Underride Accidents

Underride Accident Lawyers

Omaha truck accident attorneys who advocate for victims

Truck accidents can be particularly devastating to their victims. And some of the most serious truck accidents we deal with are underride accidents. These collisions usually involve tractor trailers stopping suddenly without warning. The car behind them rarely has time to stop and slides underneath the truck due to the difference in height. Most injuries sustained in underride accidents (rear or side) are severe, or even fatal.

The skilled truck accident attorneys at Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O. know how to deal with the aftermath of these brutal accidents. And they know how to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies responsible when their actions cause damage and injury. That’s why it’s important to meet with an underride accident lawyer at our law firm right away.

Rear underride accidents

The most common type of underride accident results from a rear-end collision. While drivers should allow for enough space between themselves and a large truck, truck drivers have the responsibility to both maintain their vehicles so their brakes are in proper working order, and be alert to traffic patterns so they can avoid a sudden stop. However, many truck drivers are overworked and not as alert as they should be.

When a truck comes to a sudden stop, not leaving the car in back enough time to brake, an underride collision may occur. In a rear underride accident, the car slides under the tractor-trailer. While most trucks have underride guards intended to prevent such accidents, these guards often fail due to design defects or poor maintenance. The damage to both a vehicle and the human body can be catastrophic, resulting in injuries such as:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Muscle damage
• Blunt force trauma to the head
• Fractures
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Death

Side underride accidents

The second type of underride accident is known as a “side underride.” This occurs when a car, bicycle or pedestrian becomes trapped under the side of a truck. The same disastrous results can occur as in a rear underride accident. Cars are sent under the truck. And drivers and passengers in the vehicle trapped underneath the truck often sustain serious or fatal injuries.

These accidents are some of the deadliest crashes on the road. They need to be prevented, and the negligent truckers that cause them must be held responsible in order for injured parties to get the compensation they deserve for their suffering.

Hold trucking companies responsible

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety analyzed the strength of underride guards, which were advocated to prevent horrific damages from these types of accidents. Many of the tests ended with the underride guards breaking, resulting in an underride accident.

But these guards cannot be the only thing protecting drivers. Trucking companies must be held responsible for the negligent actions of their drivers as well. When truck drivers are tired, overworked, texting or speeding, their trucks can quickly become a hazard on the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured or was a victim of a fatal accident due to an underride crash in Nebraska, contact us today. One of our experienced underride accident lawyers can meet with you and explain your available legal options.