Every different type of crash has unique causes and safety concerns. Collisions that involve passenger vehicles colliding with semi-trucks are among the worst wrecks reported. The people in the smaller vehicle are at elevated risk of death or catastrophic injuries.
Certain types of semi-truck collisions are more likely to have devastating consequences than minor crashes, such as sideswipes. Underride collisions are among the most dangerous and deadly of all semi-truck collisions.
What circumstances lead to underride crashes?
Size differences
Underride collisions occur when smaller passenger vehicles end up underneath commercial trucks. They often occur at relatively high speeds on highways, but they are possible anywhere passenger vehicles must share close quarters with semi-trucks.
Semi-trucks aren’t just longer and heavier than passenger vehicles. They are also substantially taller. When passenger vehicles strike the trailer of a semi-truck, the smaller vehicle may go under the larger one.
Rear underride crashes occur when passenger vehicles rear-end semi-trucks. Side underride crashes can occur when passenger vehicle operators lose control or semi-truck drivers merge into an adjacent lane without realizing there is a vehicle next to their trailer.
Underride collisions often cause the total destruction of the smaller vehicle and generate devastating injuries for the occupants of the vehicle. Transportation companies and owner-operators can help prevent underride crashes by installing effective underride guards. Unfortunately, these collisions remain relatively common.
Pursuing compensation after a semi-truck crash requires a credible claim that the transportation company was at fault and, therefor,e liable. The people affected by semi-truck collisions may require support as they review the situation and determine how to respond.