St. Louis Truck Underride Accident Attorneys

Underride accidents can be categorized into three main types:

• Rear Underride Accidents: These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear of a truck and slides underneath, often due to sudden stops or a lack of proper rear underride guards. The primary risk of a rear underride accident is severe head and upper body injuries to the smaller vehicle’s occupants, as the truck’s rear end can cut into the vehicle. Rear underride guards are essential safety features designed to prevent such occurrences, but if they are absent or improperly maintained, the risk of death and severe injuries increases significantly.
• Side Underride Accidents: These occur when a vehicle hits the side of a truck and becomes lodged underneath, usually during lane changes or at intersections. Visibility issues, like blind spots or poor lighting, also increase the risk of a side underride accident event. Inadequate side underride protection, such as missing or poorly designed side guards, contributes to these accidents. The main risk of a side underride accident is that the vehicle’s occupants can suffer from catastrophic injuries as the side of the truck can easily shear off the roof of a vehicle.
• Front Underride Accidents: These involve a truck rear-ending a smaller vehicle, pushing it underneath the truck. They are commonly caused by high speeds or trucks following too closely. The primary risk is that the smaller vehicle can be crushed or severely damaged, leading to critical injury or death to those inside. Front underride accidents are particularly dangerous because they can result in multiple collisions, causing a chain reaction involving other vehicles on the road.

Understanding these underride accidents and their risks highlights the importance of proper safety measures, such as underride guards and practicing defensive driving, to prevent such devastating incidents.

Determining fault in truck underride accidents can be complex. While passenger vehicle drivers may sometimes be at fault, trucking companies and drivers must practice road safety. Many truck underride accidents can be caused by inadequate truck maintenance by large trucking companies looking to save money on vehicle repairs. Proper use of side and rear underride guards, following safety protocols and rules of the road, and performing regular maintenance are crucial in preventing underride accidents.

Here are some key considerations when determining fault in an underride accident:

Driver Negligence:

Passenger vehicle drivers may be at fault if they engage in reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, speeding, or making unsafe lane changes. Distracted driving, such as using a phone while driving, can also contribute to underride accidents. However, even if a passenger vehicle driver is partially at fault, it does not absolve the trucking company or driver of their responsibilities.

Trucking Company and Driver Responsibilities:

Trucking companies and drivers are obligated to ensure their vehicles are equipped with proper underride guards and that these guards are well maintained. They must also follow safety protocols to enhance truck visibility, such as ensuring that reflective tape and lighting are adequate and functional.

Maintenance and Safety Equipment:

A significant number of underride accidents occur because of the absence or failure of underride guards. Trucking companies are responsible for installing and maintaining rear and side underride guards, which can prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath the truck in the event of an accident. Failure to maintain these safety features can lead to severe liability.

Driver Training and Conduct:

Truck drivers must be adequately trained to handle their vehicles safely. This includes understanding their trucks’ limitations, maintaining safe following distances, and being aware of the blind spots around their vehicles. Truck drivers must also comply with hours-of-service regulations to avoid fatigue, which can significantly impair their ability to operate their vehicles safely.

Shared Fault:

The passenger vehicle and truck drivers may often share fault. For instance, both parties may be liable if a passenger vehicle driver speeds and a truck’s underride guard is improperly maintained. In such cases, comparative negligence may apply, where the fault is divided between the parties based on their level of responsibility.

Even when a passenger vehicle driver may appear to be at fault, the trucking company’s negligence in maintaining safety standards and equipment can play a crucial role in the accident. Experienced attorneys, like those at Simon Law, will thoroughly investigate all aspects of the accident to establish liability and ensure that negligent parties are held accountable.

At Simon Law, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to our clients involved in trucking underride accidents. Our client-focused approach includes meticulous investigation and gathering all necessary evidence to build a strong case. We understand the complexities involved, and our St. Louis truck accident attorneys are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with our truck underride accident lawyers:

Collecting Necessary Reports and Documentation

Our team will conduct a comprehensive investigation to gather all necessary evidence and documentation. This involves gathering a wide range of documents essential to your case, including:

• Crash Reports
• Medical Records and Bills
• Trucker’s Employment History and Driving Records
• Eyewitness Statements
• Insurance Policies
• Truck Maintenance and Repair Records

These documents are crucial in establishing the facts and building a compelling case for compensation.

Analyzing the Evidence

We will carefully examine all available evidence, including video surveillance, accident scene photos, and black box data from the truck. This analysis helps us understand the circumstances leading to the accident and identify any violations of safety regulations.

Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve

Our attorneys will utilize the collected evidence to build a strong case on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve. We consider various factors such as:

• Repair Estimates for Property Damage
• Medical Bills and Future Care Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering
• Our goal is to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers all your losses and helps you move forward.

We will keep you informed and involved throughout the process, ensuring you understand your rights and options. We are committed to providing you with the best possible representation and achieving the justice and compensation you deserve.