When a smaller vehicle collides with a semi-truck, there is the potential for an underride accident, which is when that vehicle slides underneath a portion of the semi-truck. This usually means that they have struck the back of the trailer or the space between the wheels. For instance, if a semi-truck turns left in front of a passenger car, the car could strike the side of the trailer as it turns.
Underride accidents are very dangerous and often deadly. Small vehicles can become trapped under semi-trucks, delaying medical treatment for those who have been injured. Additionally, head and neck injuries are common, as the lower edge of the trailer may line up with the top of the passenger compartment on a smaller vehicle.
How can drivers avoid these crashes?
From the perspective of a commercial driver, it is imperative to avoid these accidents by making safe turns. Underride accidents are often the product of a left turn, whether it is at an intersection or as a driver turns into a parking lot or a driveway. Semi-trucks often make slow turns, so the driver needs to make sure they have a large enough gap so that they are not cutting off another car.
For those in the smaller vehicle, underride accidents are often unexpected, so they can be difficult to avoid. A semi-truck that is turning across their lane may block the entire road. Defensive driving is important, as drivers can sometimes anticipate mistakes and should keep a close eye on semi-trucks that are in a turn lane or waiting with a blinker on.
If a truck driver acts negligently and makes a dangerous turn, leading to an underride accident, those in the smaller vehicle could suffer catastrophic injuries. It is important for them and their family members to understand their rights to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost earning capacity, lost wages and much more. Experienced legal guidance can help them do so.
