What Is a Carriage Underride Accident?

Carriage underride accidents are among the most dangerous types of truck accidents on the road. In these incidents, a passenger vehicle collides with a large truck, such as a tractor-trailer, and slides underneath it. This can happen when a truck driver stops suddenly or when visibility is poor.

The top of the passenger vehicle may be crushed or torn off, leading to severe injuries or even wrongful death. At Davidoff Law, we know how devastating these accidents can be.

Understanding carriage underride accidents and how they occur can help drivers stay safe. Because of the size and weight difference between vehicles, these accidents often result in catastrophic personal injuries. They highlight the importance of safety measures in the trucking industry. Let's explore the details of these devastating truck accidents.

Definition of a Carriage Underride Accident

A carriage underride accident takes place when a smaller passenger vehicle goes underneath a larger truck during a collision. This usually involves the car sliding under the rear or side of a tractor-trailer. In such underride accidents, the car's safety features, like airbags and crumple zones, may not function properly. The result can be serious injuries or fatalities.

These truck accidents are particularly dangerous because the impact hits the passenger compartment directly. The height of a tractor-trailer allows the lower car to fit underneath, bypassing standard safety protections. Carriage underride truck accidents can happen on highways, city streets, or anywhere trucks and cars share the road.

How Underride Accidents Occur

Underride crashes occur when a passenger vehicle collides with a truck and ends up beneath it. One common scenario is when a truck driver stops abruptly, and the car behind cannot brake in time. Poor visibility due to weather or inadequate truck lighting can also lead to underride crashes. The driver of the passenger vehicle may not see the truck until it's too late.

Another way these accidents happen is when a tractor-trailer makes a wide turn. If a truck driver doesn't signal properly, a car might slide under the side of the truck. These underride accidents demonstrate the importance of proper truck maintenance and driver awareness.

Types of Underride Accidents: Side and Rear

There are two common types of underride accidents: side underride and rear underride. In side underride accidents, a passenger vehicle goes under the side of a tractor-trailer. This often happens when a truck turns, and the car gets caught beneath the trailer. Rear underride accidents occur when a car collides with the back of a truck and slips underneath.

Both types of carriage underride truck accidents are extremely dangerous. Side underride accidents can be particularly deadly due to the lack of side underride guards on many trucks. Rear underride accidents often happen at high speeds, leading to catastrophic personal injuries or wrongful death.

Common Scenarios Leading to Underride Collisions

Several situations can lead to underride accidents:

• Sudden stopping by trucks. When a truck driver stops quickly, following cars may not have time to react, resulting in a rear underride crash.
• Poor visibility conditions. Fog, rain, or darkness can make it hard for drivers to see a tractor-trailer, especially if it's not well-lit.
• Improper Lane changes. If a truck driver changes lanes without signaling, a passenger vehicle might end up under the truck's side.
• Lack of underride guards. Trucks without proper underride guards make it easier for cars to slide underneath in a collision.
• Driver distraction. Distracted driving by either the truck driver or car driver can lead to underride accidents.

Injuries Common in Carriage Underride Accidents

Victims of carriage underride accidents often suffer severe injuries:

• Head injuries. The shock can cause traumatic brain injuries due to the crushing of the vehicle's cabin.
• Neck injuries. Whiplash or broken necks are common because of the sudden force.
• Spinal cord injuries. Trauma to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or long-term disability.
• Bone fractures. Victims may face serious, compound bone fractures that require surgery.
• Wrongful death. Tragically, many underride accidents result in fatalities. Family members can file a wrongful death claim.
• Amputations. Limbs may be lost due to the severity of the crash.
• Burns. Fires can ignite after collision, leading to burn injuries.

Preventing Carriage Underride Accidents

Preventing underride accidents requires cooperation between truck drivers, trucking companies, and other road users. Safety measures can reduce the risk of these deadly truck accidents. Let's explore some key prevention strategies.

Use of Underride Guards on Commercial Trucks

Installing underride guards on both the rear and sides of trucks can prevent passenger vehicles from sliding underneath. These metal bars absorb the brunt and protect car occupants. The trucking company is responsible for making sure the fleet is equipped with these safety devices. Underride guards have been proven to save lives in carriage underride accidents.

Proper Truck Maintenance and Lighting Requirements

Regular maintenance ensures that all lights and reflectors on a tractor-trailer are functioning. Proper lighting makes trucks visible to other drivers, especially in low-visibility conditions. Trucking companies must comply with regulations to keep their vehicles safe. Adequate maintenance reduces the likelihood of underride crashes.

Improved Driver Awareness and Training

Training truck drivers to recognize the risks of underride accidents is crucial. They should practice safe driving habits like proper signaling and gradual stopping. Increased awareness can help truck drivers prevent situations that may lead to carriage underride accidents. The trucking industry should invest in continuous education for their drivers.

Legal Options for Victims of Underride Accidents

Victims of underride accidents have the right to seek compensation. Understanding legal options can help them recover from the physical and financial toll of the crash. An accident lawyer can guide victims through this complex process.

Filing a Claim Against the Truck Driver or Company

Victims can file a claim if negligence by the truck driver or trucking company led to the accident. This might involve proving that the truck lacked proper underride guards or that the driver was improperly trained. Legal action can hold responsible parties accountable for the underride crash.

Seeking Compensation for Medical Bills and Pain

Victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Severe injuries like spinal cord injuries and neck injuries often require long-term care. Compensation can help cover these costs and provide financial relief during recovery.

Role of Federal Regulations in Strengthening Claims

Federal regulations mandate safety standards for the trucking industry. Violations of these regulations by a trucking company can strengthen a victim's claim. An accident lawyer can use evidence of non-compliance to build a stronger case for compensation. Even the most common personal injuries can be devastating. If you are involved in a truck or motor vehicle accident, our team can help you. Let us show you what we have done for our clients in the past.

Connect With Our Manhattan Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a carriage underride accident, we are here to help. Our seasoned accident lawyers understand the complexities of these cases. At Davidoff Law, we have tremendous experience with New York trucking accidents. We can guide you through the legal process to hold the truck driver or trucking company accountable. Contact our Manhattan truck accident lawyer today for a free case consultation.