Houston Underride Accident Attorney

What Is an Underride Accident? Talk to Our Texas Trucking Accident Lawyers.

When a vehicle collides with a big rig, their car may slide underneath the trailer of the truck. As a result, the top of the vehicle may be smashed inward or ripped off entirely—taking off with it anything in its path. This is known as an underride accident. In many cases involving underride, drivers and passengers in the smaller vehicle (known as the "striking vehicle") are killed or suffer catastrophic injuries. While some 18-wheelers have safety measures installed to prevent these accidents, such as truck underride guards, not all trucks are similarly equipped.

To underline the severity of this type of crash, consider the following:

  • From 2008 to 2009, more than 950 trucks were struck in the rear in fatal crashes.
  • In 75% of rear-end crashes with light vehicles, at least some underride occurred.
  • In over 50% of these crashes, the underride went up more than halfway of the striking vehicle's hood.

While certain types of truck accidents and car accidents are extremely similar, underride accidents are unique to 18-wheelers. Unlike a rear-end collision between two motor vehicles of the same size, trucks are so much larger than their counterparts that colliding into the rear of an 18-wheeler or semi-truck doesn't result in the same type of incident as two passenger vehicles. That is why an underride accident is much more likely to occur.

If you or a loved one was hurt in an underride accident, call our top-rated Houston truck accident lawyers today. Abogados de accidentes de camiones en Houston.

The Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

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Leading Causes of Underride Accidents

Underride accidents occur when a vehicle gets caught under the rear or side of a large truck. Conspicuity, or how well an object can be seen in existing conditions, is very limited during low-light hours in regards to commercial trucks on the road. The risk of an underride accident with a semi-truck drastically increases at night.

Other issues that can lead to underride accidents:

  • Broken or obscured tail/brake light due to failure to maintain
  • Failure to apply the right amount of reflectors
  • Sudden braking by the semi-truck driver
  • Weather conditions that impact visibility

Other Forms of Underride Accidents

There is another type of underride accident that can occur, although it is rare. In some situations, a trucker may not see the car in their neighboring lane before making a lane change. As a result, the car and its driver could end up underneath the trailer of the truck if the truck driver proceeds to change lanes when unsafe to do so. Underride accidents can also occur if a sliding, jackknifing truck swoops across the lanes of a highway and passes over other vehicles on the road. A common reaction among truck drivers is to slam on their brakes in panic. Unfortunately, this is perhaps the most detrimental move that could be made, as the car driver can be killed instantly on impact.

Statistics of truck accidents report hundreds of injuries and fatalities from underride accidents each year.

While these types of accidents are not common, they are catastrophic enough to cause high fatality and injury rates. The serious consequences that can occur from trucking accidents of this nature must not be taken lightly.

Are There Laws to Protect Drivers from Underride Accidents?

A tremendous amount of energy has been invested into bettering the safety regulations and maintenance laws of trucking companies and their drivers. Unfortunately, unsafe driving and negligent practices remain a problem for truckers throughout the nation. Therefore, if you have been injured or if you lost a loved one in a fatal underride trucking accident, then you owe it to yourself—and your family—to take legal action.

Underride Guards: Are They Actually Effective?

In 1953, the Bureau of Motor Carriers issued the first standard for underride guards; per this rule, underride guards were required to be a minimum of 30 inches from the ground and be installed on trucks that had cargo beds that were 30 inches or more off the ground or had rear tires that were 24 inches or more from the cargo bed rear. Later, in 1998, this rule was updated to lower the guard to 22 inches from the ground with rear tires allowed to be no more than 12 inches from the rear. But are these safety measures truly effective at preventing underride accidents?

While one would assume these guards would be effective in their purpose of preventing cars from sliding under the truck, a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows these products may not be as helpful hoped.

The IIHS essentially came to the conclusion that even at slower speeds, these guards were failing. The IIHS conducted numerous tests to discover if this product met the U.S. federal standards for accidents in comparison to the (much stricter) standards enforced by the Canadian government. After their tests, they realized that in the majority of the tests, the underride guards failed to perform when a car was traveling at 35 mph. The Canadian guards that met their higher standard were able to protect the cars at the same speeds. Not only should there be a mandatory regulation that all trucks have these underride guards, there need to be much higher standards given in order to make sure that the guards perform their designated tasks—protecting cars in an accident.

We've Recovered Billions of Dollars for the Injured. Call (888) 493-1629 Today.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you need to immediately speak to our firm. At Arnold & Itkin, we have handled some of the largest truck accident cases in the U.S. The reckless, negligent behaviors of drivers and trucking companies can be brought to light and used in the representation of your accident case. We know what it takes to successfully recover damages for victims, and we are prepared to employ the necessary measures to protect and uphold your rights after an accident of this nature. When facing trucking and insurance companies, you need to match fire with fire by hiring the best Houston personal injury attorneys.

Contact Arnold & Itkin at (888) 493-1629. We would be happy to provide you with a free consultation.

Common Questions

  • Why Hire a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer?

    After a truck accident, insurance and trucking companies prioritize profits over people. They offer low settlements, delay or deny claims, and use legal teams to shift blame. Hiring a top Houston 18-wheeler accident attorney ensures you get the compensation you need, holds negligent companies accountable, and protects your future. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

  • How Do I Find a Good Houston Truck Accident Lawyer?

    Start by asking friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations, then research online to compare experience and results. Not all truck accident attorneys are the same—you need one with a proven track record in trucking cases and the willingness to take your case to trial if necessary. At Arnold & Itkin, we’ve recovered billions for our clients and never settle for less than they deserve.

  • What Should I Do After a Texas 18-Wheeler Accident?

    Your health comes first—seek immediate medical attention if needed. If possible, take steps at the scene to strengthen your claim. Call law enforcement to file an accident report and keep a copy. Collect the other driver’s information and witness statements. Save all medical records related to your injuries. Get a repair estimate for your vehicle. Lastly, continue seeing a doctor after your discharge to monitor your recovery and document ongoing medical needs.

  • Is It Worth Getting a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer?

    Yes. Truck accidents often cause devastating injuries and financial hardship. A skilled lawyer ensures you get the compensation you need—not just what the insurance company wants to offer. Our Houston truck accident attorneys fight for fair settlements and are prepared to go to trial if necessary. We work to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses to help our clients rebuild their lives.

  • How Long Does an 18-Wheeler Lawsuit Take?

    The timeline for a truck accident lawsuit varies based on factors like liability disputes, the severity of injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months, while others take years. The best way to get an estimate for your case is to consult an experienced Texas truck accident lawyer. At Arnold & Itkin, we investigate accidents quickly, determine liability, and prepare every case for trial to secure the best possible outcome as efficiently as possible.

  • How Are 18-Wheeler Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

    Truck accident cases are far more complex than standard car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers, which cause greater damage and more severe injuries. Unlike car accidents, trucking cases often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and manufacturers. These cases also require knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations, making it essential to work with a Houston truck accident attorney who has experience handling complex claims and holding powerful trucking companies accountable.

  • How Common Are Fatal Truck Accidents?

    Fatal truck accidents remain a significant concern in the United States. In 2022, 5,936 people lost their lives in crashes involving large trucks, marking a 2% increase from 2021 and a 49% rise over the past decade. Notably, 70% of these fatalities were occupants of other vehicles, 19% were truck occupants, and 11% were non-occupants, such as pedestrians and bicyclists. Texas, in particular, has experienced a high number of such incidents, with 810 deaths resulting from large truck crashes in 2022. This underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures and regulations to protect all road users from the dangers associated with large truck operations.

  • What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Case in Texas?

    In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident, as outlined in Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. This applies to personal injury and wrongful death claims, but exceptions exist. If the claim involves a government entity, a notice of claim may be required within six months. If injuries were not immediately apparent, the clock may start from the date of discovery. Additionally, for minors or incapacitated victims, the deadline may be extended. Missing the statute of limitations can bar you from seeking compensation, so it’s critical to act quickly and consult a Texas truck accident lawyer to protect your rights.

  • How Does Failing to Properly Maintain Trucks Lead to Accidents?

    Failing to properly maintain trucks leads to accidents by increasing the risk of mechanical failures that make the vehicle unsafe to operate. Worn brakes can prevent a truck from stopping in time, underinflated or worn tires can lead to blowouts, and faulty steering systems can cause a driver to lose control. Additionally, malfunctioning lights reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of collisions, especially at night. Neglecting routine inspections and repairs puts both truck drivers and other motorists at serious risk. Federal regulations require trucking companies to conduct regular maintenance, but when they cut corners to save time and money, lives are put in danger.

  • Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

    Liability for a truck accident can involve multiple parties, depending on the cause of the crash. The truck driver may be responsible if negligence—such as speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue—played a role. The trucking company can be liable if it failed to follow safety regulations, pressured drivers to exceed legal hours, or neglected vehicle maintenance. Manufacturers may be accountable for defective parts, while maintenance providers could be at fault for improper servicing. Additionally, cargo loaders might bear responsibility if unsecured or overloaded cargo contributed to the accident. Because truck accident liability is often complex, a thorough investigation is essential to identify all responsible parties and pursue full compensation.

  • Where Do You Handle Truck Accident Cases?

    We handle cases nationwide, with our offices in Houston, Dallas, Midland, and Baton Rouge. Our help extends to clients in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and beyond, including in cities like Austin, Corpus Christi, Ft. Worth, San Angelo, and Tyler. To learn more if we can help you, we encourage you to call today!

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