Underride Truck Accidents

Underride truck accidents are among the most devastating types of collisions on the road. These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle, such as a passenger car, slides underneath a large truck. Due to the sheer size and weight disparity between the vehicles, underride accidents frequently lead to life-altering consequences for victims and their families. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our Prince George's County underride truck accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take. Our team is here to advocate for you, ensuring you receive the compensation you need to recover and rebuild.

Common Causes of Underride Truck Accidents

Underride truck accidents often result from preventable circumstances. Common causes include:

• Inadequate underride guards: Trucks without properly installed or maintained underride guards increase the risk of severe accidents.
• Sudden stops: When a truck brakes abruptly, nearby smaller vehicles may not have enough time to avoid sliding underneath.
• Poor visibility: Inadequate lighting or lack of reflective tape on the truck can make it difficult for other drivers to see the vehicle in low-light conditions.
• Driver negligence: Careless or reckless driving by truck operators can also contribute to underride collisions.

Trucking companies are required by federal regulations to ensure their vehicles are equipped with proper safety measures, including underride guards. However, compliance is not universal, and when companies cut corners, the consequences can be catastrophic. Additionally, factors like adverse weather, poor road conditions, or distracted driving can exacerbate the risk of an underride accident.

Victims and their families often face a long road to recovery, including medical treatments, emotional trauma, and financial challenges. Determining the cause of an accident is critical to holding the appropriate parties accountable.

Common Injuries in Underride Truck Accidents

The injuries sustained in underride truck accidents are often catastrophic, given the violent nature of the collision. Victims may experience:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Resulting from the crushing impact of the vehicle's cabin.
• Spinal cord injuries: Spine injuries can lead to partial or total paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care.
• Amputations: Severe damage to limbs may require surgical removal, impacting mobility and quality of life.
• Internal injuries: Caused by the force of the impact or crushing of the vehicle.
• Fatalities: Tragically, many underride accidents result in the loss of life, leaving families to navigate the emotional and financial fallout.

These injuries often come with substantial medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. The financial strain can be overwhelming, making it crucial to seek compensation. Consulting with one of our Prince George's County underride truck accident lawyers ensures you have an advocate dedicated to securing the resources you need to move forward.

Liability in Underride Truck Accidents

Determining liability in an underride truck accident can be complex and often involves multiple parties. Potentially liable parties include:

• Truck drivers: If the driver’s negligent behavior, such as sudden stops, failure to signal, or distracted driving, caused the collision.
• Trucking companies: For failing to equip their vehicles with proper underride guards or maintain compliance with federal safety regulations.
• Manufacturers: If defective underride guards or other faulty equipment contributed to the accident.
• Other third parties: Such as maintenance providers, who may bear responsibility for failing to ensure the truck was in safe working condition.

Maryland’s contributory negligence laws, can significantly complicate claims. This rule states that if a victim is found to have contributed in any way to the accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation. This makes it essential to work with an experienced Prince George's County underride truck accident lawyer to build a strong case and protect your rights.

Preventing Underride Accidents

Advocacy groups and federal safety regulators have long pushed for stricter underride guard standards to protect motorists. While progress has been made in recent years, many trucks still lack the required safety equipment. As a result, drivers must exercise caution when traveling near large trucks, particularly in poor weather or low visibility conditions.

Truck companies also bear a significant responsibility for maintaining their vehicles and ensuring all safety features are in place. Regular inspections and adherence to federal regulations are critical to preventing accidents and saving lives.

Contact a Trusted Underride Truck Accident Attorney Today

Underride truck accidents can leave victims and their families facing unimaginable hardships. If you or a loved one has been affected by such a collision, Foran & Foran, P.A. is here to help. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for the compensation you deserve for your injuries, pain and suffering, and financial losses.

To learn more about how Foran & Foran, P.A. can help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve, give us a call at 301-441-2022. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.

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