Nashville Underride Accident Attorney
Underride accidents are some of the most devastating types of truck accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or death. These accidents typically occur when a smaller passenger vehicle collides with the rear or side of a large truck, leaving little to no chance for the occupants of the smaller vehicle to escape severe bodily injury.
Your Nashville truck accident attorney with Larry R. Williams, PLLC understands the severity of underride accidents and is committed to helping you recover compensation for your losses. Schedule a free consultation with a respected Nashville underride accident attorney as soon as today to learn more about what your next steps should be.
What Is an Underride Accident?
As described by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an underride accident occurs when a passenger vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a large truck, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries. These accidents typically happen because of the size disparity between trucks and smaller vehicles, where the smaller vehicle can become trapped underneath the truck’s trailer.
Underride accidents are often caused by factors such as negligent truck maintenance, inadequate safety equipment, or poor visibility. The lack of appropriate protective barriers on trucks, like underride guards, or failure to use them correctly, may leave smaller vehicles more vulnerable to severe crashes.
Common Causes of Underride Accidents
Several factors contribute to the occurrence of underride accidents, many of which are avoidable with proper safety measures. Below are some of the most common causes:
Lack of Proper Truck Safety Equipment
One of the leading causes of underride accidents is the failure to equip trucks with proper underride guards according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Federal regulations as described under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 224 require trucks to have rear guards that prevent passenger vehicles from sliding underneath them during a collision. When trucking companies or drivers fail to maintain or install these devices, they expose other drivers to a higher risk of catastrophic injury.
Reckless Driving and Poor Visibility
Many underride accidents occur when truck drivers fail to notice smaller vehicles in their blind spots or when visibility is reduced, such as during heavy rain, fog, or at night. Trucks are more difficult to see in certain driving conditions, and when a truck driver fails to use caution or signal appropriately, a small vehicle can easily slip under the rear or side of the truck.
Improper Lane Changes or Sudden Stops
Underride accidents can also occur when a truck driver makes an abrupt lane change or a sudden stop without warning. These maneuvers leave little time for smaller vehicles to react, especially if they are in the truck’s blind spots or if the truck’s rear is not properly equipped with safety features.
How Larry R. Williams, PLLC Can Help You After an Underride Accident
At Larry R. Williams, PLLC, your Nashville car accident lawyer is dedicated to providing exceptional legal advocacy for underride accident victims. We understand how confusing these types of truck accident cases can be, and are committed to investigating every aspect of your case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available.
Speak With a Trusted Nashville Underride Accident Attorney Today
If you have suffered debilitating injuries or lost a loved one in an underride accident, you deserve a legal team that understands the unique challenges you are facing. Your dedicated Nashville wrongful death lawyer with Larry R. Williams, PLLC is dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Call our office or fill out our quick contact form to demand justice and ensure the at-fault party is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.