One moment, you’re driving home. Next, your car has slid under a semi-truck, and everything changes. Truck underride accidents are among the most devastating collisions on the road, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or death for those in smaller vehicles. These crashes happen suddenly and violently, especially on high-traffic routes like I-70 that run through Indianapolis. If situations like these, you need an Indianapolis underride truck accidents attorney.
If you or a loved one has been affected by an underride accident, you deserve answers and help. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care.
At Poynter & Bucheri, we understand what’s at stake. Call 800-265-9881 or click here for a free consultation.
What an Underride Truck Accident Is
An underride truck accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a semi-truck or trailer during a collision. Truck underride accidents are among the most fatal truck accidents, as the upper part of the passenger vehicle can be crushed or sheared off, causing severe injuries to occupants.
These accidents are typically divided into three categories based on the point of impact: rear, front, and side underride crashes.
Rear Underride
Rear underride accidents occur when a car slides beneath the back of a semi-truck. Rear underride accidents often happen when:
- A truck stops suddenly, and the driver behind can’t brake in time
- The truck’s trailer lacks visible taillights, reflective tape, or a functioning rear underride guard
- The truck is illegally parked or stopped in low-visibility conditions
The impact of a rear underride crash can tear off the car’s roof, leading to severe spinal, neck, or traumatic brain injuries, and in many cases, death.
Federal law requires most commercial trucks to have rear underride guards; however, poorly maintained or weak underride guards may fail to prevent an underride collision.
Side Underride
Side underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the side of a tractor-trailer and becomes wedged underneath. Side underride accidents often happen when:
- A truck makes a wide turn or crosses an intersection
- A vehicle attempts to pass or drive alongside a trailer
- The truck changes lanes without warning
Unlike rear guards, side underride guards aren’t required under federal regulations, though safety advocates continue to push for change. Without this protection, the trailer’s side offers little resistance in a collision, increasing the risk of severe or fatal underride crashes.
Front Underride
Front underride accidents are less common but often cause fatal injuries. Front truck underride accidents occur when a large truck strikes a smaller vehicle, typically in a head-on collision or when a truck drives over a stopped car. Common scenarios include:
- A semi truck rear-ending a vehicle at high speed
- A car turning into the truck’s path
- A head-on crash due to driver error or poor road conditions
The force of impact and limited protection in a car’s front cabin make these underride collisions especially dangerous.
Although front underride guards can help prevent this kind of collision, they are not currently required on commercial trucks. Technologies like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and crash avoidance systems may reduce the risk, but they are still not standard across the industry.
Most Common Cause of an Underride Truck Accident
The most common cause of an underride truck accident is a lack of visibility. When a trailer isn’t properly marked with reflective tape, working lights, or underride guards, other drivers may not see the truck in time to stop or swerve.
Other frequent contributing factors include:
- Sudden stops by the truck
- Improper or illegal parking
- Driver inattention or distracted driving
- Defective safety equipment
- Missing underride guards that fail to stop the car from sliding underneath
- Poor weather that reduces traction and visibility
- Improper maintenance
In many cases, a combination of driver negligence and equipment failure leads to an underride crash. Unfortunately, an insurance company may try to downplay these factors to minimize payouts.
That’s why it’s crucial to investigate the cause thoroughly and work with an experienced attorney at Poynter & Bucheri who can protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and help ensure you receive full and fair compensation for medical costs.
Spinal Cord Injuries After an Underride Truck Accident
Spinal cord injuries are among the most common injuries in underride truck accidents due to the severe structural damage these collisions cause.
Types of spinal injuries that may occur include:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Fractured vertebrae
- Compression injuries
- Complete or incomplete spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
Victims may suffer permanent disability, chronic pain, emotional trauma, and loss of mobility or independence. Treatment often involves emergency surgery, ongoing rehabilitation, assistive devices, and major lifestyle changes, leading to substantial medical expenses and lost wages.
Because these serious injuries can have long-term physical and financial effects, it’s critical to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at Poynter & Bucheri as soon as possible. Prompt legal action helps preserve key evidence.
Vicarious Liability in an Underride Truck Accident
In many underride truck accidents, the trucking company may be held vicariously liable for the actions of its driver. Vicarious liability is a legal principle that holds employers responsible for the negligence of their employees when the actions occur within the scope of their employment.
However, not every driver action qualifies. If the driver was acting outside the scope of their duties, the liability may fall solely on the driver.
Police reports often play a key role in determining whether the truck driver was acting within their employment responsibilities at the time of the crash.
Driver Actions the Trucking Company is Not Liable For
Some truck driver actions fall outside the scope of employment, making the trucking company not legally responsible. This usually involves unauthorized or illegal behavior that the employer couldn’t have anticipated.
Common examples include:
- Excessive speeding beyond company policy or legal limits
- Drowsy driving when the driver ignores federally mandated rest breaks
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Taking unauthorized detours for personal reasons
- Using the truck for non-work-related activities
In such cases, the driver may be personally liable, and victims may need to file claims against the driver or their insurance provider.
Ways Passenger Vehicle Drivers Can Avoid Underride Accidents
While trucking companies and manufacturers are responsible for installing proper underride guards, passenger vehicle occupants can also take proactive steps to reduce their risk of being involved in truck underride accidents.
Here are several practical ways to stay safe around large trucks:
Keep a safe following distance
Avoid driving too closely behind a semi-truck. Keeping a safe distance gives you more time to react and reduces the risk of sliding underneath the truck’s trailer in a rear-end crash.
Avoid blind spots
Large trucks have significant blind spots, especially along the sides and directly behind the trailer. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they likely can’t see you.
Pass with caution
Always pass on the left side when it’s safe, and never linger beside a truck. Move through the blind spot quickly and return to a safe distance ahead before merging back in.
Be extra alert at night and in poor weather
Reduced visibility makes it harder to see unmarked or poorly lit trailers. Use headlights appropriately, avoid distractions, and be prepared for sudden braking or turns.
Watch for wide turns and sudden stops
Trucks often swing wide or stop abruptly. Give them space and anticipate their movements, especially at intersections or on narrow roads.
Don’t cut in front of trucks
Large semi-trucks require a significantly longer distance to stop. Cutting in too closely can lead to rear-end collisions that may result in a front truck underride crash.
While not every car accident is preventable, staying alert and practicing defensive driving around trucks can significantly lower the risk of a serious truck underride crash.
Crossen Law Firm: Your Underride Accident Attorneys
Underride accidents often lead to devastating injuries or even wrongful death, leaving families to face overwhelming emotional and financial challenges. When a car collides with a commercial truck, determining fault can be complex, especially in cases involving multiple parties or when an insurance company tries to shift blame.
If you or a loved one is an accident victim, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A skilled truck accident lawyer with a proven track record in complex injury cases can fight to protect your rights, uncover the truth, and hold every responsible party fully accountable.
Contact Poynter & Bucheri today at 800-265-9881 or click here for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.