CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: What We Are Doing to Protect Our Clients

Override and Underride Trucking Accidents

override truck accidentsAn 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.

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 Lawyer

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 our injury attorneys anytime for free, friendly advice at 916.921.6400 or 800.404.5400. We are also available online through our contact form.

We are members of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

See our client reviews on Google, Yelp, and Avvo and case history of verdicts and settlements.

Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 11.18.20]

Photo by depositphotos.com

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