Indiana accidents between commercial truck drivers and passenger vehicles often cause serious and potentially fatal injuries. These accidents tend to be more severe than collisions between two passenger vehicles because of the sheer magnitude of semi-trucks. One of the most dangerous types of Indiana truck collisions is underride accidents. Rear underride accidents occur when a truck slows or suddenly stops, and the car behind the truck cannot stop in time. In these cases, the car slides underneath the truck, often resulting in the car’s roof sheering off. Side underride collisions occur when the smaller vehicle crashes into the side of the truck and slides underneath the truck. Front underride accidents involve a truck backing into and crushing a smaller car.
Many reasons heighten the risk of an Indiana underride accident. The most common cause of these accidents is inclement weather, sudden traffic changes, truck malfunctioning, and truck driver error. Truck drivers may be liable for the accident for engaging in negligent or unsafe driving behavior. Additionally, trucking companies, truck part manufacturers, shipping agencies, loading companies, and other drivers may be responsible. These parties may be liable for failure to follow federal regulations, manufacturing defective parts, mis-loading cargo, and other negligent behaviors.
To prevent these accidents, Federal regulations, require that commercial trucks have rear underride guards. The underride guard is designed to stop the smaller vehicle from sliding underneath the truck. However, underride guard material varies greatly, and it is not always sturdy enough to protect against these accidents. Additionally, there are no federal regulations mandating side underride guards.
Recently, an Indiana news report described a deadly underride collision between a Jeep and a semi-truck. The Jeep did not notice a traffic slowdown and slid underneath a truck’s trailer. The truck driver reported that he felt an impact and promptly stopped his truck; however, the Jeep driver died at the scene of the accident.
In response to the increase of serious Indiana underride accidents, advocates are seeking to enhance the efficacy of underride guards. Lawmakers filed the STOP Underrides Bill early last year, which would allow engineers to redesign underrides to make them safer. However, Congress has not yet passed the bill.
Have You Been Involved in an Accident with an Indiana Truck?
If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries or died after being involved in an Indiana truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the damages you sustained. The attorneys at Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse have extensive experience successfully representing Indiana injury victims in their lawsuits against negligent drivers. Our reputable and knowledgeable attorneys are apprised of all relevant changes in the law that may impact personal injury victims. We have recovered substantial amounts of compensation on behalf of our clients during settlement and litigation. Compensation in these cases typically includes payments for medical bills, psychological treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and burial and funeral expenses. Contact our office at 888-532-7766 to schedule a free initial consultation with an Indiana injury attorney at our law firm.