There are many different types of car crashes that occur with some frequency. A distracted driver might rear-end someone who stops at a crosswalk. A driver turning left at a busy intersection could end up in a T-bone collision, especially if they don’t use their turn signal. Crashes involving high speeds or other aggravating factors may be particularly concerning for the people involved.
A significant size discrepancy between the vehicles involved in the wreck is one factor that could result in a relatively severe collision. When semi-trucks collide with passenger vehicles, the smaller vehicle often bears the brunt of the wreck. The smaller vehicle may become unsafe to drive, and its occupants may be at risk of catastrophic injuries.
Underride collisions are some of the worst 18-wheeler crashes that occur. What circumstances may lead to underride collisions?
Underride crashes involve immediate proximity
Typically, underride collisions occur when a passenger vehicle is in the blind spots around a semi-truck. Rear underride crashes occur when a passenger vehicle is behind a semi-truck. If the driver doesn’t pay attention, they may not notice when the commercial truck slows down or stops.
When they strike the truck from behind, the force of impact may push the smaller vehicle under the rear of the trailer. While federal regulations do mandate rear underride guards, they are not always wide enough or strong enough to keep vehicles from going under the semi-truck. Especially if the smaller vehicle strikes the truck at an angle, the guard may not protect the smaller vehicle.
Side underride crashes typically involve vehicles that were in the blind spots to the left or right of a semi-truck’s trailer. The driver of the smaller vehicle may lose control and strike the truck from the side.
Other times, the driver may not see them and could merge or turn in a way that results in the smaller vehicle colliding with the side of the truck and going between the two axles underneath the trailer. Unfortunately, side underride guards are not yet mandatory, which means that many trucks lack basic protective gear that could prevent these crashes from occurring.
A lack of appropriate guards is one of many factors that could result in a tragic but preventable semi-truck crash. Looking at both fault and liability may help those affected by underride collisions hold the right party accountable for their losses.