Sharing the road with a massive commercial truck is nothing short of nerve-wracking. These behemoths dwarf passenger vehicles, and their numerous blind spots can create anxiety for even the most seasoned driver.
Fortunately, most encounters go smoothly but when collisions occur, few truck accidents are as devastating as underride collisions. These crashes can lead to devastating injuries or death, making them a serious threat on West Virginia roadways.
What is an underride commercial truck accident?
Underride crashes occur when a smaller vehicle continues moving underneath a larger automobile upon collision. These wrecks happen most often when a truck driver brakes suddenly, leaving the operator of a smaller vehicle with insufficient stopping distance.
While many underride accidents involve sliding under the rear of a truck, side underride accidents can also occur, and result in similar injury risks. The impact zone in all underride crashes is generally the upper body, potentially causing severe head, back and spinal cord injuries.
Are these truck accidents common?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that underride accidents, specifically side underride crashes, claimed nearly 490 lives in 2021 alone. However, the IIHS suspects the true number of deaths and injuries is even higher due to potential underreporting by agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Determining fault and seeking compensation
Underride accidents can involve complex liability issues. Multiple parties, such as a trucker, a trucking company, or even a parts manufacturer, could be responsible. As such, victims of these wrecks are generally advised to seek personalized legal guidance when pursuing any compensation that they’re rightfully owed from potentially liable parties.
