Underride collisions involving semi-trucks are often tragic events. They cause damage so severe that the people in the passenger vehicle are likely to die or to sustain injuries that change their lives.
These unique and devastating collisions occur in no small part due to the vast difference in size when looking at passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. Drivers operating passenger vehicles can’t control who is on the road with them. There is no way for drivers to avoid sharing space with commercial trucks. However, they can make a point of limiting the time spent in a semi-truck’s blind spots to minimize their risk of an underride crash.
Visibility issues are a major risk factor
The blind spots around semi-trucks are much larger than the blind spots around four-wheeled passenger vehicles. Even with extra mirrors, semi-truck drivers can potentially overlook passenger vehicles directly behind or next to their trailers.
When they maneuver after failing to spot vehicles in their blind spots, an underride collision could occur. Motorists can limit their risk of experiencing one of these devastating crashes by giving big trucks more space in traffic, especially on multi-lane roads where they drive side by side. If they are not directly behind or next to a semi-truck, the likelihood of an underride crash diminishes significantly.
Those affected by semi-truck collisions often face very challenging insurance claims, and possibly the need to file a personal injury lawsuit. Most people involved in semi-truck crashes require medical care and possibly also legal guidance. Knowing how to respond to a semi-truck crash if one occurs can be helpful as a result, even when drivers make conscious efforts to address known risk factors.