Semi-truck side underride accidents are among the most catastrophic types of collisions on the road. When a smaller vehicle slides underneath the side of a semi-truck's trailer, the results are often fatal.
At Falcon Law Group, we understand how devastating these crashes can be. Our experienced attorneys have a strong track record of success in handling complex truck accident claims, including side underride collisions. We fight for victims throughout the Gulf region and beyond.
We are committed to holding negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable and helping families rebuild after tragedy.
Contact us online or give us a call today at 210-526-2997 to speak with an attorney.
What Is a Side Underride Accident?
A side underride accident occurs when a passenger vehicle collides with the side of a large truck and slides underneath the trailer. Unlike rear-end collisions with standard vehicles, underride crashes are often deadly because the top of the smaller car can be sheared off.
Common Scenarios for Side Underride Accidents
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A truck makes a wide turn or U-turn, blocking a lane of traffic.
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A truck crosses or turns onto a roadway and misjudges the speed of oncoming vehicles.
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A truck is improperly parked on the shoulder or road without adequate reflective markings.
Why Are Side Underride Crashes So Dangerous?
These crashes are especially hazardous due to:
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Lack of side underride guards: Most trailers are not equipped with protective side barriers.
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Low visibility: Trailers may not be visible at night or in bad weather.
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High speed differentials: Smaller vehicles often travel at higher speeds, exacerbating damage.
In 2021, the NHTSA reported over 400 deaths from underride crashes and many more suffer catastrophic injuries.
What Causes Semi-Truck Side Underride Accidents?
Truck Driver Negligence
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Making unsafe turns
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Failing to use hazard lights or reflective triangles when stopped
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Operating without proper training or licenses
Trucking Company Liability
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Inadequate maintenance of trailer reflectors and lights
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Failure to install or maintain side underride guards
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Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines
Poor Road or Weather Conditions
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Poor lighting or inadequate signage
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Slippery or icy roads
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Obstructed views due to overgrown foliage or poor city planning
Are Side Underride Guards Required by Law?
In the U.S., rear underride guards are mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but side underride guards are not yet federally required. Some advocacy groups and safety researchers are pushing for mandatory side guards, citing studies that show they could prevent hundreds of deaths annually.
In 2023, the Stop Underrides Act was reintroduced in Congress. If passed, it would require both side and front underride guards on commercial trailers.
Who Is Liable in a Side Underride Truck Accident?
Liability in underride crashes can be complex. Multiple parties may be held responsible:
Potentially Liable Parties:
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Truck drivers – for failing to follow traffic laws or engage warning systems
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Trucking companies – for failing to maintain equipment or pushing unsafe schedules
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Trailer manufacturers – if defective equipment contributed to the crash
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Government entities – if poor road conditions played a role
An experienced semi-truck accident lawyer can investigate all sources of liability and pursue maximum compensation.
Injuries Common in Side Underride Accidents
Victims in underride accidents often suffer severe or fatal injuries, including:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
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Spinal cord injuries
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Amputations
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Crush injuries
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Severe lacerations and disfigurement
Because these collisions often involve the structural compromise of passenger compartments, survival is rare without immediate emergency care.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover?
Depending on the facts of the case, victims or their families may be entitled to recover:
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Medical expenses (past and future)
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Disability or disfigurement
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Funeral and burial expenses (in fatal crashes)
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Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Steps to Take After a Side Underride Crash
If you or a loved one has been involved in a side underride collision, it’s important to:
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Seek immediate medical attention – even if injuries seem minor.
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Document everything – take photos of the scene, injuries, and damaged vehicles.
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Request a copy of the police report – this will be critical for your case.
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Avoid speaking to the trucking company’s insurer – they may try to minimize your claim.
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Contact a truck accident lawyer – as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
A skilled attorney can:
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Investigate the crash and gather critical evidence (dashcam footage, black box data, driver logs)
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Identify liable parties and pursue multiple sources of compensation
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Work with experts in accident reconstruction
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Handle all communication with insurance companies
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Take the case to trial if necessary
Contact The Falcon Law Group Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a semi-truck side underride crash, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Contact Falcon Law Group today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice you deserve.
Call 210-526-2997 or fill out our online form to get started.
FAQs About Semi-Truck Underride Accidents
What is a semi-truck underride accident?
A semi-truck underride accident occurs when a smaller passenger vehicle slides under the rear or side of a tractor-trailer during a collision. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities because the top of the smaller vehicle can be crushed.
What causes underride accidents?
Underride crashes can be caused by sudden braking, poorly marked or unlit trailers, lack of side or rear underride guards, driver fatigue, poor weather conditions, or unsafe lane changes.
Who can be held liable for an underride truck accident?
Potentially liable parties include the truck driver, trucking company, trailer manufacturer, maintenance contractors, and even cargo loaders. Determining fault often requires a thorough investigation.
What are underride guards, and are they required by law?
Underride guards are safety devices installed on the rear or sides of trailers to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath. Federal law requires rear underride guards on most commercial trucks, but side guards are not currently mandated in the U.S., although some cities and states are pushing for them.
How are underride accident cases investigated?
Investigations typically involve reviewing accident scene evidence, analyzing skid marks and vehicle damage, checking for compliance with federal trucking regulations, and interviewing witnesses. Data from the truck’s “black box” can also reveal speed, braking, and other critical details.
What compensation can victims of underride accidents recover?
Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and, in fatal cases, wrongful death damages for surviving family members.
How long do I have to file a claim after a truck underride accident?
Deadlines vary by state, but most states give between 1–3 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. It’s critical to contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Do underride accidents always result in serious injuries?
While some underride crashes may cause moderate injuries, the majority are severe or fatal due to the high risk of intrusion into the passenger compartment.
Why are underride accidents more dangerous than other types of truck crashes?
In most collisions, the front of a car hits another vehicle’s bumper, allowing the vehicle’s safety features to absorb some impact. In an underride, the collision bypasses those protections, often striking the windshield and occupants directly.
How can a lawyer help in an underride accident case?
An experienced truck accident lawyer can gather evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation in court if necessary.
