Override and Underride Trucking Accidents

 Override and Underride Trucking Accidents

An override truck accident occurs when a smaller vehicle is run over by a larger vehicle, usually a truck. An underride accident happens when a car or other vehicle slides underneath the back of a truck or perhaps the sides of a trailer. Because trucks are so massive, many of these collisions cause catastrophic injuries.

Main Reasons for Override Accidents

Some of the reasons a truck can easily run over a smaller vehicle include:

  • Truck tailgating
  • Brake failure
  • A Failure to yield
  • Defective tires
  • Improper lane change
  • Speeding
  • Foggy weather conditions
Main Reasons for Underride Accidents

A car can go under the back frame of a truck for many reasons, including:

  • Car tailgating the truck.
  •  A motorist failing to notice the trailer in foggy and rainy conditions.
  • A negligent act of the truck driver, such as a sudden stop.
Truck Negligence

Some Examples of trucker negligence are:

  • Failure to use proper lights or meet the standards for conspicuity when parked on the road.
  • Failure to use under-ride guards.
  • Failure to maintain the brakes, reflective tape or tail lights.

Since 1993, trailers are mandated to be fitted with reflective tapes along the sides and at the rear. However, many older trucks have not been retrofitted.

Watch YouTube Video: Cars vs. Truck - SemiTrailers Side Underride Crashes Accident. This video shows how crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) help determine that strong underride guards on tractor-trailers can help prevent underride crashes.

Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyers

I’m Ed Smith, a truck accident lawyer in Sacramento. Override and underride truck accidents can often cause serious injuries or deaths. If you or a family member has been involved in a truck accident, call me anytime for free, friendly advice at 916.921.6400 or 800.404.5400. I'm also available online through our contact form.

I'm a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

I encourage you to view our prior cases and client reviews on the following web pages:

Photo by depositphotos.com

Editor's Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy. [cha 12.12.18]

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