Underride accidents are among the most deadly types of road accidents. They occur when a smaller car crashes underneath a trailer or on its side, getting trapped in the process. So what makes these kinds of accidents more serious?
It all boils down to the size of the vehicles involved. Trucks are much larger than other vehicles, and smaller cars can easily slide in under the body. It means that even the car’s safety features count for nothing in such an accident. The airbag and windscreen may be the only barrier between victims and the truck’s tonnes of steel – it mostly never ends well.
Causes of underride accidents
Several scenarios can give rise to underride accidents. They include:
- Failure to indicate when turning
- Speeding while tailgating
- Lack of visibility
- Improperly maneuvered lane changes
- A sudden stop by a truck, among others
Any scenarios that could lead to a rear impact on a truck by a smaller vehicle can cause an underride accident.
Determining liability in an underride crash
You may wonder where the fault lies in this case, but it may not be easy to tell. Either driver could be at fault even when things may not be so apparent at first. It depends on the specifics and circumstances of the accident.
Sometimes, an accident reconstruction expert may be needed to weigh in with evidence to prove your claim.
Getting justice following an underride accident
A trucking accident is different from other types of crashes. There may be multiple liable parties involved, which is why you need to proceed carefully. You deserve compensation for your injuries, but how you handle your case matters.
In the end, you need to ensure justice is served for you or your loved one. The settlement amount should cover all the damages suffered and provide some security, both now and in the future, for the victims.