Facing the aftermath of an underride truck accident can be overwhelming. These accidents are life-altering, often resulting in severe injuries like traumatic brain damage spinal cord trauma, and sometimes leading to fatalities. The emotional and financial toll of such accidents can be immense, impacting not just the victims but their families as well.

The Houston commercial truck accident lawyers at Johnson Garcia understand the challenges underride accident victims face. Truck companies and insurers often try to pay as little as possible. We have the skills and experience to stand up to them. If you’ve been in an underride truck accident or lost someone in one, come talk to us. Our truck accident lawyers are ready to help you. We offer a free consultation to get started on your case.

What Is an Underride Truck Accident?

An underride truck accident is a dangerous type of collision that occurs when a smaller vehicle crashes into a larger commercial truck and slides underneath it. The consequences of underride accidents are usually catastrophic. The top of the passenger vehicle can be sheared off, leading to severe head and upper body injuries or, worse, fatalities.

There are primarily two types of underride accidents: side underride and rear underride. In a rear underride accident, a vehicle crashes into the back of a truck and slides underneath the trailer. This type of collision often happens if the truck stops suddenly or if it’s poorly visible due to inadequate lighting or lack of reflective gear. Side underride accidents occur when a vehicle slides under the side of a truck, often at intersections or when trucks are changing lanes or turning.

These accidents raise serious safety concerns about truck design and road safety regulations. The absence of effective underride guards on many trucks is a critical issue. While federal regulations require underride guards on the backs of trucks, the standards are often considered inadequate, and there are currently no requirements for side underride guards.

Having a skilled attorney can be the difference between securing the full compensation you deserve and settling for less than you need after an underride truck accident. At Johnson Garcia, we ensure you don’t face this challenging journey alone, providing the advocacy and support necessary for a favorable outcome.

What Are the Common Causes of Underride Truck Accidents in Houston?

Underride truck accidents in Houston are not only devastating but also complex in nature. Often, these accidents are the result of specific circumstances that are unique to large commercial vehicles. Understanding these causes is essential for determining liability and seeking justice.

Inadequate Underride Guards

One of the primary causes of underride accidents is the lack of effective underride guards on trucks. These guards are designed to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath the truck in a collision. However, when these guards are missing, faulty, or inadequately maintained, the risk of a catastrophic underride accident increases significantly.

Poor Visibility and Inadequate Lighting

Many underride accidents occur because the smaller vehicle driver cannot see the truck in time to avoid a collision. This is often due to inadequate lighting on the truck or reflective gear that is not up to standard, particularly in low-light conditions or at night.

Sudden Stops and Swerving

Large trucks making sudden stops or unexpected swerving maneuvers can lead to underride accidents. Smaller vehicles following too closely may not have enough time to react. This lack of reaction time can result in them sliding under the truck.

Failure to Yield Right of Way

Truck drivers who fail to yield the right of way at intersections or when making turns can lead to underride accidents. Smaller vehicles following too closely may not have enough time to react. This lack of reaction time can result in them sliding under the truck.

Negligent Truck Maintenance

Negligent maintenance of trucks can also lead to underride accidents. Issues like faulty brakes or worn-out tires can cause a truck to behave unpredictably. This situation can increase the risk of a collision that could result in an underride situation.

Determining the causes of underride accidents can be daunting, but it’s crucial for seeking justice and compensation. This is where having a personal injury attorney with over 35 years of experience, like Johnson Garcia, becomes invaluable.

Our expertise in navigating these complex cases ensures that every factor is thoroughly investigated and that our clients’ rights are vigorously defended. If you’ve been involved in an underride truck accident in Houston, contact Johnson Garcia to discuss your case and how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome.

What Are Common Injuries Resulting from Underride Truck Accidents?

Underride truck accidents are known for causing specific and severe injuries due to the nature of these crashes. Here are five injuries that are commonly seen in such accidents:

Severe Head Trauma

In underride accidents, the car’s roof often crumbles under the truck’s height and weight. This can lead to extreme head trauma and, in the most tragic cases, decapitation.

Injuries to the Upper Body

Occupants in a vehicle that slides under a truck can suffer significant injuries to the neck, chest, and shoulders. The force of the collision can cause anything from fractures and lacerations to life-threatening conditions like punctured lungs.

Torso Compression Injuries

The compression of the car’s upper structure in an underride accident can lead to severe torso injuries. Victims may suffer from broken ribs and internal injuries, with the potential for long-term consequences.

Skin-Tearing Injuries

Degloving injuries, where the skin is forcibly removed from underlying tissues, are a horrific but common result of these accidents. These injuries often affect the lower limbs and require immediate and extensive medical attention.

Traumatic Limb Amputations

The severe impact of underride accidents can result in the traumatic amputation of limbs, a consequence not typically seen in other types of vehicular collisions.

Recovering from such injuries is a long and challenging journey, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Johnson Garcia is committed to providing compassionate legal assistance to those affected by these traumatic events. Our aim is to guide victims through the legal process with sensitivity and determination, helping them secure the compensation necessary for their recovery and future well-being.

How Is Fault Determined in an Underride Truck Accident in Houston?

Determining fault in an underride truck accident in Houston is a complex process. It requires a thorough investigation and understanding of various factors. Unlike standard vehicle accidents, the dynamics of an underride collision add layers of complexity in establishing liability. Here are several ways fault is determined:

Determining Compliance with Safety Regulations

Ensuring that the truck is equipped with the necessary underride guards and that these guards are properly maintained is crucial. The trucking company could be held liable if an accident occurs due to faulty or absent underride guards. Additionally, the investigation will investigate whether the truck had adequate lighting and reflective gear, especially in accidents occurring under low visibility conditions.

Analyzing Driver Behavior

The investigation will assess if the truck driver was adhering to the road rules at the time of the accident. This includes examining the driver’s logbooks for any violations of hours-of-service regulations, checking for signs of impaired or distracted driving, and evaluating whether the driver took appropriate measures to prevent a collision.

Driver Actions and Car Condition

The condition of the smaller vehicle and the actions of its driver are also considered. For instance, if the car was following too closely or the driver was not paying attention, contributing to the accident, this could impact the fault determination.

Furthermore, factors such as road conditions, weather, and potential mechanical failures in either the truck or the passenger vehicle are analyzed. Experts might be called to reconstruct the accident scene and provide insights into what happened.

At Johnson Garcia, we understand the intricacies involved in determining fault in underride truck accidents. Our experienced attorneys work diligently to gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case for our clients. We strive to hold responsible parties accountable and support our clients in pursuing justice and fair compensation. Understanding the complexities of these cases, we offer our expertise to guide victims, allowing them to concentrate on their recovery while we manage the legal details.

How Can the Houston Underride Truck Accident Lawyers at Johnson Garcia Help?

From navigating the intricacies of trucking regulations to challenging inadequate safety measures, our Houston underride truck accident lawyers work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the justice and compensation they need to cover medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional and physical trauma endured.

A quick and thorough investigation is essential in underride truck accidents. Evidence such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, and accident scene analysis plays a vital role in building a strong case. Johnson Garcia is equipped with the resources and expertise to conduct in-depth investigations and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.

Understanding your rights and the legal options available to you is the first step toward recovery after an underride truck accident. Our team is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the path to recovery and justice.