Ocala Semi-Trailer Underride Accident Attorneys
Semi truck accidents are often catastrophic and even deadly in nature. One of the most serious crashes involving a commercial truck is one in which a passenger vehicle gets stuck under the truck. This is called an underride accident and if a vehicle gets lodged under a semi truck, the chances of survival are slim. The passenger vehicle often gets crushed, causing serious injury and death. If this type of accident has happened to you or a loved one, contact an Ocala semi-trailer underride accidents attorney right away for legal help.
Laws Involving Underride Guards
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has laws in place regulating the use of underride guards. Also known as rear impact guards, underride guards are typically large steel bars that hang from the back of a semi truck. When they are properly used, they prevent passenger vehicles from getting stuck underneath the truck in a crash. However, garbage trucks and other smaller trucks are not required to have underride guards.
Even though having underride guards is the law, not all trucks have them. They may be inadequate, improperly installed, or not installed at all. This is a common issue, as underride guards have been mandated since 1996 and these types of accidents still occur from time to time.
If a semi truck does not have underride guards and is required to do so, the trucking company can be held liable for injuries and fatalities in a crash. They can be considered negligent and be forced to pay the victims for vehicle damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, post traumatic stress disorder, and other damages. It is possible that multiple parties may be held liable. Contact an attorney to file a claim for compensation.
Injuries Caused by Underride Accidents
In an underride accident, the top of the passenger vehicle is usually crushed or ripped off. Because of this, the occupants can suffer catastrophic injuries. Some common ones include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Burns
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
- Death
While passenger vehicles are most likely to be involved in underride accidents, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians can also be trapped under a commercial truck. Many of these collisions happen while a truck is turning or backing up across lanes of traffic. There are other instances where the commercial truck makes quick movements and the driver of the passenger vehicle cannot stop in time, resulting in a rear-end crash.
Contact an Ocala Semi-Trailer Underride Accidents Attorney Today
Semi-trailer underride accidents are some of the deadliest accidents. You’ll want to take the proper steps to avoid them at all costs.
If you have been a victim of this type of crash, seek legal help right away from the personal injury attorneys at Meldon Law. Semi truck crashes can be complex, but we will work aggressively to gather evidence and hold the liable parties responsible. Schedule a consultation with an Ocala semi-trailer underride accidents attorney by calling (800) 373-3000.
