When a passenger car collides with a large 18-wheeler truck weighing around 80,000 pounds, the smaller automobile will sustain severe and possibly life-threatening injuries. Passenger vehicles have steel-reinforced enclosures, but the frames used in manufacturing passenger vehicles cannot handle the impact forces of a large commercial truck. Tractor-trailer Under-ride accidents are particularly deadly due to […]
Under-ride Accidents
When a passenger car collides with a large 18-wheeler truck weighing around 80,000 pounds, the smaller automobile will sustain severe and possibly life-threatening injuries. Passenger vehicles have steel-reinforced enclosures, but the frames used in manufacturing passenger vehicles cannot handle the impact forces of a large commercial truck. Tractor-trailer Under-ride accidents are particularly deadly due to the potential of the car’s roof being torn off, leading to probable roof crush and decapitation injuries.
Although passenger vehicles include many safety features, such as airbags, reinforced passenger compartments, and shock-absorbent bumpers, these safety improvements do not offer any benefits in an Under-ride accident. Under-ride accidents usually only occur between passenger vehicles and tractor-trailer trucks because 18-wheeler trucks sit higher off the ground than passenger vehicles. In an Under-ride crash, a passenger car’s front slides under the chassis or trailer of a tractor-trailer truck. In most Under-ride accidents, the passenger car’s roof or compartment is torn off of the vehicle or is crushed on top of the vehicle’s occupants in the passenger car.
Due to the life-threatening risks posed by Under-ride accidents, commercial truck drivers and transportation companies are required to implement new safety rules that are designed to prevent Under-ride truck accidents. These safety requirements include Under-ride guards, reflective tape, and adequately functioning rear-end brake lights. Should a truck driver or transportation company fail to comply, this failure to comply could create a basis for holding the truck driver or the trucking company liable for accident damages. Drivers and transportation companies are required to maintain these safety features to reduce the risk of Under-ride accidents.
If a negligent truck driver has harmed you or a loved one, you might be eligible to file a claim to recover monetary damages. The Accident Attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP help victims recover monetary compensation for harm caused by dangerous drivers. Time is limited to file your claim, so call Parker Waichman LLP at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to receive a free case review.
