Underride Accidents: What They Are and How to Fight for Compensation
By Bert McDowell Injury Law | (475) 529-2634 | Serving Bridgeport and all of Connecticut
When it comes to the hazards of sharing the road with massive commercial trucks, one of the deadliest—yet most overlooked—types of collisions is the underride accident. These crashes don’t just damage vehicles; they destroy lives. And when tragedy strikes, victims deserve more than sympathy. They deserve accountability, answers, and full compensation.
This is your legal briefing on underride accidents, their causes, who can be held liable, and how to fight back—from a law firm that doesn’t blink when it’s time to go head-to-head with trucking companies and insurers.
What Is an Underride Accident?
An underride accident occurs when a smaller passenger vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a tractor-trailer and becomes wedged underneath it. Because the top of the smaller vehicle may shear off on impact, these collisions are often catastrophic or fatal.
Types of Underride Accidents
- Rear Underride Accidents
- A car rear-ends a semi-truck and slides under the trailer. This often happens when the truck stops suddenly, lacks proper rear guards, or has inadequate lighting.
- Side Underride Accidents
- A vehicle collides with the side of a trailer and becomes trapped beneath. These crashes commonly occur when trucks make wide turns or attempt U-turns across lanes of traffic, especially at night.
These are not mere fender benders. They are violent, traumatic collisions often caused by preventable safety failures.
Common Causes of Underride Accidents
Understanding what causes these crashes is key to determining liability and building your personal injury claim. Common causes include:
- Lack of Underride Guards: Federal law mandates rear guards, but many are poorly designed or not properly maintained. Side guards are not always required, even though they save lives.
- Truck Driver Negligence: Distracted driving, illegal turns, sudden braking, and failure to signal can all lead to a collision.
- Poor Visibility: If trucks lack reflective tape or functioning lights, they can be nearly invisible at night or in poor weather.
- Improper Maintenance: Bald tires, faulty brakes, and broken tail lights increase the danger factor on already high-risk vehicles.
- Dangerous Road Conditions: Slick roads, heavy fog, and inadequate signage can make an already risky scenario deadly.
Who Is Liable in an Underride Crash?
Determining liability in an underride crash requires a full investigation. More than one party may be responsible:
- Truck Driver: If their actions directly caused the crash.
- Trucking Company: For failure to maintain safe equipment or properly train drivers.
- Trailer or Truck Manufacturer: If equipment defects contributed to the crash.
- Maintenance Contractors: For negligent service or inspections.
- Government Agencies: If poorly marked construction zones or road hazards played a role.
A skilled Connecticut truck accident attorney will identify all liable parties and hold them accountable.
What to Do After an Underride Accident
If you or a loved one is involved in an underride crash, every step matters.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Call 911 Immediately
- Request medical attention for anyone injured and get law enforcement on scene.
- Seek Emergency Medical Care
- Even if you feel okay, get evaluated. Internal injuries may not be obvious.
- Document the Scene
- Take photos of the truck, your vehicle, license plates, skid marks, and any road hazards.
- Collect Information
- File an Accident Report
- Police reports provide critical third-party documentation.
- Do Not Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurer Alone
- They will try to minimize your claim. Let your lawyer handle all communication.
- Call Bert McDowell Injury Law
- We act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Call (475) 529-2634.
Types of Compensation in Underride Accident Claims
Victims and their families may be eligible for significant compensation:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehab, and future care.
- Lost Income: If you’re unable to work or suffer a permanent disability.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD.
- Wrongful Death: Funeral costs, loss of companionship, lost household income.
- Punitive Damages: When trucking company negligence rises to gross misconduct.
We don’t just pursue settlements. We build strong cases that stand up in court.
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents are complex. The trucking industry is protected by layers of corporate lawyers and aggressive insurers. Don’t go up against them alone.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we:
- Launch immediate investigations
- Preserve vehicle and scene evidence
- Bring in accident reconstruction experts
- Analyze black box data and maintenance logs
- Fight for full and fair compensation in and out of court
We represent the people, not the powerful. And we don’t get paid unless you win.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been involved in an underride accident in Connecticut, let us help you pursue justice. Time is critical. Evidence fades, and insurers get to work quickly.
📞 Call (475) 529-2634
🌐 Visit www.bringonbert.com
📍 Based in Bridgeport, serving clients statewide
(203) 690-1030
