Semi-trucks, big rigs, and other large commercial vehicles pose significant risks to other drivers due to their immense size. When a smaller car or truck gets lodged underneath one of these large vehicles, the accident is referred to as an underride accident. The damage can be severe, often resulting in the smaller vehicle’s top being ripped off or entirely crushed. Fatalities are tragically common in such accidents. If you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one in an underride accident, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and know that assistance is available.
CAUSES OF UNDERRIDE ACCIDENTS
Underride accidents can arise from several scenarios, including:
Poor visibility during nighttime or adverse weather conditions, which may make it challenging to keep track of a truck’s exact position. This situation can worsen with negligent trailer maintenance or improper cab lighting. A driver in a smaller vehicle might not see a truck making a turn until it’s too late to slow down. Commercial vehicle operators might fail to check their blind spots, leading to a lane change that crushes a smaller vehicle. A multiple-vehicle collision could force a vehicle underneath the semi in front of it. Recovering from a serious injury in an underride accident can be overwhelming, but the attorneys at Georgia Auto Law are ready to help. Our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys have been aiding Georgia victims of truck collisions to secure compensation for their losses for over two decades.
UNDERRIDE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS AND NEXT STEPS
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates semi-truck operators and their employers to adhere to visibility and maintenance regulations. For instance, commercial vehicles must employ various warning lights and reflective devices to enhance visibility. Trucks must maintain their reflective paint and tape in a clean and proper condition to enable other drivers to locate them at all times. Additionally, all commercial vehicle operators must display suitable hazard signs when parked on the roadside.
While not mandated by federal law, a truck guard is a simple, inexpensive safety apparatus that lowers a truck or trailer’s bumper, preventing smaller vehicles from sliding underneath and thus potentially saving lives. Despite the evident safety benefits, many truck drivers do not utilize truck guards.
With years of experience, the truck accident attorneys at Georgia Auto Law work on each case involving negligent trucking companies or drivers with diligence. We leverage our expertise and collaborate with external specialists to ascertain the core cause of an accident and identify the legally liable parties. Whether the underride accident resulted from insufficient maintenance, negligent signage, or driver error, we aid families in holding the negligent party accountable.
UNDERRIDE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
Underride accidents are not only severe but often deadly. If you’ve lost a loved one in such an accident, you might be grappling with how to cover their final expenses or make up for their lost income. At Georgia Auto Law, we firmly believe that no one should bear the financial burden caused by another’s negligence. A wrongful death settlement can help compensate for lost earning capacity and cover your loved one’s final expenses.
Reach out to our office today for a free initial consultation. Allow one of our empathetic attorneys to review your case’s specifics and advise on your next best steps.