Underride truck accidents are among the most devastating types of collisions that can occur on Pennsylvania highways. These accidents happen when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a large commercial truck and becomes trapped underneath. Due to the size and design of trucks, underride accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
If you or someone you love has been affected by an underride truck accident, contact Freeburn Law today for guidance and the aggressive representation needed to take on commercial trucking companies and secure the justice you deserve.
What Is an Underride Truck Accident?
An underride truck accident occurs when a smaller vehicle, such as a car or motorcycle, slides underneath the rear or side of a large commercial truck during a collision. Due to the vast size difference between these vehicles, the roof of the smaller vehicle is often crushed or sheared off, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities for the occupants.
Rear vs. Side Underride Crashes
Rear underride crashes happen when a smaller vehicle collides with the back of a commercial truck. This is often caused by sudden stops or a lack of rear underride guards on the truck, leaving the smaller vehicle vulnerable to sliding underneath.
Side underride accidents occur when a vehicle hits the side of a truck during lane changes, turns, or intersections. These are particularly hazardous because side underride guards are not yet universally required, making the impact far more lethal.
Victims in these crashes face immense physical trauma because the safety features in standard vehicles, such as airbags and seatbelts, offer little to no protection when the upper portion of the car is compromised. These accidents can be especially devastating for families, as they not only endure the emotional toll of the event but may also suffer financial burdens due to medical expenses and long-term care needs.
Common Causes of Underride Accidents
Underride truck accidents often stem from a combination of factors that make these collisions both dangerous and tragically common. The design and sheer size of commercial trucks create inherent risks for smaller vehicles, but specific circumstances can further increase the likelihood of an underride accident.
Common causes of underride accidents include:
- Poor visibility, especially at night or during adverse weather conditions.
- Lack of proper underride guards on the rear or sides of large trucks.
- Sudden stops by trucks leave little reaction time for following vehicles.
- Truck driver negligence, such as failure to use turn signals or check blind spots.
- Improper lane changes increase the risk of side collisions.
- Distracted or impaired driving by either the truck driver or the other motorist.
Each of these factors highlights how preventable these incidents can be with the right precautions in place.
Injuries Commonly Associated With Underride Truck Accidents
Underride truck accidents often result in devastating injuries due to the extreme impact and structural vulnerabilities they create for occupants of smaller vehicles. These crashes frequently bypass standard safety features like airbags, exposing victims to significant trauma. The physical toll of these accidents can leave survivors facing long-term health complications or permanent disabilities, profoundly altering their quality of life.
Common injuries from an underride truck accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries are caused by the forceful impact or penetration of the vehicle’s roof.
- Spinal cord damage often leads to partial or complete paralysis.
- Severe lacerations resulting from vehicle intrusion or shattered glass.
- Broken or crushed bones, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs.
- Internal organ injuries are caused by the compression or blunt force during the collision.
- Facial and dental injuries are often caused by contact with the steering wheel or dashboard.
These injuries can require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support, making it vital for victims to seek legal assistance to ensure they receive the compensation needed to aid their recovery.
Who Is Liable in an Underride Accident in Pennsylvania?
Determining liability in an underride truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances of the crash. Each scenario underscores the importance of a thorough legal investigation to ensure all accountable parties are identified.
When working with an experienced commercial truck accident attorney, they can fully investigate the accident and identify all of the parties who may be held responsible. Liability in an underride truck accident typically falls to:
- The truck driver was found guilty of negligent actions, such as distracted or reckless driving.
- The trucking company was cited for inadequate training, poor maintenance, or lack of compliance with safety standards.
- Manufacturers of faulty equipment, such as defective underride guards or brakes.
- Cargo loaders, if improperly secured or balanced, contributed to the accident.
- Third-party maintenance providers, if negligent repairs or inspections played a role in the collision.
Identifying all liable parties in an underride truck accident case is crucial for victims seeking to fully recover from the financial and emotional toll of the crash. By identifying and pursuing all avenues of compensation, victims of underride truck accidents have a stronger chance of receiving the comprehensive support they need to secure their future and alleviate the immense burden these incidents create. This thorough and determined legal strategy maximizes justice and ensures no responsible party escapes accountability.
Pennsylvania Underride Guard Laws and Safety Regulations
Pennsylvania underride guard laws and safety regulations are designed to reduce the risk of fatal and life-altering underride truck accidents. These laws focus on equipping large commercial trucks with underride guards, which are metal bars designed to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath in the event of a collision.
Rear underride guards are federally mandated, ensuring all commercial vehicles meet minimum safety standards to protect motorists. However, side underride guards remain optional at the federal level, leaving a significant safety gap.
When comparing federal guidelines to Pennsylvania’s approach, it becomes clear that federal regulations provide a baseline, while Pennsylvania seeks additional safety adaptations to protect its residents. This dual-layer approach highlights Pennsylvania’s efforts to not only meet but exceed safety expectations, showcasing a commitment to reducing the devastating toll of underride truck accidents on its roads.
How to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
Navigating a truck accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania starts with understanding the legal process and your victim rights. The first and most crucial step is consulting an experienced truck accident attorney who can guide you through every aspect of your case. An attorney will assess the details, gather critical evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, and establish liability to build a strong foundation for your claim. Their expertise ensures no vital detail is overlooked, giving you the best chance to pursue justice and fair compensation.
Time Limits to File a Claim
It is critical to act promptly, as Pennsylvania enforces a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to seek compensation. Additionally, the timeline for resolving a claim can vary significantly based on case complexity and whether it is settled out of court or proceeds to trial. While some cases are resolved in months, others may extend over years due to investigations and legal proceedings. By working with a skilled truck accident attorney, victims can ensure they meet all deadlines, explore every avenue for justice, and secure the comprehensive financial recovery they need to move forward.
Compensation for Underride Truck Accident Victims in PA
Victims of underride truck accidents in Pennsylvania may be entitled to several types of compensation to help alleviate the impact of the crash and support their recovery. These damages address both the financial strains and personal losses resulting from the accident.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses, such as emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings should the injuries cause temporary or permanent inability to work.
- Pain and suffering, compensating for both physical and emotional trauma.
- Loss of enjoyment of life, for diminished ability to engage in daily activities, hobbies, or other fulfilling pursuits.
- Property damage, covering vehicle repairs or replacements.
- Wrongful death damages, for families who’ve lost a loved one, including funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Why Choose Freeburn Law for Your Truck Accident Case
If you or a loved one has survived the unimaginable trauma of an underride truck accident, you and your family may be facing the immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens that these accidents leave behind. At Freeburn Law, we understand the devastating impact these accidents have on victims and their families. That’s why our dedicated team fights tirelessly to hold those responsible accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. With years of experience advocating for accident victims across Pennsylvania, we have the knowledge, skill, and compassion needed to guide you through this difficult time.
Contact a Pennsylvania Underride Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Freeburn Law is committed to putting your needs first. We take the time to listen to your story, build a strong legal case, and stand up to insurance companies and trucking industry giants. Whether it’s obtaining compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or the pain and suffering caused by the accident, our goal is to help you regain control of your life. Contact Freeburn Law today to speak with an experienced Pennsylvania underride truck accident lawyer for a free consultation.
