Due to its proximity to San Diego and Orange Counties, Carlsbad has a busy freeway system with routine truck hauling occurring there. As such, truck accidents are unfortunately common in the Carlsbad region. One of the most dangerous types of truck accidents is an underride accident, which can sometimes result in the shearing off of a passenger vehicle’s roof that gets stuck under the truck. If you were injured or lost a loved one in one of these underride accidents, reach out to a Carlsbad semi-truck accident attorney from the Miller & Steele Law Firm for a free consultation.
What Is an Underride Accident?
An underride accident occurs when a smaller passenger vehicle gets stuck under a commercial vehicle or its trailer. The roof of the car can get sheared off as the vehicle gets lodged under the truck, often resulting in catastrophic injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
These accidents can occur when a smaller vehicle ends up under the truck from the truck’s rear or side. Sometimes, the force of a collision causes the smaller vehicle to become lodged under the large truck.
What Injuries Often Occur in Underride Accidents?
Due to the dynamics and high speeds often involved in underride accidents, serious injuries are typically the result of these crashes. Severe injuries may include:
- Amputations that occur due to the immense force involved in the underride crash
- Organ damage and internal bleeding caused when the truck crushes the smaller vehicle
- Traumatic brain injuries that occur when the force of impact causes the occupants of the smaller vehicle to hit their heads on hard surfaces
- Broken bones that occur when the force of the collision exceeds the bone’s strength
Tragically, underride crashes are more likely to result in traffic fatalities than many other types of automotive crashes.
Common Causes of Underride Truck Accidents
Underride truck accidents can occur for many reasons. Some of those that may indicate the truck driver was at fault include:
- The truck’s taillights or trailer lights were not working.
- The truck driver suddenly brakes for no reason.
- The truck driver is distracted or impaired.
- The truck’s trailer does not have reflective tape
- The truck does not have underride guards.
- The truck driver parked on the shoulder without using any warnings to indicate this to other drivers.
- The truck driver backs up or makes an unsafe lane change without looking.
Financial Compensation You Can Recover After an Underride Accident
California truck accident compensation may cover:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Prescription medication and medical devices
- Lost wages
- Future lost income
- Costs to repair or replace a damaged vehicle
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
Who Is Responsible for Underride Accidents in Carlsbad?
Various parties may share in liability for truck accidents involving underrides, including:
- Truck drivers: If driver error – such as making a lane change without signaling – causes the crash, the truck driver may be responsible.
- Trucking companies: Trucking companies are responsible for their drivers’ negligence and for ensuring that their trucks are in proper working order. If faulty taillights or other mechanical issues contributed to the crash, they may be responsible.
- Truck maintenance companies: If the trucking company outsources maintenance to a third party, the third party could be liable for damages.
- Truck or parts manufacturers: Since 1998, commercial trucks have been required to have rear guards to protect against these violent collisions. If these parts are defective, the maker could be responsible for resulting injuries.
Contact Our Carlsbad Underride Accident Lawyers for Legal Representation
If you or a loved one was injured in an underride accident, an experienced underrise truck accident lawyer from the Miller & Steele Law Firm can help. Contact us today for a free case review.