Underride & Override Truck Accidents

A commercial truck can be imposing to encounter on the highway. A defensive driver will give a semi-rig a wide berth and let it pass. Unfortunately, there are often incidents in which the truck driver or the motorist misjudges a maneuver, leading to a collision. Given its size and height off the ground, underride and override truck accidents can be especially devastating. They often lead to cars being totally destroyed and the drivers and passengers severely injured.

If the underride and override collisions were caused by a truck driver’s negligence, the victims are entitled to seek compensation for what can be a huge financial burden. That is when speaking with an experienced truck accident attorney, as you’ll find at the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp, can make a huge difference.

We understand the complexities of this type of accident and work diligently to help our clients recover all they are entitled to.

What Are Underride and Override Accidents?

According to the most recent data collected by the National Safety Council (NSC), in a single year, there were 5,375 truck accidents that resulted in a fatality and another 114,552 crashes that resulted in some form of injury. Among these types of accidents, an underride or override collision is considered among the most destructive.

As their names suggest, underride and override accidents occur when a smaller car, such as a sedan or compact, collides with a much larger commercial truck in a specific way. This is the distinction between the two:

Underride Accidents

An underride accident involves a smaller vehicle sliding underneath the rear or side of a semi-truck’s trailer during a crash. When that happens, the force of the impact often shears off the roof of the car, and that can lead to catastrophic injuries or death.

Override Accidents

An override accident occurs when an out-of-control, larger truck literally runs over a smaller vehicle. The result is the smaller vehicle being crushed by the big rig.

Both types of collisions are particularly deadly because passenger vehicles are not designed to withstand the force of such impacts. When this type of accident occurs, it can lead to hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery. All of that is compounded when the victims are unable to return to work.

Applicable Safety Regulations

As part of a truck accident investigation, we will first examine any potential violations of applicable safety regulations regarding underride and override crashes. Federal and state agencies have stepped up and created strict safety regulations to reduce the risk of these types of accidents.

These regulations include the following:

• Rear underride guards that are installed beneath the back of trailers to prevent cars from sliding underneath.
• Side underride guards, which can significantly reduce the severity of side-impact crashes.
• Reflective markings and lights make trailers more visible.

If it can be established that a trucking company did not properly outfit its fleet with these safety features, it can be held liable for the damages caused by its driver.

What Are the Common Causes of Underride and Override Crashes?

Even though every accident involving a truck and another vehicle is unique, underride and override collisions are almost always preventable. Determining the cause of the accident is another vital aspect of the investigation.

Some of the most common causes include the following:

• A truck driver tailgating or following too closely
• Sudden braking or abrupt lane changes
• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Brake failure
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Inadequate reflective markings
• Lack of underride guards on the trailer
• Speeding

In the aftermath of a truck accident, there will be two sides to the story. Although your version might be clear, the trucking company’s insurance carrier will do everything it can to minimize the amount it pays out. When it becomes obvious that they are engaging in delay tactics or not conducting a thorough and objective investigation, you might have a claim for bad faith. That can allow you to recover additional punitive damages in addition to your medical expenses and property loss.

Protect Your Future After a Serious Underride or Override Truck Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in an underride or override truck accident, the next steps you take can have a lasting impact on your physical, financial, and emotional recovery. These cases are inherently complex and often involve analyzing extensive evidence and federal safety regulations. There could be multiple liable parties involved, each deploying aggressive insurance carriers focused on minimizing payouts.

The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp has the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate these crashes, identify regulatory violations, and hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies fully accountable.

Do not allow an insurance company to dictate the outcome of your claim or delay the compensation you deserve. The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp helps protect its clients’ rights and pursue all available damages. We can discuss the merits of your case at a free case review.

Contact us to set up your free consultation today, and let’s figure out what should happen.