Data collected over 17 years shows that around 100 people lose their lives each year due to underride accidents across the United States. Underride truck accidents are among the most devastating types of collisions on the road.
These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a large truck and slides underneath it. The results are often catastrophic, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities for those in the smaller vehicle. Given the serious nature of these accidents, having skilled legal representation is crucial.
A Fort Worth underride truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure that your rights are protected. At Patterson Law Group, our truck accident lawyer in Fort Worth is dedicated to helping victims of underride truck accidents pursue justice and secure the compensation they deserve.
What Are Underride Truck Accidents?
Underride truck accidents happen when a smaller vehicle, such as a car or motorcycle, collides with the rear or side of a large truck, such as a tractor-trailer, and slides underneath the truck. These accidents are particularly dangerous because the lower frame of the truck can crush the upper portion of the smaller vehicle, leading to catastrophic injuries or death for the occupants.
Common Causes of Underride Truck Accidents
Several factors can contribute to underride truck accidents:
- Sudden Stops: If a truck comes to an abrupt halt, vehicles behind it may not have enough time to stop, leading to a rear-end collision that can result in an underride accident.
- Lack of Underride Guards: Underride guards are metal bars installed on the rear and sides of trucks to prevent vehicles from sliding underneath. When these guards are missing, defective, or improperly maintained, the risk of underride accidents increases.
- Poor Visibility: Low lighting or inadequate reflectors on the truck can make it difficult for other drivers to see the truck, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
- Negligent Driving: Truck drivers who engage in reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to signal, can cause underride accidents.
Common Injuries From Truck Accidents
The aftermath of a truck accident can be an incredibly traumatic experience. It’s impossible to fully prepare for the possibility of sustaining severe injuries that require ongoing medical care. On top of dealing with the physical pain, victims often face overwhelming medical bills and lost wages, which only add to the distress.
At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth underride truck accident lawyer has helped thousands of clients secure compensation after suffering injuries in accidents involving large trucks. Some of the most common injuries our clients experience in these accidents include:
- Back injuries
- Neck and soft tissue injuries
- Permanent scarring
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Burn injuries
- Cuts and abrasions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Unfortunately, truck accidents can lead to many severe injuries. But the impact doesn’t stop there. Many victims also suffer from significant mental and emotional trauma, including:
- PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
If you have been injured in a truck accident due to driver error or negligence, it’s crucial to take legal action as soon as possible. You can hold those responsible accountable by filing a truck accident claim.
Understanding the different types of truck accidents can help you identify the cause of your crash and determine who may be liable. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common types of truck crashes.
Legal Implications of Underride Truck Accidents
Underride truck accidents present unique legal challenges due to the complexities of determining liability and securing compensation. Understanding the legal implications is crucial for victims seeking justice and financial recovery.
Liability Issues in Underride Accidents
In underride truck accidents, multiple parties may be held liable, including:
- Truck Drivers: If the accident was caused by negligent driving, such as speeding or failing to signal, the truck driver may be held responsible for the damages.
- Trucking Companies: The company that owns the truck may be liable if it failed to properly maintain the vehicle, including the underride guards, or if it employed a driver with a history of reckless behavior.
- Manufacturers: If the underride guards or other safety features were defective or improperly designed, the truck’s manufacturer or its parts may be held liable for the accident.
Federal and State Regulations
Federal and state regulations exist to prevent underride truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that large trucks be equipped with rear underride guards that meet specific safety standards. However, side underride guards are not yet required by federal law, leaving a significant gap in protection.
In Texas, trucking companies must adhere to additional state regulations, but enforcement can be inconsistent. This lack of uniformity can make it difficult for victims to navigate the legal process without the help of an experienced underride truck accident attorney in Fort Worth.
Challenges in Proving Fault and Securing Compensation
Due to the complexity of these cases, proving fault in an underride truck accident can be challenging. It often requires thorough investigation, expert testimony, detailed analysis of the accident scene, truck maintenance records, and driver behavior. Additionally, trucking companies and insurers are known to aggressively defend against claims, making it even more difficult for victims to secure fair compensation without legal representation.
Our Fort Worth truck accident attorney has the experience and resources to overcome these challenges. We work closely with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to build a strong case for our clients. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation possible.
Damages You Can Recover
Filing a truck accident claim can help you recover compensation for the damages you face after a commercial vehicle crash. These may include:
- Lost Wages: If you had to take time off work to attend medical appointments, recover from injuries, or undergo treatment, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This is calculated by multiplying the hours you missed by your hourly wage. You could also recover lost bonuses or other earnings you would have received if you could work.
- Lost Earning Capacity: If the accident leaves you unable to return to work, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of future earnings. This amount is typically calculated based on your career before the injury, education level, promotion potential, inflation, and other factors. Given the complexities of these calculations, working with a skilled truck accident lawyer is crucial. At Patterson Law Group, we work with top experts to accurately establish the total value of your lost earning capacity.
- Medical Bills: Victims of reckless or negligent drivers are entitled to full compensation for all medical expenses, both current and future. This includes medical care, diagnostics, medications, therapy, and other related costs. These damages are commonly sought in personal injury claims following truck accidents.
- Property Damage: Accidents involving semi-trucks often result in significant vehicle damage, sometimes rendering vehicles beyond repair. Our dedicated truck accident attorneys work diligently to secure compensation for replacing your car and covering any other property damage.
- Pain and Suffering: Victims of truck accidents frequently suffer both physical and emotional trauma. Personal injury law allows you to seek compensation for these damages by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The compensation you can recover will depend on how the injuries, medical care, and other factors have impacted your life.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: A serious commercial vehicle accident can disrupt nearly every aspect of your life, making it difficult or impossible to return to your normal routine. Victims may seek compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life that their injuries and the accident have caused.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have strained your relationships with your spouse, children, or other loved ones, you may be able to file a claim for loss of consortium. This type of compensation addresses the loss of love, companionship, and support you experienced due to the accident.
It is critical to file a truck accident lawsuit as soon as possible after your accident. All personal injury cases, including those involving truck accidents, are subject to a statute of limitations. For this reason, you should immediately contact our catastrophic injury lawyer in Fort Worth, Texas.
Contact Our Fort Worth Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in an underride truck accident, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth truck accident attorney is dedicated to helping victims of underride truck accidents secure the compensation they deserve. We understand the complexities of these cases and are prepared to fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Contact our Fort Worth underride truck accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the following steps toward recovery. Our experienced team lets you focus on healing while we handle the legal details.
Do not wait to take action—call Patterson Law Group to speak with a skilled underride truck accident attorney in Fort Worth. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you are entitled to.
