Underride Accidents and Liability

An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle passes underneath a truck trailer, typically shearing off the roof. These accidents are almost always fatal or catastrophically injurious.

Types of Underride Accidents

• Rear underride: Vehicle slides under the back of a trailer
• Side underride: Vehicle collides with the trailer side
• Frontal underride: Rare but devastating head-on underrides

Preventing Underride Accidents

Federal law requires trucks to have:

• Rear underride guards (49 CFR 393.86)
• Side guards on certain trailers
• Adequate lighting and reflective markings

Liability and Compensation

When underride accidents occur, carriers are typically liable for:

• Failure to maintain guards
• Failure to maintain adequate lighting
• Failure to maintain adequate warnings
• Failure to train drivers on safety

Underide accident settlements are among the highest because of the severity of injuries and clear carrier negligence.