Underride crashes are among the most dangerous crashes that involve large semitrucks. These wrecks occur when a vehicle slides under the rear or side of the trailer. The results of these crashes are often catastrophic. This is typically because the smaller vehicle’s roof and windshield area can be crushed or sheared off upon impact.
Rear underride crashes occur when a car crashes into the back of a trailer and ends up underneath it. This can occur if the truck stops suddenly, doesn’t have visible brake lights or is parked without proper lighting or markings.
Side underride crashes happen when a car strikes the side of a trailer and slides beneath it. This often occurs during lane changes or intersections, especially at night or in poor visibility.
Underrides bypass crumple zones
Unlike standard collisions, underride crashes often bypass a vehicle’s crumple zones, which are the areas designed to absorb impact and protect occupants. Instead, the top part of the car, including the windshield and roof, takes the brunt of the force. This can lead to life-threatening head and neck injuries, sometimes they may even lead to death.
Underride guards can help to prevent these crashes from occurring. Sadly, they aren’t always installed on semitrucks. Because of this, underride crashes sometimes occur.
Victims of these crashes often need immediate medical care if they survive the crash. That can be costly and they may want to hold the liable parties accountable for the effects of the crash. Those victims or the loved ones of a person who died in one of these crashes may opt to seek compensation, which necessitates the need to work with someone familiar with these crashes.