Underride Accidents Are The Most Devastating Type of Truck Crash You’ve Never Heard Of

When discussing truck accidents, most people think of jackknifes, rollovers, or rear-end collisions. However, one of the deadliest types of truck crashes is an underride accident—a collision where a smaller vehicle slides beneath a semi-truck or trailer. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, as the top of the smaller vehicle is crushed upon impact.

Despite their severity, underride accidents are not as widely discussed as other truck crashes. Many victims and their families are unaware of the safety regulations and legal options available to them. In this article, we’ll break down what underride accidents are, why they are so dangerous, who may be liable, and how victims can seek justice.

What is an Underride Accident?

An underride accident occurs when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a large truck or trailer. These crashes are particularly deadly because the impact zone is directly at the level of the passenger compartment, meaning seat belts and airbags offer little protection.

There are two primary types of underride accidents:

• Rear Underride Collisions: Occur when a vehicle crashes into the back of a truck or trailer and becomes lodged underneath.
• Side Underride Collisions: Happen when a vehicle slides under the side of a truck, often at intersections or when a truck is making a turn.

Why Are Underride Accidents So Dangerous?

Underride accidents often result in severe or fatal injuries due to:

• Direct impact to the vehicle’s passenger cabin (instead of the front bumper absorbing the force)
• Roof shearing or crushing, leading to traumatic head and spinal injuries
• High risk of decapitation in severe cases
• Delayed emergency response due to entrapment beneath the truck

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), underride accidents account for more than 20% of all fatal truck crashes in the U.S. each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 600 fatalities annually are linked to underride collisions. (IIHS Study, NHTSA Report)

Who is Liable for an Underride Accident?

Liability in an underride accident can involve multiple parties, including:

1. Trucking Companies

• Failure to install or maintain rear and side underride guards
• Allowing unsafe vehicles on the road without proper safety features
• Inadequate driver training to prevent sudden stops or dangerous maneuvers

2. Truck Manufacturers

• Designing trailers without proper underride guards or with outdated safety measures
• Failing to comply with federal safety standards for crash prevention

3. Government Agencies and Regulators

• Failing to enforce underride guard regulations
• Allowing trucking companies to operate with outdated or non-compliant safety equipment

4. Other Drivers

• If another driver’s negligence (such as reckless driving or sudden lane changes) caused the accident, they may share liability.

Current Safety Regulations and the Push for Stronger Protections

The NHTSA requires trucks to have rear underride guards, but side underride guards are not yet federally mandated—despite multiple studies proving their life-saving potential.

A growing number of safety advocates and lawmakers are pushing for stronger protections, including:

• The Stop Underrides Act, which would require all commercial trucks to have rear and side underride guards
• Stricter enforcement of existing underride guard safety standards
• Increased testing and innovation for stronger impact-resistant materials

How an Attorney Can Help Victims of Underride Accidents

Victims of underride accidents and their families often face overwhelming medical costs, lost wages, and emotional trauma. A truck accident attorney can help by:

• Investigating the accident: Gathering evidence, crash reports, and truck maintenance records
• Determining liability: Identifying all responsible parties and pursuing claims against them
• Filing a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit: Seeking maximum compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages
• Working with accident reconstruction experts: To prove the cause of the crash and advocate for policy changes

Key Underride Accident Statistics

• Over 600 deaths per year in underride crashes (NHTSA)
• Side underride crashes account for 30-50% of all underride fatalities (IIHS)
• 94% of rear underride crashes result in fatalities or serious injuries (FMCSA)
• Less than 30% of commercial trucks are equipped with effective side underride guards (National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB))

Conclusion: Seeking Justice for Underride Accident Victims

Underride accidents are preventable tragedies, yet they continue to claim hundreds of lives each year. Trucking companies and manufacturers must be held accountable for failing to implement stronger safety measures. If you or a loved one has been affected by an underride crash, legal action may be the best way to secure justice and push for industry-wide changes.

At Strong Law P.C., we fight for victims of underride accidents, ensuring that trucking companies, manufacturers, and negligent parties are held accountable.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the compensation and justice you deserve.