What Is an Underride Accident?
An underride crash is one of the most catastrophic collisions on the road — and one of the least understood. Here is what it is and why these cases demand a close look.
Why underride is so deadly
In a normal collision, a car’s crumple zones and airbags absorb energy. In an underride, the car slides beneath the trailer and those protections are bypassed, with the trailer striking at the level of the occupants. Even at moderate speeds, the injuries are frequently catastrophic.
Guards and safety standards
Trailers are generally required to have rear underride guards designed to stop a car from sliding underneath, and side underride protection is an ongoing safety debate. A missing, damaged, or inadequate guard can be a factor in the crash — and can point toward the company or the trailer’s maker.
Who may be responsible
Responsibility can rest with the driver or trucking company for how the crash happened, and potentially with a trailer manufacturer if a guard was defective or missing. Examining the vehicles and the guard — before the truck is repaired or scrapped — is essential.
Frequently asked questions
Can a trailer manufacturer be liable for an underride crash?
Possibly. If an underride guard was defective, damaged, or absent when it should have prevented the intrusion, the company responsible for the trailer or its guard may share liability. It depends on the facts and the equipment.
Are underride crashes always fatal?
No, but they are disproportionately severe because the trailer bypasses a vehicle’s safety features and strikes at occupant level. Survivors often face serious, lasting injuries.
Keep reading
This article is general information about Truck Accidents injury law, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to a lawyer about your situation.
The law depends on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to truck accidents.
Bitten by someone else's dog?
A quick, confidential review can tell you where you stand — about two minutes, no cost, no obligation.