You may wonder: What is the meaning of “underride accident.” An underride accident, also known as an underride crash or underride collision, is a dangerous type of truck accident where a smaller vehicle, often a passenger car, crashes underneath the rear or side of a larger vehicle, typically a semi-truck or tractor-trailer.
These crashes can be devastating due to the significant size and weight difference between the vehicles involved. They can result in severe injuries or even death for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. If you or a loved one were in such an accident, a truck accident lawyer in Jacksonville can help you understand your legal options.
What Is the Definition of an Underride Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, especially one involving a large truck, it’s natural to have questions and concerns. One specific type of truck accident, known as an underride accident or underride crash, can be particularly frightening and confusing. Talk to a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer if you or a loved one were in such an accident.
An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle, most often a passenger car, collides with a larger vehicle, typically a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, and ends up wedged underneath it. Due to the significant size and weight difference between the vehicles, these crashes can be devastating, causing severe injuries or even death for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Underride Accidents?
It is important to know what is an underride accident, but understanding the causes of underride accidents can raise awareness and potentially prevent these devastating occurrences. While every situation is unique, some common factors contribute to a significant number of underride crashes:
- Truck driver negligence. That can involve actions like speeding, following too closely, distracted driving, or driving under the influence. In those cases, you may need to talk to a drunk driving accident lawyer.
- Poor maintenance. If a truck is not properly maintained, malfunctioning brakes, lights, or other safety features can significantly increase the risk of an underride accident.
- Improper loading. An overloaded or imbalanced truck trailer can be more difficult to control, increasing the likelihood of swerving or sudden stops that could lead to an underride collision.
- Defective truck parts. In some cases, faulty equipment on the truck, such as malfunctioning brakes or improperly installed underride guards, can contribute to the accident.
If you have been involved in such an accident, reaching out to a qualified truck accident lawyer can be a crucial step. They can help you navigate the complexities of the situation and explore potential options for seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.
How Many Types of Underride Accidents Exist?
While underride accidents share the common theme of a smaller vehicle becoming lodged under a larger one, understanding the different types of underride accidents can be helpful. Here’s a breakdown of what is an underride accident under three main categories:
- Rear underride. That is the most common type of underride accident, occurring when a car collides with the back of a truck and slides underneath the trailer. That can happen due to sudden stops, rear-end collisions, or poor visibility.
- Side underride. That type of underride accident occurs when a car crashes into the side of a truck and becomes lodged underneath. That can be caused by sudden lane changes by the truck, blind spots, or misjudging the width of the truck.
- Corner underride. That is the least common type of underride accident, but it can be particularly dangerous. It happens when a car collides with the corner of a truck trailer, often at an intersection, and becomes wedged underneath.
Remember, a qualified truck accident lawyer can explain in detail what is an underride accident, provide tailored advice specific to your situation and help you understand your legal options.
Economic, Non-Economic, and Punitive Damages for an Underride Truck Accident
It’s important to remember that every situation is unique, and the specific damages you can recover will depend on the details of your case. However, here’s a general overview of the three main types of damages:
- Economic damages. These are tangible costs associated with the accident and its consequences. They aim to compensate you for the financial losses you’ve incurred, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage
- Non-economic damages. These are intended to compensate for the intangible losses you’ve suffered due to the accident, which can be more subjective and challenging to quantify. They aim to acknowledge the impact the accident has had on your life beyond just the financial costs. These may include pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to deter similar behavior in the future, either by the same person or by someone else. These damages are rarely awarded, and only a jury or judge can determine the right amount for each case.
Consulting with a qualified truck accident lawyer can give you a better understanding of what damages may be applicable to your specific situation.
Talk to an Experienced Underride Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Underride accidents can have devastating consequences, and the legal process can be complex and exhausting. An experienced underride truck accident lawyer can help you navigate this challenging situation and fight for the compensation you deserve while you take time to recover from injuries.
Our experienced attorneys can investigate the cause of the accident, identify all potentially liable parties, gather evidence to support your claim, and even negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Contact us today to pursue compensation for your damages and understand what is an underride accident.
