Several factors make driving next to trucks so dangerous. For one, trucks have large blind spots, commonly referred to as “no-zones.” These blind spots are areas around the truck where the driver’s view is obstructed.
It can be challenging for a truck driver to see smaller vehicles — such as cars, motorcycles, or bicycles — traveling in these blind spots. This can increase the risk of an underride collision if the smaller vehicle attempts to change lanes or maneuvers too closely to the truck.
An underride truck accident is a specific type of collision involving a smaller vehicle, typically a car, colliding with the rear or side of a large commercial truck. In these accidents, the smaller vehicle can slide or become wedged underneath the truck, resulting in severe damage and often catastrophic injuries or fatalities for the smaller vehicle’s occupants.
The term “underride” is used because it describes the event where the smaller vehicle goes underneath the truck’s trailer or body, leaving the top section of the car exposed or sheared off. This type of accident can occur due to assorted reasons, such as the car following too closely, the truck suddenly stopping or turning without proper signaling, or the car getting trapped in a blind spot and being inadvertently pulled under the truck.
Underride truck accidents are particularly dangerous as the smaller vehicle can suffer considerable damage to its structure, leading to the collapse of the passenger compartment and extensive injuries to the occupants. These accidents often result in traumatic head and neck injuries, spinal cord damage, severed limbs, or even death. Because these types of accidents can be so catastrophic, it’s crucial to know the causes and how to determine who is liable.
Several factors can contribute to underride truck accidents in Arizona. One major cause is poor visibility. Due to the size and height difference between trucks and passenger vehicles, it can be difficult for drivers of smaller cars to see the truck’s rear or side trailer. This can make it challenging for the driver of the car to judge the truck’s distance and make safe maneuvers, increasing the risk of an underride accident.
Another cause of underride truck accidents in Arizona is driver error. Truck drivers who are tired, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be less focused and less able to react quickly to changing traffic conditions. This can result in the truck suddenly stopping or changing lanes without warning, leaving little time for other drivers to adjust their speed or position. Additionally, truck drivers who fail to use their turn signals properly or have faulty brake lights can make it difficult for other drivers to anticipate their movements and avoid an underride accident.
Poorly maintained or defective truck equipment can also contribute to underride accidents. In Arizona’s hot climate, the heat can cause brakes to wear down faster, increasing the risk of sudden stopping. If a truck’s brakes fail or are not properly maintained, it can lead to a serious underride accident. Similarly, suppose a truck’s lights or reflective tape are not apparent or improperly installed. In that case, it can make it difficult for other drivers to see the truck and avoid an underride accident.
One common injury in underride truck accidents is traumatic brain injury (TBI). When a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck, the force of impact can cause the occupants’ heads to strike the interior of the vehicle or the truck itself. This can cause severe concussions or more serious brain injuries, leading to long-term cognitive deficits, physical disabilities, and even death.
Spinal cord injuries are also frequently seen in underride truck accidents. The force of impact can cause the spine to be compressed, fractured, or severed, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, with the potential for lifelong disabilities and limitations in mobility.
Additionally, underride accidents can cause severe orthopedic injuries. The legs and feet of the occupants in the smaller vehicle are particularly vulnerable to being crushed or severed when these accidents occur. Fractures, dislocations, and amputations of limbs are common in underride truck accidents, requiring extensive medical interventions, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Overall, underride truck accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and orthopedic injuries. These injuries often have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences for the victims and their families.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, call the underride truck accident lawyers Arizona drivers trust to get results.
We have over two decades of experience defending the rights of drivers who have suffered injuries and damages due to the negligence of others. Our skilled litigators will work with you to investigate your case, determine fault, and build a case for just compensation.
Several parties in Arizona can potentially be liable for truck underride accidents. These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a large truck and becomes trapped underneath it. The consequences of underride accidents can be catastrophic, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for the smaller vehicle’s occupants. Liability depends on a variety of factors, but here are some common examples of fault and liability:
Determining liability in truck underride accidents can be complex, requiring expertise in both personal injury law and trucking regulations. It is important for victims and their families to consult with experienced underride truck accident lawyers who can navigate the legal process and advocate for their rights to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. That’s what we’ve been doing for more than twenty years at Torgenson Law, protecting the rights of Arizona drivers.
Getting in any type of accident can be traumatizing. However, colliding with a tractor-trailer truck can cause severe injuries and even death to you or a family member. While all crashes can be severe, truck accidents notoriously cause significant injuries and catastrophic property damage. These accidents can pose a complex legal challenge in determining fault. You need the right lawyer to help you process the incident and build a convincing case for determining who is liable.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, call us today for a free and confidential evaluation of your case. We’ve represented Arizona drivers in all types of accidents over the years, and our truck accident lawyers work with you to build a compelling case for compensation. Our team is committed to helping you and your family find justice. Call us today for a case review at 602-726-0747 or reach out online so we can get started on your case.