Underride truck accidents are terrifying events that can lead to life-altering injuries. These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle ends up sliding under a large truck or trailer, often causing significant damage and serious harm to those inside the vehicle. If you’ve experienced this type of accident, you may feel overwhelmed by the aftermath. At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we’re here to guide you through the legal process to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Causes of Underride Truck Accidents
Underride truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, often involving a combination of truck design flaws and driver behavior. Here are some common causes:
- Lack of underride guards: Many trucks don’t have effective rear or side guards, which are designed to prevent vehicles from sliding underneath in a collision.
- Poor visibility: Trucks are large and often difficult to see around, especially at night or in bad weather. This can lead to drivers misjudging distances or speeds.
- Sudden stops or turns: If a truck stops suddenly or makes a sharp turn without warning, nearby vehicles may not have enough time to react, resulting in an underride accident.
- Improper lighting or reflectors: Trucks with inadequate lighting or reflectors make it harder for other drivers to spot them, increasing the risk of a collision.
Understanding these causes can help in determining liability and strengthening a legal claim after an accident.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Underride Accidents
In underride truck accidents, the impact is often severe due to the smaller vehicle being crushed beneath the truck. This type of collision can lead to catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): The force of the impact can cause significant head trauma, resulting in long-term cognitive and physical disabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries: Victims may experience paralysis or other lasting impairments depending on the severity of the spinal damage.
- Internal injuries: These accidents often cause internal bleeding and organ damage, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
- Wrongful death: Sadly, many underride accidents result in fatalities due to the extreme force involved.
What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in an Underride Truck Accident
If you’ve been in an underride truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
- Contact the police: File an accident report to document the incident, which will be important for any legal claims.
- Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle.
- Get witness information: Collect names and contact details of any witnesses who saw the accident.
- Speak to a lawyer: Contact us at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman to discuss your legal options and start your claim.
Liability and Legal Recourse
Determining liability in an underride truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible. In many cases, the truck driver may be at fault for negligent driving, such as failing to signal or stopping suddenly without warning. However, the trucking company could also be liable if they failed to properly maintain the vehicle, including ensuring the truck had functioning underride guards or reflectors. Manufacturers of defective truck parts, like faulty brakes or missing safety equipment, may also bear responsibility.
If you’ve been involved in an underride accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Filing a personal injury claim allows you to seek damages from the responsible parties. At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we’re committed to helping you hold the negligent parties accountable and pursue the full compensation you deserve to recover from your injuries.
Contact Our Experienced Southaven & Hernando Truck Accident Attorneys
At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we understand the devastating impact underride truck accidents can have on your life. If you or a loved one has been injured in an underride accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you seek the justice you deserve.
