accident lawyer for assistance.
There are many factors that may show that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent and responsible for the underride accident. Some of these factors include the following:
- Regulations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) require that trucks have reflectors and markings on the back and sides of the trailer to keep it visible. If these reflectors are not there, the driver or company will likely be found negligent.
- The truck driver was driving or braking erratically due to alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or distraction.
- The truck did not have the proper guardrail on the back of the trailer to prevent smaller vehicles from driving and/or getting stuck under the truck trailer.
There are other ways a driver or trucking company could be negligent and an attorney can help identify any negligent acts that contributed to the accident.
Contact a Coweta County truck accident attorney today for a free consultation
If you have been in an underride accident, you are likely facing extensive medical bills, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of everyday life, and pain and suffering. You should always contact a truck accident lawyer to discuss a possible case and see how you may receive proper compensation for your losses. Do not hesitate to call Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656 to schedule a free consultation.