James Frazier | | Truck Accident
Underride crashes occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the body of a larger truck, such as a semi-trailer or tanker, due to the height difference between the vehicles. These types of accidents are dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities to the smaller vehicle's occupants because their vehicle's safety features, like airbags, may not activate effectively.

What is an Underride Crash, and What’s Being Done to Prevent Them?

Understanding Underride Truck Crashes

Underride crashes occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the body of a larger truck, such as a semi-trailer or tanker, due to the height difference between the vehicles. These types of truck accidents are dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities to the smaller vehicle’s occupants because their vehicle’s safety features, like airbags, may not activate effectively.

Recent Underride Incidents and Statistics

A recent incident highlighted the severity of underride crashes. On a Friday morning, the driver of a grey Mercedes Benz collided with a tanker trailer and ended up underneath the truck. The accident, which happened around 9:30 a.m. on I-75 northbound near Miami Gardens Drive, caused significant traffic delays for hours until the wreckage was cleared. Such incidents are unfortunately not rare. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that in 2021, there were over 400 fatalities nationwide due to underride crashes.

the NHTSA has enacted new regulations requiring rear impact guards on trailers and semi-trailers. These guards are designed to prevent vehicles from sliding underneath the trucks in rear-end collisions.

Federal Regulations and Safety Measures for Trailers

To address this issue, the NHTSA has enacted new regulations requiring rear impact guards on trailers and semi-trailers. These guards are designed to prevent vehicles from sliding underneath the trucks in rear-end collisions. The compliance deadline for these regulations is June of next year, and non-compliance could result in hefty fines.

Crash test videos from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety vividly demonstrate the effectiveness of these guards, showing markedly better outcomes in crashes involving trucks equipped with these safety features.

The Role of Data in Enhancing Truck and Trailer Safety

Accurate crash data is crucial for developing and refining safety measures. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and NHTSA rely on quality crash data to identify trends and devise strategies to reduce accidents. However, a study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found inconsistencies in reporting underride crashes across different states. These discrepancies hinder efforts to understand the true scope of the problem and implement effective solutions.

Improving Data Collection and Reporting

The GAO study highlighted the need for standardized definitions and reporting procedures for underride crashes. State definitions and crash reporting forms vary significantly, leading to underreporting. To address this, the NHTSA has recommended that law enforcement agencies consistently use the term “underride” in their reports. This standardization will help improve the accuracy and consistency of data, which is essential for identifying and addressing safety issues.

The Impact of Underride Crashes on Victims

The severe consequences of underride crashes are exemplified by the story of Joshua Moran, who was involved in an underride crash in November 2021. He was driving with his daughter in San Antonio, Texas when their car slid partially under the side of a truck making a delivery for Amazon.

Moran suffered multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, a fractured knee, and two herniated discs in his back, while his daughter developed PTSD from the incident. Moran recounted, “I’m just grateful to be alive right now because I feel like if I hadn’t noticed it and I had just gone at my normal speeds, me and my daughter might not even be here right now.”

Image shows to photos for the two types of truck underride crashes - the two types are rear underride crashes and side underride crashes

Advocacy for Stronger Safety Measures for Trucks and Trailers

Truck safety advocates have long pushed for stronger rear guards and the introduction of side underride guards. These measures could save thousands of lives by preventing vehicles from sliding underneath trucks in rear and side collisions. The recent updates to rear guard standards by the NHTSA are a step in the right direction, but advocates argue that more needs to be done, particularly in mandating side guards.

Legal and Industry Responses

Moran’s experience led to a civil lawsuit against the truck driver, Amazon, and the delivery company. The aftermath of the crash was harrowing for Moran and his family; he had to go on short-term disability, affecting their ability to close on a house they were purchasing.

While the legal proceedings are ongoing, Amazon has stated that it takes the safety of its partners and their employees very seriously and is committed to preventing crashes. This incident highlights the broader industry challenges and the need for comprehensive safety measures to protect all road users.

Underride Injuries, Deaths, and Legal Recourse

Underride crashes are a significant safety concern on U.S. roads, with devastating consequences for those involved. While recent regulatory changes are a positive development, much work must be done to improve data collection, standardize reporting, and implement robust safety measures. By continuing to advocate for and enforce these changes, we can reduce the incidence of underride crashes and save lives.

Contact an Underride Truck Accident Lawyer in Florida Today

If you suffered life-altering injuries in an underride truck accident, you deserve to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Let the seasoned attorneys at Paul | Knopf | Bigger advocate for your rights and interests. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Florida.

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