Underride Truck Accidents Lawyer Pasadena

Underride Truck Accidents

Underride truck accidents cause some of the worst injuries on U.S. roads. While statistics indicate underride crashes make up only a small portion of accidents each year, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that variability in data collection by state and local authorities means those figures are likely underreported. No matter the actual number, the fact is that underride truck accidents are among the most devastating wrecks. 

What are Underride Truck Accidents?

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with a truck and slides beneath it. The most common causes of underride truck accidents include:

  • Blind spots – When a truck driver makes an unsafe lane change without adequately checking their blind spots, they risk crashing into vehicles already in that lane.
  • Sudden slowdowns – Truck drivers who abruptly slow down or stop might catch a motorist off-guard.
  • Drowsy drivers – A fatigued truck driver might inadvertently drift across traffic and over the top of a smaller vehicle.
  • Reckless driving – Truck drivers who turn corners without giving themselves adequate room, fail to use turn signals, or drive too fast can cause or contribute to underride accidents.

Though tractor-trailers and semi-trucks must have rear underride guards to reduce the impact of a crash, side guards are not mandatory. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that rear side guards could save more than 10 times as many lives in underride truck accidents than what government projections currently suggest.   

The Consequences of Underride Accidents

In a recent year, an estimated 400 people died in reported underride truck accidents. Survivors often suffer terrible injuries, including:

Compensation for Victims of Underride Accidents

If someone else caused the underride truck accident that hurt you, you could be entitled to compensation in California. A skilled truck accident lawyer can evaluate your losses and place a full and fair value on your claim. Compensation could include money for: 

The success of your truck accident case will depend on solid legal advocacy during negotiations with the responsible party’s insurance company. Insurers work hard to dispute truck accident claims because they carry a higher dollar value. An attorney can fight so you are not undercompensated.  

Legal Help for Underride Truck Accidents

Since our first trial victory in 1988, the Law Offices of Pius Joseph have focused on seeking maximum compensation for people harmed by others’ negligence. Let our experienced underride accidents lawyer handle your case while you focus on resting and recovering. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.