Underride accidents are among the most dangerous types of truck crashes. They happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the side or back of a tractor-trailer. Because the bottom of the trailer is around the same height as a car’s windshield, the top of the smaller vehicle can be sheared off on impact. These crashes are violent, often fatal, and almost always preventable.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an underride crash, you deserve to understand what happened and who may be responsible. A free, no-pressure consultation with a Lake County truck accident lawyer can help you understand what to do next.
How Do Underride Accidents Happen?
Most underride crashes happen at night or in low-visibility conditions when a car’s driver cannot clearly see the back or side of a truck. Some happen when a truck suddenly slows down or stops and the car behind it cannot brake in time. Others happen when a truck turns, merges, or crosses lanes without warning.